Forensic Ballistics Career – Education, Certification & Salary

While the image that many people associate with scientific careers may be that of a mundane workday in a laboratory, one job category falls far outside this cliche: crime scene investigators and experts. Over the past couple of decades, a slew of TV shows and movies have been dedicated to the experts who form the scientific backbone of crime investigations. From forensic pathologists to analysts investigating blood and tissue samples, these individuals have been lionized through pop culture, bringing their highly specialized fields of expertise to the mainstream.

With gun deaths nearing the 50,000 mark in the United States in 2022 alone, experts who focus on firearms are in high demand. “Forensic ballistics experts” is the term that is commonly used for people who are highly knowledgeable in the effects of guns in crimes, as well as in connecting specific firearms to specific crimes. Forensic ballistics experts are highly knowledgeable regarding the types of available firearms, calibers, and ammunition, as well as the trace evidence left on bullets, guns, bodies, and objects by their usage.

By analyzing so-called “striations,” or marks left on ammunition and barrels, a well-trained forensic ballistics expert can often identify the particular gun used in a specific crime, leading to the successful prosecution of a perpetrator. Additionally, they may be able to identify the caliber and type of gun used by observing the wound it has left on a victim’s body, or the impact it has made on a particular object, such as a wall, car, or a piece of furniture.

Forensic ballistics experts may also be well-versed in legal and illegal modifications made to firearms, as well as different categories of homemade guns, from simple, single-shot weapons furnished out of easily available scrap metal, or highly sophisticated guns that can be manufactured using 3D printing technology.

In addition to gaining a wealth of knowledge on firearms-specific materials such as gunpowder, primers, and metals, a well-trained forensic ballistics expert will often be expected to stay abreast of new technologies and developments in firearms manufacturing, both on the legal and black markets. While some individuals can be seen working at crime scenes and deploying along with other forensics experts, others work in laboratory settings where they pursue the highly technical task of firearms tracing. Additionally, forensic ballistics experts are often called to testify during criminal and civil proceedings, where they may aid in the prosecution of a perpetrator, or give testimony in a case in which the liability of a firearms manufacturer is called into question.

But how can someone interested in forensic ballistics enter this varied and technical field? This guide is intended to help individuals orient themselves and give an overview of some educational programs available to prospective forensic ballistics experts.

Certificates in Forensic Ballistics

Certificate courses in forensic ballistics may be a good option for individuals who are either already working in the forensic field and hoping to expand their knowledge to include ballistic science, or those looking to get a start in the field without the time commitment of a full degree plan. The following courses have been selected for their variety and the skillsets they impart, and are hosted by fully accredited institutions.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University offers a certificate program in forensic firearms identification that is offered in-person at the school’s main campus in the city of Richmond. The program lasts for a total of 18 months and is geared towards individuals who are already working the forensic field and looking to expand their skill set into the world of firearms and ballistics. The aim is to produce experts who are “bench-ready,” and competent in using microscopic analysis techniques for crime scene investigation.

• Location: Richmond, Virginia
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: 18 months

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas is in Denton, Texas, and may be best known for its prestigious music school. The university hosts a forensic science certificate program that is administered in person and can be completed over two to three semesters. It is available to individuals who have or are completing a biology, chemistry, or biochemistry degree, and heavily emphasizes knowledge in ballistics analysis.

• Location: Denton, Texas
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: 18 months

Syracuse University

The University of Syracuse is located in the city of the same name in New York. Syracuse offers a certificate of advanced study in firearm and toolmark identification, open to individuals who have already completed a related bachelor’s degree program. Comprising 12 credits, the program can be completed in as little as 12 months and focuses entirely on ballistics and firearms identification.

• Location: Syracuse, New York
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 credits

Bachelor’s Degree Programs for Forensic Ballistics

As of this writing in February 2024, no specialized bachelor’s degree programs are specifically designed for forensic ballistics experts. However, there are quite a few degree plans available in the field of forensic science, many of which emphasize the skills and knowledge that is vital to forensic ballistics. Fully accredited institutions offer the following degree plans and may provide the ideal stepping stone for individuals looking to become forensic ballistics specialists.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is a for-profit private institution with a main campus in Phoenix, Arizona. In recent years, Grand Canyon has ventured into the distance learning space and offers most if not all of its degree plans through online courses and in-person at one of its campuses.

Grand Canyon’s bachelor of science in forensic science covers all major field components, from crime scene investigation to toxicology and legal proceedings. Of particular interest to prospective students interested in forensic ballistics is the fact that firearms study and identification is a major component of the degree program.

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville University is located in the Alabama city of the same name and offers a forensic investigation bachelor through its college of social and behavioral studies. The major is broken into two tracks, one focused on criminal investigations, the other on forensic laboratory work. The latter should be of particular interest to prospective students with an interest in the field of ballistic forensics.

To opt for the forensic track, students must either be enrolled in a chemistry, biology or physics degree programs or choose one of these degrees as their minor, to occur concurrently with their studies in forensic science.

• Location: Jacksonville, Alabama
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest has two campuses in Indiana, and offers an on-campus bachelor’s of science degree in forensic science. Purdue Northwest’s curriculum leans heavily on the hard sciences, including chemistry, biology and physics. In addition to scientific fundamentals, the university’s curriculum includes introductory courses in forensic work and workday fundamentals such as courtroom demeanor, an indispensable skill set for forensic experts who may be expected to testify during criminal and civil proceedings.

• Location: Hammond and Westville, Indiana
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

George Mason University

George Mason University is located in Fairfax, Virginia, close to the headquarters of many law enforcement agencies, including the CIA and FBI. The school offers a bachelor of science degree in forensic science to prepare students for entry-level positions in law enforcement, intelligence, and security agencies, or for further studies in graduate school.

In addition to basics in crime scene investigation and scientific fundamentals, George Mason’s program also includes a major component of firearms examination, making the university’s program a viable choice for those interested in ballistic forensics.

• Location: Fairfax, Virginia
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Forensic Ballistics Programs Accreditation

Regional organizations that supervise the institutions within their specific geographic area handle program accreditations for university degree programs. Accreditation refers to ensuring that academic standards are being met across an institution. This can involve reviewing course materials and instruction, as well as keeping an eye on enrolled students’ graduation rates and academic outcomes. In the US, the following accreditation bodies supervise nearly all institutions of higher learning:

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Forensic Ballistics Certification

The Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) offers a certification in this discipline. To qualify, candidates must:

• Have two years of study or experience covering the areas in the AFTE training manual
• Complete at least three years of paid experience (and five years overall) as a firearm or toolmark examiner, including a competency examination
• Hold a qualifying bachelor’s degree

The written examinations are $50 per subject area, and the practical examinations are $200 per subject area.

Depending on the area of expertise, successful candidates can use the following designations:

• FA-AFTE: AFTE certified in Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification
• TM-AFTE: AFTE certified in Toolmark Evidence Examination and Identification
• GSR-AFTE: AFTE certified in Gunshot Residue Evidence Examination and Identification