Careers in Forensic Science

Forensic science faces no problem more pressing than the education and training of the scientists who staff the nation's forensic science laboratories. If one examines the critical research needs of the profession, the shortage of truly qualified laboratory scientists and supervisors, or the crisis of overwhelming case loads and backlogs, one finds that the most essential element in satisfying these needs is a core of scientifically qualified personnel. Again, when the need for maintaining high quality control (assurance) standards or for developing high ethical awareness among the professionals is under discussion, we inevitably find that laboratory personnel and the quality of their educational backgrounds are the main focus.

Job opportunities abound in the field of forensic science, where the demand is great for trained professionals who adhere to the highest standards in the analysis of evidence. According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), "An additional 9,000 new forensic scientists are needed nationwide" to address the needs of our forensic crime laboratories. Newly trained forensic scientists will provide the valuable research and development underlying the new technologies needed to carry forensics into the future while providing the current resources and technologies required to ensure that the analysis of evidence is performed in a timely manner.

According to an article in Analytical Chemistry February 1, 2005, “forensic laboratory staffing, state and local laboratories in the northeastern United States, which has 51 million residents, employed only ~ 850 forensic scientists in 2001.” The authors of the report estimate that the number of scientists actually needed to staff this area of the country is double that level, given the backlog of unexamined cases and the increasing case submissions. They and others conclude that “an additional 10,000 new forensic scientists are needed nationwide over the next decade to address the expanding backlog” and to allow case examinations to be completed with a 30-day period.

Graduates of the program will have a strong scientific and technical background in forensic science and a solid foundation in criminal justice and legal theory. This will qualify them to pursue graduate education in forensic science and/or entry-level positions in:

•crime laboratories
•forensic laboratories
•law enforcement agencies
•drug enforcement laboratories
•private industry
•health departments
•medical examiners’ offices
•administrative agencies

Many job openings can be expected over the long term in New York State and throughout the U.S.

•Highly-sophisticated scientific analysis of evidence has become routine and expected in the criminal justice system (especially in identifying and quantifying suspected illegal drugs).
•More and more convicted offenders (felons and some others as well) are being required to provide a DNA sample for analysis and entry into a state or national DNA Databank.
•The development of new, more reliable techniques and technologies can lead to the re-opening of old cases (especially in death penalty situations).
•Systems of information exchange amongst forensic laboratories are increasing both productivity and workload.
•Forensic scientists are working on evidence related to acts of terrorism.