The Forensic Science Education Blog

The criminal justice system in America is the overarching establishment through which crimes and those who commit them are discovered, tried, and punished. A criminalist is not involved in determining the guilt or innocence of an accused individual. Their job, rather, is to present an objective analysis of the evidence.

Fire investigators, also known as arson investigators, perform an invaluable service to society: they determine the causes of fires, and when necessary, whether a criminal act of arson was involved. These professionals employ both the skills of a scientist and those of a detective in their investigations.

The primary use of forensic entomology is in death investigations as insect activity can reveal when, where, and sometimes how a person died. That said, forensic entomology can also assist in detecting drugs and poisons; determining the location of a crime; finding the presence and time of trauma; and even tying suspect, victim, and crime scene to each other.

Whether going out on a date, traveling through a foreign country, or interrogating a suspect in a crime, forensic psychology offers a wealth of tools to help decode people’s nonverbal behavior. These cues include gestures, vocal tones, body positioning, micro-expressions of the face, and a number of often subconscious indicators of people’s internal states.

Crime scene investigators and forensic scientists are both concerned with deriving information from evidence in order to discover the truth and determine the appropriate course of action. While complementary, the two roles are distinct. Learn more about the similarities and differences between them.

There’s no shortage of crime-fighting TV shows where protagonists brandish the latest forensic science techniques. Whether it’s DNA testing, tool mark identification, bite mark measuring, or blood spatter analysis, it’s assumed that these methods are reliable, consistent, and valid measures of criminal activity.

At the intersection of medical and legal matters is where the work of a forensic pathologist begins. Known as “death detectives,” forensic pathologists are specially-trained physicians tasked with determining the cause of unexpected or violent deaths.

Did you know that just 54 percent of lies can be accurately spotted? Extroverts also tell more lies than introverts and at least 82 percent of lies go undetected. The good news, however, is that people can improve their lie detection abilities, increasing them to near 90 percent accuracy. But how do you get started?

For those with the intelligence and focus to complete the steps to become a medical doctor and then complete residencies and fellowships that lead to the forensic psychiatrist specialty, this is a fascinating career. Keep reading to learn how one can become a forensic psychiatrist.

Forensics is an exciting field no matter the era in which it’s practiced; there’s always a little more than meets the eye. To get a quick look at the history of forensics and the crimes it solved as well as committed, read on.

Students looking to learn about computer forensics can find a variety of options from the undergraduate to graduate level, from certificates to full degree programs.  Check out the top 15 programs in computer forensics and digital forensics that are offered online.

For people seeking careers that are simultaneously challenging, meaningful, and exciting, it is tough to beat becoming a crime scene technician. These professionals, also known as forensic science technicians or crime scene analysts, have inspired a number of popular television programs such as CSI and Dexter.

Many students completing a degree in the forensic sciences, or in the natural sciences, may be required to complete an internship to obtain that degree. Learn more about what these internships entail, and where to find them.

Forensic psychologists share one goal through research and clinical practices: to understand what motivates people to commit crimes and use this knowledge to prevent future crimes. Forensic psychology work involves studying past crimes, questioning suspects and convicted criminals, and conducting clinical outcomes to become legal evidence. Find out what career options are available to forensic psychology degree holders at both the undergraduate and graduate degree levels.

Discover the fascinating world of forensic engineering, where experts investigate structural failures, medical device incidents, environmental challenges, and more. Learn about the tools, methodologies, and real-world cases shaping this diverse field, featuring insights from seasoned forensic engineer Dr. Matt Baretich.