FORENSIC SCIENCE
CAREERS
[Link] provides an extensive listing of careers in forensic science
and related fields to help you research requirements, responsibilities, roles, and
specializations within each field.
Why pursue a career in forensic science? The short answer is opportunities!
Careers in forensic life science, private investigation, and information security are
experiencing exponential occupational growth. By illustration, the US Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS 2025) shows that between 2024 and 2034, openings in
forensic science tech are projected to grow 13 percent nationally; private
investigation and detective work, 6 percent; and information security, an astonishing
29 percent.
Compared to the national growth anticipated for all occupations at 3 percent (BLS
2025), choosing a career path in forensic science can prove a solid investment of
time and resources for those who enjoy multidisciplinary careers in criminal justice
and science.
Where do forensic science professionals work? Depending on rank and
responsibilities, forensic scientists can be found working in laboratories or at crime
scenes, private investigators in armored vehicles or insurance offices, and
information security analysts behind screens and in boardrooms of private and
public administrative offices.
Read on to learn how life scientists, computer scientists, nurses, artists,
accountants, and other professionals use their primary areas of expertise to pursue
careers in forensic science.
Arson Investigator
A fire investigator uses in-depth knowledge of fire chemistry and mechanics to
investigate the causes of conflagrations and possible arson cases. They also gather
evidence and eyewitness accounts, talk with insurance companies and provide
expert testimony in court proceedings.
Certified Fraud Examiner
A certified fraud examiner (CFE) is a trained professional who investigates financial
records to find fraudulent activities or other financial crimes. Job duties typical of a
CFE include analyzing financial documents for signs of fraud, assisting in civil and
criminal investigations, providing expert testimony in legal proceedings, generating
reports, and conducting forensic audits. CFEs may find various opportunities in both
the public and private sectors.
Computer Forensics Examiner
Computer or digital forensics is the study of how technology is used to commit
crimes. Computer forensic specialists use computer hardware and software to
recover information from machines that could be used in criminal trials.
Crime and Intelligence Analyst
Crime and intelligence analysts turn data into actionable insights that predict and
prevent criminal activity. They work in diverse environments, including local police
departments, federal agencies, and even private sector organizations. This data-
driven role is the backbone of smart policing and homeland security, and while it
was once a niche area, it’s become a crucial component in modern law enforcement
and public safety.
Crime Scene Investigator
Crime scene investigators spend time at crime scenes in order to collect evidence
necessary in order to recreate a violent crime. Through careful documentation and
evidence analysis, crime scene investigators provide proof that is the keystone of
most criminal trials.
Criminalist
Criminalists use scientific and investigative methods to deduce how a particular
crime took place. Although today’s criminalists utilize modern tools like 3-D imaging
and DNA sequencing to help law enforcement, they still build upon the same
foundation of this profession that dates back to the around 700 AD, when the
Chinese used fingerprints to identify documents and clay sculptures.
Cryptanalyst
The most common technique to protect communications from prying eyes is a
process known as encryption, in which communications are scrambled through
computer algorithms, making them illegible to those who are not their intended
recipient. Encryption itself is much older than computers and was used to disguise
communications as early as the Middle Ages.
DNA Analyst
A DNA analyst takes human tissue samples like blood, hair or semen and finds
genetic code that will identify the victims and perpetrators of violent crimes. This is
primarily a lab job, and DNA analysts do not spend much time at crime scenes,
although they may be asked to testify in court about their findings.
Forensic Accountant
A forensic accountant uses basic accounting and investigative skills to find defects
in financial statements that may be indicative of criminal activity. They perform
audits on financial and legal files and present their findings in trials.
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic anthropologists analyze and apply scientific techniques in order to
diagnose posthumous death by violent force or trauma. Skin tissue, bone
observation and demographics are key areas of study.
Forensic Auditor
Learn about the education requirements for forensic auditors, how to obtain the
necessary certification, what salary professionals in this field can expect, and advice
for aspiring students from Casey Evans, associate dean for undergraduate
programs and student services accounting at the Kogod School of Business at
American University.
