Should I be a forensic scientist?

Do you have a passion for science and a desire to find truth and seek justice in legal proceedings?

A young woman in a lab oat gives the rock n' roll sign with her hand.

Then a career as a forensic scientist may be for you!

What Do Forensic Scientists Do?

Michael C Hall as Dexter Morgan, a forensic scientist blood splatter analyst, sitting at desk spinning in his chair.

Forensic scientists, sometimes called criminalists or crime scene investigators, do many important tasks, which may include:

Collecting evidence, which may include weapons, fingerprints, bodily fluids, or digital data. ✔️
Analyzing physical and digital evidence collected from a crime scene. 🔎
Providing expert testimony before and during trials. ⚖️
Photographing or making sketches of the crime scene and evidence. 📷
Accurately documenting findings of investigations. 📋

What types of crimes or incidents might a forensic scientist investigate? Select all that apply:

Car accidents

Cyber crimes

Murders

Financial crimes

You will need:

A bachelor's degree in science.
An advanced degree or specialized training (Masters, Ph.D.) for some jobs in the field.
Good speaking skills, as you may be called on to testify in court.
Excellent note-taking and observation skills.
The ability to write a scientific report.
The ability to remain unbiased and maintain personal and professional integrity.

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Average pay in Canada:

Three young forensic scientists analyzing a finger print on a computer screen

Check out this list of accredited forensic science programs in the USA and Canada.

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Investigate the different types of forensic science careers.