Forensic Sciences
... The Job: Forensic experts, also called criminalists, use the instruments of science and engineering to examine physical evidence. ... Forensic experts spend the bulk of their time in the laboratory working with physical evidence. ... Forensic experts do not interpret their findings relative to the criminal investigation in which they are involved. ... A basic grounding in spoken and written communications will be useful because forensic experts must write very detailed reports and are sometimes called on to present their findings in court. Postsecondary Training: A number of universities and community colleges in the United States offer programs in forensic science, pathology, and various aspects of crime lab work. ... Forensic experts must constantly bear in mind that the accuracy of their lab investigations can have great consequences for others. Starting out: Forensic scientists are typically employed by large police departments or state or law enforcement agencies nation-wide. ... Earnings: Earnings for forensic analysts vary with the employer, geographic location, and educational and skill level. ... Work Environment: Forensic experts usually perform the analysis portion of their work in clean, quiet, air-conditioned laboratories, but they are frequently required to travel to crime scenes to collect evidence or study the site to understand more fully the evidence collected by detectives.