Career in Forensic Science

Detective shows always depict nerve-racking moments filled with criminal activities. In a crime and detective based television series when a person is murdered mercilessly afterwards police goes into the in-depth investigation. Forensic testing plays a crucial role in helping understand the cause and gravity of the execution. Apart from cinematic life, it is quite an in-demand field in countries like India where criminal activities take place in broad daylight and this is why there a multitude of forensic science careers to choose from. This blog brings you a complete guide on what this field entails, top courses, universities as well as career scope. 

What is Forensic Science?

Forensic science is based on a scientific approach and knowledge in order to investigate legal issues and criminal activities. Pursuing forensic science courses involves an interdisciplinary study of various subjects like Biology, Physics, Geology, Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering as well as Social science. An expert in this field must have an in-depth understanding of these subjects before investigating any case. This profession mainly involves laboratory-based activities. It plays a central role in helping the modern judicial system and conviction in facilitating fair decision-making. 

Skills Required for a career in Forensic Science

The field of forensic science is certainly a lucrative career, but in order to pursue it, it becomes important to possess the required set of skills which are as follows:

• Technical Skills
• Vibrant analytical and observational skills
• Knowledge of Biology
• Sharp minded (especially while collecting details)
• Logical understanding
• Excellent communication skills
• Decision-making skills

Also read: Forensic Science Course After 12th

Forensic Science Courses 

There are an array of courses offered in this domain ranging from diploma to doctoral degrees. Let’s glance through some of the top courses mentioned in the below-given list:

Undergraduate Courses

Bachelor of/BSc (Hons) Analytical and Forensic Science	Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Studies	Bachelor of Justice Studies
Bachelor of Technology in Forensic Investigation: Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity	BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science	Bachelor of Forensic Studies

Recommended Read: BSc Forensic Science Colleges

Postgraduate Courses 

Master of Science in Forensic Science	Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice and Research)	MSc Forensic Science
MSc Forensic and Criminal Psychology	MSc Forensic Bioscience	MSc Forensic Medical Sciences

Doctorate Level

Doctor of Philosophy – Forensic Science	Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Anthropology – Archaeological and Forensic Sciences	Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences MPhil/PhD
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry – Forensic Science	PhD in Forensic and Legal Medicine	Doctorate in Forensic Psychology

Top Universities for Forensic Science

In order to pursue your career in this technical field, you need to have a sound educational background that can enhance your skills. We are listing down top 10 globally acclaimed Forensic Science Colleges and universities:

• University of Huddersfield
• Teesside University
• National University
• SUNY Buffalo State
• University of Kent
• Rey Juan Carlos University
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• University of Western Sydney
• Griffith University
• University of Auckland

Career Scope of Forensic Science 

With criminal activities rising in the world such as murder, rape, kidnapping, terrorist bombings, cyber crime, and credit card frauds, the demand for forensics science professionals is growing tremendously as they are trained to detect crimes and ferret out the guilty. Hence, there is a great scope for career opportunities for those who are willing to build a career in Forensic Science.

Popular Jobs for Forensic Science

Graduates in the field of Forensic Science can explore opportunities in Government institutions, private centres, hospitals, police stations, amongst others. Let’s glance through some of the prestigious job profiles in this specialization. 

Forensic Ballistics Expert

A forensic ballistic expert is one who finds meticulously identify weapons such as bullets, guns etc that are used in a killing. They come to a conclusion about what weapon has been used to kill a person, they can identify the origin of the trajectory. They use special software as well as tools and techniques while doing this sort of investigation. Under this job profile, Photogrammetry and laser measuring tools are widely used in their investigation.

Crime Scene Investigator

Playing a pivotal role while conducting a criminal investigation, a Crime Scene Investigator is another prominent job profile in Forensic Science. They talk to families of victims on the ground, observe the scene meticulously based on physical and testimonial evidence. They collect finger impressions of the deceased and other necessary evidence.

Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountant are those who deal with the banking-related frauds which primarily involve money laundering, wire fraud, public corruption, kickback schemes, tax frauds, cyber-terrorism etc. Under this role, you will play a crucial part in solving financial-fraud related cases. 

Crime Laboratory Analyst

A Crime Laboratory Analyst deals with tracking the DNA of a deceased in order to find a proper conclusion. This job encompasses extensive laboratory work and samples of firearms, blood samples and other bodily fluids are meticulously assessed and investigated by these analysts.

Forensic Pathologist

Forensic Pathologists also play an imperative role in conducting an investigation. A pathologist examines the corpse, conducts its postmortem etc. They can also be called as a medical examiner. They help in the in-depth investigation to find whether the deceased was murdered or had a natural death. 

Recommended Read: Career as a Pathologist

Related Jobs for Forensic Science

Besides the above-mentioned jobs, there are various job profiles you can choose from after pursuing your degree in forensic science, some of which are:

• Legal counsellors
• Teacher / Professor
• Crime Reporter
• Forensic Engineer
• Law Consultant
• Handwriting Expert
• Crime scene photographer
• Forensic artists
• Forensic chemist
• Toxicologist

Top Recruiters of Forensic Science

This field is growing exponentially and there are a multitude of opportunities available in both public and private sector for graduates. Some of the top recruiters of forensic science graduates include:

• Intelligence Bureau (IB)
• Hospitals
• Law Firms
• Quality Control Bureau
• Banks
• Universities
• Defence
• ForensicLabs
• Private Detective Agencies
• Federal Agencies

Forensic Science Salary

Salary in Forensic Science varies depending upon various factors such as job profile, experience, working sector and qualifications. However, the average starting salary for Forensic Science in India is INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 per annum. While experienced forensic science professionals can expect to earn around INR 6,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 per annum.

The UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, Australia and the US are some of the best countries for Forensic Science across the world. The table below depicts the average salary for Forensic Science in various countries abroad:

Country	Average Salary per Annum	In INR
USA	USD 56,360	43,85,856
UK	£27,587	26,81,006
Australia	AUD 70,967	38,89,478
Canada	CAD 57,156	34,64,128
Sweden	SEK 454,842	35,59,977
Netherlands	€ 55,995	45,99,661

FAQs

Certainly one of the most diverse fields of Sciences, Forensic Scientist is an incredible career option for those inclined towards crime investigations. Apprehensive about how to pursue in this specialized domain? Let our experts at Leverage Edu counsel you in choosing the right course as well as university which can equip you with the essential knowledge, training and exposure to build a rewarding career in this technical arena.