What are Forensic Science Job Options with a Bachelor’s Degree?

1. Chemist

This is a job to consider if you enjoy working with chemicals and the reactions that they have with each other. It’s a job that often means you’re going to be in a lab during the day. You’ll usually find that the lab is sometimes a bit darker than other building areas, so you can use unique lights with chemicals and other items to see details and how they react. Additionally, these workers need to have a detailed eye to work in this field and a knack for science, but it’s very dynamic and requires a versatile skill set.

2. Biomedical Scientist

After you graduate with an online bachelor’s degree in forensic science, you can usually work as a biomedical scientist. In this job, professionals examine tissue samples and fluid samples. The fluids you’ll examine often include blood, which means that you will wear protective gear to prevent contaminating yourself, other people, or other areas of the building. Sometimes, you’ll work with samples and conditions where the results benefit hospitals and other facilities.

3. Detective

One of the most popular careers with a forensic science degree is detective. These professionals work on various crime scenes to determine what happened to the victim. Individuals need a good eye and the ability to piece together all the evidence and information to solve a case. Most work with other police officers and possibly higher government officials when solving crimes. These jobs pay nearly $60 thousand per year, on average.

Some of the crimes you could investigate include homicides, domestic situations, cases involving children, and drug crimes. Although homicides are often at the top of the list of crimes that detectives investigate, there are other areas you can work in, including cybersecurity and various types of business fraud if you don’t want to work around bodily fluids.

4. Computer Analyst

If you like working on a computer and enjoy performing work alone during the day, then a computer analyst is a career to consider. Analysts examine computers, phones, and other devices from crime scenes or used during the commission of a crime. They look for evidence like pictures, calls, or financial transactions ad give the results to law enforcement officials or government agencies.

Computer analysts also investigate data breaches and identity fraud. Some roles handle sensitive or classified information. So these workers may need security clearance before employment. This means that you would be unable to discuss any details about the data unless it’s with your superior or the requesting office.

5. Forensic Scientist

After investigators have examined crime scenes and collected evidence, your role as a Forensic Scientist is to explore the details to give results to detectives. Your part is essential because the information about DNA and other details could mean the difference between someone innocent of committing a crime and being found guilty.

A Master’s in Forensic Science trains students to work carefully and quickly with the evidence they receive so that it doesn’t become contaminated in their care. After examining the evidence, these scientists also know how to properly secure the evidence. Additionally, there are chain-of-custody protocols for cases that may go to court.

Some examined items include blood, body fluids, paint chips, glass, and fibers taken from clothes or other materials. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, forensic scientists earn between $58,200 and $63k per year.

6. Toxicologist

When detectives need toxicology information in a short time, they will often turn to a Toxicologist. While working in this field, you’ll come into contact with various drugs, fluids, and other products. These will invariably all have a toxic impact on the body or the environment and the health of animals. When you’re not working to get results for detectives, you’ll often complete various studies to determine how toxic products interact with others, with people, animals, or the environment.