Forensic Science Colleges in South Dakota

The Mount Rushmore State is home to the Sioux Nation tribes and features nearly one hundred miles of caves with unique glittering crystal formations. South Dakota is also home to state parks with free-roaming bison herds and six national parks, including the world-famous fossil beds of Badlands National Park. These natural wonders provide a beckoning backdrop for future forensic scientists.

Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field that blends criminal justice, science, law, and in the case of cybersecurity forensics, computer and information technology. State-level support for the field of forensics in South Dakota is strong; the South Dakota Office of the Attorney General provides support for a forensics lab which is fully accredited and provides scientific services to law enforcement officers throughout the state, including federal and tribal agencies, at no cost. Services provided in this state-run lab include biology, fingerprints, firearms and tool marks, trace evidence, and crime scene shooting incident reconstruction.

Three universities in South Dakota offer forensic science and cybersecurity degree and certificate options, although as of August 2019, none are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Please note that this is not necessarily reflective of program quality at universities in South Dakota since all have been regionally accredited by other reputable entities.

The need for forensic science technicians and cybersecurity analysts in the United States is growing and employment statistics show a promising outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that forensic science technicians are experiencing a 17 percent rate of growth (2016-2026) which is much faster than the national average. In 2018, South Dakota employed 40 to 90 forensic science technicians, with the highest concentration of specialized careers for this occupation in medical and diagnostic laboratories, state and local government, architectural and engineering entities, and the federal executive branch of government (BLS 2019). The average salary for a forensic science technician in the United States is $58,230 and most positions require a bachelor’s degree.

By comparison, cybersecurity analysts earn an average of $98,350 a year and in 2018, there were 250 available positions in South Dakota, not including self-employed positions (BLS 2019). The cybersecurity field is experiencing a 28 percent rate of growth (2016-2026), which is much faster than the national average, and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that 28,500 cybersecurity analyst jobs will be created between now and the year 2026. Most entry-level positions in this field require a bachelor’s degree (BLS 2019).

For a detailed description of how to pursue employment in forensic science or cybersecurity in South Dakota, read on to learn more about career pathways and educational programs.

How to Become a Forensic Scientist in South Dakota

The majority of forensic scientists begin their careers by earning a four-year degree in natural science, chemistry, biology, or forensic science. Cybersecurity analysts typically earn four-year degrees from computer information technology programs that emphasize digital forensics. Here is a step-by-step pathway for students interested in pursuing a career in forensic science or cybersecurity in South Dakota with estimated completion timelines given for each step.

Step 1: Graduate from high school or earn a GED (four years).

A solid academic background in mathematics and physical science courses is recommended for prospective forensic science technicians and computer science courses are recommended for those interested in cybersecurity.

Step 2: Get a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, natural science, computer science, or a specialized related degree (four years).

According to Payscale.com, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for careers in forensics and some positions require a master’s degree. Most forensic scientists have academic backgrounds in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, and the interdisciplinary field of forensic science.

Step 3: Pursue an internship or apprenticeship in a forensic laboratory or information technology organization or firm (time varies).

Some employers prefer applicants who have prior professional experience in a forensic laboratory. Specializations in specific subfields of forensic science such as fingerprints, toxicology, controlled substances, firearms, trace evidence, DNA, or digital evidence can provide valuable on-the-job training and students can earn college credit or financial stipends through these opportunities. Employers seeking interns for cybersecurity are looking for applicants with experience using specific information technology security platforms and programming languages. A list of cybersecurity internships can be found at Indeed.com.

Step 4: Apply for professional licenses or certifications through regional or national organizations (requirements and time vary by state).

Requirements for licensing and levels of certification vary by state and may or may not be necessary for employment. The Forensic Specialities Accreditation Board (FSAB) has approved several professional certification boards, offering credentials in forensic anthropology, odontology, and toxicology, among others. According to Career One Stop, an organization sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, there are three available licenses for forensic scientist positions in South Dakota including licenses for polygraph examiners, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and EMT Advanced Life Support. Also, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (in partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology) has developed 31 unique cyber specialties and the FSAB offers a computer investigative specialist certification.

Step 5: Earn an advanced degree in forensic science or a related disciplinary field (optional; two to seven years).

Career One Stop reports that 12 percent of forensic scientists hold advanced degrees in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees provide forensics professionals in science or computer science the opportunity to pursue an area of specialization, gain exposure to theoretical frameworks, and take part in research opportunities that can position degree-holders to be eligible for leadership opportunities and higher salaries.

Occupational Demand for Forensic Scientists in South Dakota

When compared to the national growth rate of 29 percent, South Dakota is not far behind with a 27 percent rate of growth (2016-2026) predicted for positions in cybersecurity information analysts. Data from One Stop Career shows that 20 new forensic science jobs are needed every year throughout the state.

Program Accreditation and Professional Certification

When deciding which forensic science program to pursue, accreditation is a key factor to consider. Accreditation can be offered by a discipline-specific, regional, or national organization.

Although the three universities offering forensic science programs in South Dakota are not accredited by the discipline-specific Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), all three institutions are in good standing with the Higher Learning Comission (HLC).

As a final note, forensic science and cybersecurity professionals in South Dakota who have academic and on-the-job experience can pursue a number of certifications and licenses as proof of professional competency. Certifications and licenses vary by discipline and job position. The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) features a list of ten organizations that award professional certification to individuals in forensic science. Accredited specializations are offered in the following areas:

• Criminalistics
• Medicolegal death investigation
• Toxicology
• Document examination
• Forensic engineering science
• Forensic odontology
• Forensic anthropology
• Computer investigation
• Fire investigation