Popular movies and TV shows like X-files, Dexter, Forensic files, and even Lucifer have actors who popularized the career of Forensic Experts. They portray intelligent, skilled, and curious individuals with exciting theories behind the events.
This is true to the nature of the career. However, there are a lot more safety procedures that are followed. Ever wanted me the brave person who found the motive behind these accidents?
Maybe becoming a Forensic Expert will bring the dream come true! In this blog, we’ll share the details on a career as a Forensic Expert, the career paths, job roles, courses, and overall job insight.
Forensic experts are responsible for studying and analyzing physical evidence obtained from the victim or at the crime scene in order to ascertain the cause of the incident. A forensic expert’s field of expertise or job profile determines the nature of the job.
A few of their duties and responsibilities are :
Forensic anthropologists can determine a deceased’s age, gender, and distinguishing characteristics. They are experts in skeletal anatomy.
Crime Lab analysts examine physical evidence supplied by investigators to determine whether it is relevant to the inquiry. Analysts examine trace evidence, DNA, crime weapons, and other evidence retrieved from crime scenes.
A forensic pathologist is a professional who specializes in determining the cause and manner of death. You can learn more about it from our “How to become a Forensic Pathologist blog”
Digital forensics is a branch of forensic science that focuses on discovering, acquiring, processing, interpreting, and reporting electronically stored data.
“Computer forensic experts acquire and examine potential evidence during an investigation, including data that’s been deleted, encrypted, or damaged.” [Shinder, Cross; in Scene of the Cybercrime (Second Edition), 2008]
Learn more from the How to become a Cyberforensic Expert blog.
A crime scene analyst (CSA), commonly known as a crime scene investigator, works alongside police detectives or other law enforcement investigative teams to locate, gather, and process evidence.
A forensic geologist investigates evidence relating to oil, petroleum, rocks, minerals, fossils, soils, geochemical systems, and other materials that can be utilized to solve problems asked by criminal or civil legal systems.
Forensic entomologists are criminal justice and science experts who use their knowledge of how insects contribute to the decomposition of bodies to determine the time and cause of death.
A forensic engineer’s job is to apply technical knowledge while looking into failing structures, components, products, or materials.
Path I:
Graduation Degree in Forensic Science.
Eligibility: 12th Science, min. 55% overall percentage.
Duration: 3-4 years
Curriculum Subjects: Basics of chemistry, Crime scene analysis, criminal behaviour, toxicology, Criminal Procedure and Evidence, Crime Victim Studies, etc.
Path II:
Eligibility: 12th Science, min. 55% in overall percentage.
Duration: 1-2 years
Curriculum Subjects: Basic principles of criminology and criminal psychology, Fundamentals of forensic science, Document Examination, etc.
Eligibility: 12th Science, min. 55% overall percentage.
Duration: 3-4 years
Path III:
Eligibility: 12th Science, min. 55% overall percentage.
Duration: 3-4 years
Post these pathways, one can apply for internships and certificate courses to help acquire exposure and experience. And continue to pursue a career in Forensic Science. You can learn more about the qualifications required to become a Forensic Expert here.
One can apply for Post Graduation Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science to gain specialization in a specific subject and become an Expert.
The compensation range for a forensic expert varies depending on the speciality. The average annual salary of various categories of forensic experts is shown in the graph below.
It will take some time to become a Forensic expert, but even then it is a respected, well-paying career. It’s a very fulfilling and thrilling career that requires a strong observational and technical skill set.
You can increase safety and bring criminals to justice by using your intelligence. It is a field that is vital to society and constantly changing. Forensic Experts now have 16% more work options than they did a few years ago.
Fun fact:
The French scientist, Edmond Locard is known as the father of Forensic Science. He is best known for his “Exchange Principle”: “Every contact leaves a trace.” The writings of Arthur Conan Doyle inspired him; the creator of the fictional character Sherlock Holmes.
