Forensic Science Technician Careers & Job Description

A forensic science technician handles evidence from crime scenes for police departments. These technicians are essential in helping to catch, convict, or acquit suspects in criminal matters. Forensic science technicians collect evidence and analyze the evidence in a laboratory and also summarize their findings in written reports. They often testify in court, particularly if they have specialized areas of expertise, such as fingerprinting, biochemistry or handwriting analysis.

Request Information free information from schools

When a forensic science technician enters a crime scene, they must meticulously collect and safeguard the evidence. They may also assist law enforcement officers in recreating the crime by contemplating the association between the evidence collected. They use the laboratory to decipher the evidence collected at the crime scene and often have to classify unknown substances and objects to determine if these substances and objects are connected to the victim and the suspect. Forensic science technicians can use DNA typing on blood or bodily fluids for identification purposes. They may also use their knowledge of ballistics to determine the type of gun that fired a particular bullet at a crime. Once they have made their findings, forensic science technicians will detail their findings in reports.

Did you know? The FBI Crime Lab is one of the largest forensic labs in the world and has carried out more than one million forensic examinations. It is also a leader in innovation and develops new techniques that are applied in the forensic field.

Source: HowStuffWorks

Become a Forensic Science Technician: Education & Other Requirements

To become a Forensic Science Tech, there are several education and other key requirement. Forensic Science Techs typically have a bachelor’s degree, and applicants who have graduated from applied sciences technology programs and who have been extensively trained on using laboratory equipment will have an edge. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, forensic science technicians must also possess the ability to think analytically. They must also be able to handle some stress while working individually and as a member of a team. They must also be able to effectively communicate the results of their findings both orally and in their written work. Additionally they need to know how to collect evidence at a crime scene without contaminating it. They must also must have knowledge of computers for data entry and analysis programs and have a working knowledge of the scientific method. Finally, forensic science technicians need to be familiar with the legal process and court proceedings as they regularly testify in criminal cases. Gaining a proper degree at the accredited schools listed below will fulfill these requirements.

>>Find a Forensic Science Technician Degree.

Forensic Science Technician Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a forensic science technician is $53,000. However, the top ten percent of forensic science technicians earn approximately $80,000. Forensic science technicians who are employed by federal agencies usually receive higher pay.

>>Find a Forensic Science Technician Program.

Forensic Science Technician Career Outlook

The job of a forensic science technician is multi-faceted. These professionals have an opportunity to work in the field, the laboratory, and in legal settings; which can make it an excellent career choice for a person with varied interests. The career prospects are solid as technology helps make solving crimes more efficient and effective.

Forensic Science Technician Degrees from Accredited Criminal Justice Schools

request information

Kaplan University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • BS in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Investigation
  • MS in Criminal Justice - Law
  • MS in Criminal Justice

request information

American InterContinental University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice - Forensic Science

request information

Ashworth College
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Forensic Science

request information

Anthem College
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Criminal Justice - Juvenile - BS
  • Criminal Justice - AS
  • Criminal Justice - Corrections - BS

request information

Walden University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership & Executive Management - General Program
  • B.S. in Human Services - Criminal Justice 
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Criminal Justice

request information

Virginia College
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • AS - Criminal Justice
  • MS - Criminal Justice
  • BS - Criminal Justice

request information

Capella University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • MS - Criminal Justice
  • PhD - Criminal Justice
  • BS - Criminal Justice


Page Edited by Charles Sipe.