CLPEX Chat Board

Hello everyone,
I am new to this site but I have read thru some of the topics and found them to be very interesting. I have a question, I am currently attending college for my degree in Criminal Justice. I will have my Associates degreee in March,but will continue for my Bachleor.The job that I would like to obtain when I an done would be an forensic Specialist in a crime lab. I have spoken with my Acad Advisor but I truly believe that I am going down the wrong path to get where I want to be. Do anyone have any knowlegde about this career and the path I should take.
Thanks
Pileggigirl

One thing I always suggest to my students is that they go to www.theiai.org. Look on the left side of the main screen and click on the "job listing" icon. You will find jobs available all over the place. Choose a few that you think would interest you and check out the requirements....then ,because there are hundreds of people out there trying to do the same thing you're doing, make yourself better than what they're requiring now. Most of the four year degrees they're currently requiring are in a science not Criminal Justice so I'd be careful there.
Hope this helps and if you want to e-mail me with questions please feel free to do so!

There is nothing wrong with a degree in Criminal Justice, or any other degree, for that matter.

HOWEVER, with the trends in today's forensic environment, I would look SERIOUSLY at the physical sciences such as any of the biological science disciplines, biochemistry, chemistry, physical anthropology, etc. You may also consider a degree in forensic science, although, you will still have to have a number of other science credits to complete this type of program.
A number of institutions are offering forensic science degrees, but it appears that not all programs are the same.

A number of forensic labs will not consider a candidate without a degree in the "hard" sciences, or 24-30 hours of science on their transcripts. I know of one institution that "encouraged" their personnel to return to school to obtain 24 hours of science, even though they possessed a degree already. (I think that's fine if they want to help pay for it.)

Additionally, I think that even those who study these scences should also work diligently at their communication skills. As a forensic scientist, you will be called upon to articulate your conclusions before juries and judges. You must be able to think on your feet. You will need to be able to communicate with both educated an non-educated people. It's not unusual to see a couple jurors dozing off, but you do not want to lose all 12-14 of them!

Forensic science is under increased attacks in the courts and there is a need for people who can articulate and apply the scientific method in these various disciplines, especially, latent fingerprints. I think there a number of readers of this forum who would agree.

I think you are perceptive in the evaluation of your current academic status vs. your long term goals. Now is the time to make those decisions rather than later after you have spent good money and time on something that may leave you feeling disappointed.

I hope this helps.

Bill

Many of my students ask similar questions. Angie gave a good suggestion ref the IAI website; follow-up on that with inquires to specific agencies you may have an interest in (due to geographic location, reputation, etc) and request education and experience requirements along with job descriptions. Be aware that job titles differ from one agency to the next - Criminalist may be equivalent to Forensic Specialist, or other variations.

Although there are exceptions, I believe you will find that most will require a bachelor of science degree, likely in a natural science (chemistry, biology, etc.). Some laboraories may require a minimum amount of chemistry hours (30 hrs in the cases that I know of). Computer science skills are also increasingly in demand, especially in database management and image enhancement.

Many labs have trainee positions, or a lab technician position may offer a path to get your 'foot in the door'. While still in school inquire directly to local labs ref possible internship programs (both volunteer and paid), and requirements. If there are none, you might suggest starting one.

Regards, RLT