Forensic Autopsy Technician
Working in a coroner’s office or medical examiner’s office could be a good job for
people who are interested in science, the human body, and helping families to find
out what may have caused the death of a loved one. Becoming a forensic autopsy
technician is one option for those who are fascinated by human anatomy and who
are not squeamish around the idea of dissecting bodies. Additionally, this career
typically does not require extensive postsecondary learning.
Forensic Ballistics Expert
With gun deaths nearing the 50,000 mark in the United States in 2022 alone,
experts who focus on firearms are in high demand. “Forensic ballistics experts” is
the term that is commonly used for people who are highly knowledgeable in the
effects of guns in crimes, as well as in connecting specific firearms to specific
crimes. Forensic ballistics experts are highly knowledgeable regarding the types of
available firearms, calibers, and ammunition, as well as on the trace evidence left on
bullets, guns, bodies, and objects by their usage.
Forensic Biologist
By examining bodily fluids, bones, hair, insects, plants, and animals at a crime
scene, a forensic biologist prepares a detailed analysis of their findings, which can
be used in legal cases to determine the cause of a crime. Read on to learn more
about the rewarding opportunities available in forensic biology careers.
Forensic Chemist
Forensic chemistry involves using scientific methods to investigate physical
evidence. Forensic chemists fight crimes with science by analyzing evidence
collected from crime scenes and giving testimonies based on laboratory test results.
Forensic Dentistry & Odontology
Forensic dentistry is a profession that stands at the intersection of dentistry and law.
Forensic odontology is the study of teeth and the mouth as it applies to both civil and
criminal law. Forensic odontologists may aid investigators in identifying both victims
and perpetrators of crimes. Forensic odontology is also helpful in identifying victims
of non-criminal incidents such as disasters.
Forensic Document Examiner
The field of document examination was first developed in the early twentieth century
to identify forgery and establish the authenticity of documents. Forensic document
examiners, sometimes also called questioned document examiners, are scientists
who utilize the scientific method of questioned document examination to examine
documents. Forensic document examiners may work in various settings, including
state, county, and municipal crime labs, as well as federal agencies that operate
their own questioned document units.
Forensic Engineer
While the field of engineering is primarily tasked with designing and constructing
reliable structures and designs that will operate safely, failures can still occur. Even
with extensive structural and product testing, the most meticulous designs can still
falter during and after construction or in the manufacturing stages.
Forensic Entomologist
Forensic entomologists are experts in the fields of criminal justice and science who,
using their knowledge of how insects aid in bodily decomposition, can determine the
time and source of death.
Forensic Genealogist
Forensic genealogy is an evolving discipline that uses genealogical research
methods in legal contexts, including inheritance disputes, adoption cases, and
identifying unknown individuals. Within this broader field, a specialized branch
known as Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) has emerged as a
powerful tool for solving criminal cases.
Forensic Investigator
Forensic investigators share many responsibilities and competencies with
detectives: conducting interviews, securing crime scenes, analyzing public and
private records, and writing detailed investigative reports.
Forensic Medical Examiner
A medical examiner is a government employee that investigates human bodies that
have died under unusual or unnatural circumstances. They are able to perform
autopsies and post-mortem exams, but may more often perform administrative
duties.
Forensic Nurse
Forensic nurses learn how to identify and treat victims of violent acts such as abuse
and rape. Forensic nurses are also trained on how to gather and present evidence
of these actions in court.
Forensic Nurse Examiner
If you are already working as a registered nurse and have an interest in protecting
the welfare and health of others, you may want to consider training to become a
forensic nurse examiner. These professionals learn how to recognize and document
the signs of abuse and violence that could be used to prosecute a criminal in a
courtroom.
Forensic Nurse Practitioner
Forensic nurse practitioners (NPs) combine their expertise in nursing, forensics, and
law, to play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of their patients while
ensuring justice is served. They work in any setting where NPs are typically
employed, including primary care, mental health, women’s health, pediatrics, and
acute care. Their specialized forensic knowledge, along with trauma-informed
practices, helps ensure patients get the care they need at a very difficult time in their
lives.