The Forensic Science Education Blog

The mortgage crisis of 2008, when investigated by the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, was found to have been precipitated by an industry full of predatory and fraudulent practices. The commission referred dozens of cases to prosecutors. Although fines were paid, no one was indicted, no one was put on trial, and no one was jailed.

Blow flies, flesh flies, maggots and carcass beetles — not what most people think about on a regular basis unless they work in the field of forensic entomology. This is the study of insects as related to legal investigations, but actually goes much deeper than that particularly for crime scenes and criminal investigations.

Forensic biochemistry has various applications. For instance, forensic biochemists may be asked to trace the origin of a particular substance, determine paternity or the relationships that specific people or animals share, or even track the spread of diseases.

Forensic scientists have very interesting jobs that can take them from crime scenes to labs and to courtrooms. Those who have interests in the medical field, science, and law enforcement will find that this may be a perfect career option. Before learning how to become a forensic scientist, it is important to understand what those in the field do on a daily basis.

Real detective work is far removed from the glamorous media portrayals, requiring incredible patience, investigative rigor, and ironclad ethics. In addition to being exposed to potentially dangerous individuals and situations, the process of solving cases can take months or even years, much of it spent poring over documents, photographs, and files.

Those educated in forensic biology can seek out careers as biologists, DNA biologists, biologist forensic examiners, biology DNA program specialists, and more.

Child abduction in the United States continues to reach astronomically high numbers. Even with advanced technology to help solve cold cases in kidnappings, there is still a pressing need for collaboration between U.S. Government agencies and crime analysis experts to join forces and uncover the truth behind these unsolved crimes.

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.

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.

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.

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.