They are required in various industries, not just government, but in nongovernmental organizations. Here are a few that recruit Forensic Experts:
Once you’ve gained six plus years of experience and qualifications. You will be eligible to apply for the position of Forensic Expert position. Here are a few recruiters for Forensic Experts in India:
The majority of forensic science certificate programs have a grade 12 minimum eligibility requirement. Enrolling in these courses during or after your undergraduate program is advised because they enhance or complement your specialization.
| Course Name | Offered by |
| Introduction to Forensic Science | Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) (Coursera) |
| Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation by the University of Colorado Denver | Downtown Denver Campus |
| Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court | University of Lausanne (Coursera) |
| Certification (Expert/Gold) in Forensic Sciences and Criminology | IFS Education Dept. (International Forensic Science Institute) |
| Digital Forensics | The Open University, UK |
| Cyber Forensics and cyber law | IFS, India |
| Forensic accounting and fraud examination | West Virginia University |
| Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | American Public University System |
| Introduction of Forensic Science Services & Police Organisation | Swayam |
| Certificate Course in Forensic Photography | Starex University |
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An expert in forensic science or forensic scientist must be skilled in analyzing scientific data and evidence. Ideal candidates for this profession are those with excellent communication skills and the ability to pay attention to even minute details.
A candidate can apply for an undergraduate diploma or graduation degree in Forensic Science after the completion of Grade 12. The diploma courses are for 12-18 months duration, whereas the undergraduate degree is for 3-4 years.
Based on the area of interest, one can apply for an undergraduate degree specific to it. A minimum of 55% in Grade 10 + 2 or equivalent is required. One might have to qualify for the university-specific entrance exam, such as CG PAT, IISER IAT, OUAT, GSAT, BHU UET, NEST, JET, SUAT, LPUNEST, etc.
The eligibility criteria to apply for a postgraduation degree in Forensic Science are – a minimum of 45-50% in graduation or equivalent Grade point average, University/institution entrance exam score.
Here are a few postgraduation courses you can try:
| Name of the course | Duration |
| M. Sc in Forensic Science | 2 years |
| M.Sc.(Information Security and Cyber Forensics) | 2 years |
| Master of Science in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation | 2 years |
| M.Sc.(Forensic Science and Criminology) | 2 years |
| M.D.(Forensic Medicine and Toxicology) | 2 years |
One can apply for an undergraduate degree abroad like Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, BS in Computational Forensics, BS in Forensic and Investigative Sciences, Forensic Studies and Justice B.S., etc.
Forensic science post-graduation courses overseas require a minimum of 3.25/4.00 overall GPA in their bachelor’s in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Law, Engineering, Pharmacy, Physics, Probability and Statistics, Psychology, etc.
English language competency test scores:
Statement of Purpose (SOP), recommendation letter, and application (LOR).
Here are a few courses you can try:
| Name of the course | Duration |
| MS in Forensic Science | 2 years |
| MA Forensic Linguistics | 2 years |
| MSc Forensic Mental Health | 2 years |
| MSc in Forensic Investigation | 2 years |
People you can follow:
That was all the information on the diverse and exciting career of a Forensic Expert. The need for forensics scientists—trained to identify crimes and track down the guilty—is rising in tandem with crime and criminal activities of all kinds.
Forensic experts are responsible for studying and analyzing physical evidence obtained from the victim or at the crime scene to ascertain the cause of the incident. A forensic expert’s field of expertise or job profile determines the nature of the job.
It will take some time to become a Forensic expert, but even then it is a respected, well-paying career. It’s a very fulfilling and thrilling career that requires a strong observational and technical skill set. You can increase safety and bring criminals to justice by using your intelligence. It is a field that is vital to society and constantly changing. Forensic Experts now have 16% more work options than they did a few years ago.
Ans: Based on the area of interest, one can apply for an undergraduate degree specific to it. A minimum of 55% in Grade 10 + 2 or equivalent is required. One might have to qualify for the university-specific entrance exam, such as CG PAT, IISER IAT, OUAT, GSAT, BHU UET, NEST, JET, SUAT, LPUNEST, etc.
B.Sc (Hons) Forensic Science
B.Com Forensic Accounting
Bachelor of Accident Forensics
B.Sc in Forensic Science: Cybersecurity
Police Department, Private Detective Agencies, Research centers, Government agencies, Hospitals, Crime departments (Central or State Investigation Departments), Health care centres, Clinics, Medical Labs (Center or State Investigation Laboratories)
The eligibility criteria to apply for a postgraduation degree in Forensic Science are – a minimum of 45-50% in graduation or equivalent Grade point average, University/institution entrance exam score.
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