Requirements and Training
A bachelors degree in forensic science, a physical science, natural science, criminalistics, chemistry, biology, pharmacology/toxicology, or physics is required. A bachelors degree in Chemistry is probably the best preparation for a career as a crime lab analyst. A biology degree with a strong background in genetics and and biochem is useful for specializing in DNA analysis.If you are interested in specializing in trace evidence examination, not only should you earn a chemistry degree but you should take electives that include microbiology, optical mineralogy, botany and textile courses. You should also take any crime detection and investigation courses that are offered as well. Those desiring to work with DNA should study biology while taking courses in biochemistry and genetics.
Some crime laboratories are moving toward higher education requirements, such as a masters or PhD in a relevant area. Crime laboratory analysts at labs throughout the U.S. are required to successfully complete crime lab analyst training programs prior to touching anything in the crime lab. This training may be waived for individuals who have been through crime lab training and worked in another crime lab. From time to time, physical evidence is found that requires other analysis specialties, such as anthropology, entomology, botany and zoology. bachelors education in the mentioned degree programs provides many of the required skills and abilities necessary to be successful, such as knowledge of terminology, lab ethics and etiquette and use of lab equipment. In addition to a bachelor's degree many labs are now requiring their analysts to possess a graduate degree. Further skills and abilities will be learned during training, like the principles and techniques used to analyze evidence in a criminal investigation, how to package, handle and store physical evidence, and much more.
Some crime laboratories are moving toward higher education requirements, such as a masters or PhD in a relevant area. Crime laboratory analysts at labs throughout the U.S. are required to successfully complete crime lab analyst training programs prior to touching anything in the crime lab. This training may be waived for individuals who have been through crime lab training and worked in another crime lab. From time to time, physical evidence is found that requires other analysis specialties, such as anthropology, entomology, botany and zoology. bachelors education in the mentioned degree programs provides many of the required skills and abilities necessary to be successful, such as knowledge of terminology, lab ethics and etiquette and use of lab equipment. In addition to a bachelor's degree many labs are now requiring their analysts to possess a graduate degree. Further skills and abilities will be learned during training, like the principles and techniques used to analyze evidence in a criminal investigation, how to package, handle and store physical evidence, and much more.