Ask a Forensic Scientist anything

989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

What is the education needed? The skills needed? The experience needed?

Asked by JaidenKBCL over 5 years ago

That depends entirely on where you want to work and what you want to do. If you want to do DNA analysis and testify in court about it, you may need a PhD in genetics. If you want to work at crime scenes bagging and tagging evidence, you may need only a high school diploma, with added hireability for advanced degrees. The only way to know is to check job opening notices or call the agencies and ask. Best of luck to you.

379 Votes

Can we make a profile of a suspect (skin color, eye color, etc.) from DNA? If not, why not?

Asked by Mrs.McGurkin almost 6 years ago

I actually don't know. I haven't done DNA analysis in 20 years so I don't know all the details of what analysis can show. Sorry I can't be more help!

379 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

Check our Jobstr's career page for salary information, educational requirements, suggested reading and more!

Hi, so how do you get used to blood and gore?

Asked by Crazy almost 5 years ago

You just do. Somehow you can either tolerate it or you can't, or you learn to cope with it. There are cops who can work homicide for thirty years and still have a weak stomach. They just don't let it keep them from doing their jobs.

379 Votes

Have you ever made a arrest?

Asked by Shelby about 5 years ago

I'm a civilian employee, not a sworn officer, so no.

378 Votes

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Hi do you know about Forengsic’s regarding suicides?

Asked by Linda about 5 years ago

That’s a very broad question. What specifically do you need to know?

378 Votes

What training did you need and experience? Police academy, collage, trade school, etc? Did you get straight into this position or did you have to work up from somewhere?

Asked by David about 5 years ago

Again, titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or whereever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. Good luck.

377 Votes