Preparation
Forensic science
technicians usually need to have earned a bachelor's degree to work in the field.
There are also several master's degree programs, and some certificate
programs that are usually offered in conjunction with a bachelor's
degree program in science.
 Accredited
Programs
Approximately 30
colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree program in forensic
science; about another 25 schools offer a bachelor's degree in a natural
science with an emphasis on forensic science or criminology; a few
additional schools offer a bachelor's degree with an emphasis in a
specialty area, such as criminology, pathology, jurisprudence,
investigation, odontology, toxicology, or forensic accounting. In
the United States, forensic science programs are accredited by the
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Precollege Prep
People interested in
careers as science technicians should take as many high school science
and math courses as possible. Science courses taken beyond high school,
in an associate or bachelor's degree program, should be laboratory
oriented, with an emphasis on bench skills. A solid background in
applied chemistry, physics, and math is vital.
Other Skills
Communication skills
are important because technicians are often required to report their
findings both orally and in writing. In addition, technicians should be
able to work well with others. Because computers often are used in
research and development laboratories, technicians should also have
strong computer skills, especially in computer modeling. Organizational
ability, an eye for detail, and skill in interpreting scientific results
are important as well, as are a high mechanical aptitude, attention to
detail, and analytical thinking.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by
the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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