Forensic Science: Employment FAQs
Q. Do I have to be a law enforcement officer to work at the Forensic Science Laboratory?
No. With the exception of the Firearms Investigation and Forensic Identification sections and some administrative positions, the majority of Laboratory staff are not law enforcement officers.
Q. Do I need a forensic science degree to work in the Forensic Science Laboratory?
No. Few employees in the Laboratory System have a degree in forensic science. Staff backgrounds are varied and range from biology and chemistry to forestry and public administration.
Q. What requirements must I fulfill to be considered for a forensic scientist position?
Requirements vary.
- In the Toxicology, Drug Chemistry and Trace Evidence sections, a bachelor's degree in natural science is required.
- In the Firearms Identification, Forensic Identification and Questioned Documents sections, a bachelor's degree that includes science courses is recommended.
- In the Bioscience Section a bachelor's degree in natural science with courses in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and, to process casework, some statistics, is necessary.
Q. What do employee background checks entail?
These checks involve an investigator:
- Questioning given references, social acquaintances and neighbors;
- Verifying all previous and current residences and employments, and
- Administering a drug test and a polygraph exam.
Q. Does the Forensic Science Laboratory have an intern program?
Yes. To learn more about the Intern Program read the information found on this Web site.