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.

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.

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.

Researchers and professionals are exploring innovative approaches to tackle modern challenges, leveraging everything from artificial intelligence and machine learning to biotechnology and digital forensics. These cutting-edge technologies promise to enhance criminal investigations’ accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness, offering new opportunities to solve cases that were once considered impenetrable.

DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling, emerged in the mid-1980s as a transformative tool in forensic science. The technique was pioneered by Sir Alec Jeffreys, a geneticist at the University of Leicester, who discovered that specific regions of DNA vary greatly among individuals, much like fingerprints.

A forensic counselor’s decisions can drastically alter the course of someone’s life and that’s one of the reasons why rigorous academic and licensure requirements are in place for this profession.

While other forensic experts recreate crime scenes by analyzing blood and bullets, a certified forensic accountant uses analysis and attention to detail to track down financial criminals. A forensic accountant investigates legal documents and financial statements in order to find criminal or other illicit activity.

Bloodstain pattern analysts examine bloodstains at crime scenes in order to determine the events that caused the bloodshed. By analyzing the patterns, shapes, and distribution of bloodstains, they might be able to deduce the type of weapon used, the sequence of actions which took place, and/or the positions or movements of the victim, perpetrator, and any other people involved. This analysis helps in understanding the dynamics of the crime and can provide critical evidence in investigations and court proceedings.