How Long Does It Take to Become a Forensic Science Tech?
As a forensic science tech, you’ll help solve crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence. With the rise in popularity of television shows such as CSI and NCSI, many students are considering careers in forensics. There are currently over 30 colleges that offer forensic science programs, which prepare you for the job with classes in math, sciences, and more. But how long does it take to get your degree, and is this time worth the payout in terms of salary and employment lookout?
Most forensic science jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. This type of degree typically takes four years to complete, but it depends on your program and the amount of time you spend on your classes. If you load your schedule with work and take classes during the summers, you could finish in just three years, saving an entire year of time and tuition costs. At the same time, other students find it easier to spread the work of a bachelor’s degree out over more years, going to school only part time. This allows you to keep a job as you study to be a forensic science tech, or to concentrate on raising a family. It also means that it will take you five or six years to complete your training, rather than just four.
Your education shouldn’t stop when you graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Many forensic science tech educational programs offer master’s degrees in the field, which will take an extra 12 to 24 months of your time if you go to school full-time. However, that advanced degree can help you find a job in a tightening job market. Some forensic science tech programs also offer specialized classes for students to receive certain certifications. These classes can add extra months to your education, but you increase your marketability if you’re an expert in blood splatter or DNA analysis. You can also go on to get your PhD in this field, further specializing in one aspect of forensics or going into teaching.
Once you get a job, chances are that your employer will require continuing education. The world of forensics is constantly changing, with new technology to help scientists understand a crime scene. Currently, there are no national licensing, certification, or registration requirements for forensic science techs, but many employers will more readily hire those who are certified by the American Board of Criminalists, the American College of Forensic Examiners, or the International Association for Identification.
You’ll also receive training from your employer and superiors. When you’re new in forensics, you’ll most likely get hired to work in a lab or under close supervision in the field. To work in the field alone, you need to gain experience from those around you. Many employers sponsor company-wide classes on specific topics relating to certain aspects of forensics, and almost all will require training before you appear in a courtroom situation as an expert witness. Becoming a forensic science tech means continual education for as long as you work in this field, but as an experienced professional, you can expect to make between $40,000 and $85,000 per year. Lab directors make even more, often breaking six figures. This field is also growing, meaning that there are more and more jobs available for graduating students, especially those who specialize in growing fields, like DNA analysis, so the time spent to get your bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree is worth the payoff.
