What to Expect

The moral standards for forensic science students are just as high as the educational ones.

Forensic science degrees give students the skills and technical knowledge necessary to be successful in a laboratory.

Tamara M. Kays is a forensic science student at Eastern Kentucky University. She wants to work in the chemistry section of a forensic laboratory when she completes her education. That's why she chose to study the chemistry option of the program.

"The chemistry option is geared toward preparing the student for work in most sections of the forensic laboratory, including trace, drugs, arson and toxicology. The biology option prepares the student for work with DNA," says Kays.

She warns aspiring students to be prepared to spend a lot of time in science class. "A lot of students enter the program because they think it will be like what they see on television shows like CSI, when in reality it's not geared towards the investigative side.

"Upon starting the program you are immediately placed in courses such as physics, general chemistry, calculus and other core requirements for the degree," says Kays.

Shera Birnbaum is a forensic science student. She wants to work in a lab that's involved with human genetics, whether it be screening for diseases, a forensic laboratory or a research laboratory. She likes the variety of the forensic science program. Her courses include biology, chemistry, law, anthropology and forensics.

"A good amount of the courses have interactive labs that enhance the theories learned in lecture. Another good aspect of the program is that there is a placement in second year and the opportunity to do a thesis project in fourth year which provide students with hands-on opportunities," says Birnbaum.

Harvey Lu is also a forensic science student. Forensic science is interesting to him because it is more about application of concepts instead of concepts alone.

Forensic science students will attend lectures and labs. Some programs offer lectures presented by different experts. Lu has enjoyed this aspect of his program.

"This course has given me a lot of interests because of its enormous diversity of knowledge. This allows one to experience a variety of different aspects of forensic science and not just focus on one field," says Lu.

You'll need good time management skills to be able to stay on top of the heavy workload. On top of reading, there will be assignments, labs and tests. By the time you reach the upper years of the program, three to four hours of homework will be required daily. This will increase around exam time.

Textbooks can be costly. You may pay lab fees or buy lab equipment like a dissection kit.

How to Prepare

High school English and science classes will be required for entry into forensic science programs. Statistics, math, law and anthropology courses will be helpful as well.

"In order to get into forensic science, a person needs to take English, chemistry, biology and calculus in high school. These are the required courses and the marks must be included in the average. Physics is strongly encouraged as it is a must-take in later years," says Lu.

Few high schools offer forensic science clubs. You could start one, or get involved in another type of group. "Any activity where leadership and teamwork are major components will be great experience for this program," says Birnbaum.