So you want to enter the field of Forensics but don’t know where to begin?

Entering the field of Forensic Science can be one of the most difficult things someone can do, however, it is not impossible. I have been in the Crime Scene Investigation field for 10 years. During those 10 years, I have worked for two large metro city agencies and now working at a smaller department. I have worked over 4,000 crime scenes to include anything from a simple theft to a Homicide/Officer Involved Shooting. Also, under my belt I have four years of teaching experience at the Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, Colorado where I work for the Department of Chemistry and teach Crime Scene Investigation classes. I am also currently the Vice President (2023-2024) year for the Rocky Mountain Division of the International Association for Identification.

During my time as a teacher, I have been able to watch students succeed their career goals and also fall flat onto their faces. As I said before, this career field is one of the most difficult fields to enter. There are right ways of doing things and then sometimes not so right things. This page is developed to explain that a little more in depth as well as provide you with resources that you may need to help with your career path.

So where do I begin? In my experience, I have learned that there are only a few things that someone needs to do to increase their chances of breaking into the Forensic Field. Let’s go over those below:

Degree Choice - When choosing a major in college, try to lean more towards the harder sciences while doing your Bachelors Degree. Now, is that the only way you will be able to get into this field? Absolutely not. Speaking from experience, I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in Sociology (with an emphasis in Crime and Deviance). So, it Science is not really your thing, all hope is not lost. BUT, you will make yourself more marketable for the Forensic Field if you choose a Hard Science.

Relocating - The third thing you should get used to us probably the more difficult of the three. Forensic Jobs don’t just grow on trees. If you live in a metropolitan area, your chances of landing a job in a specific area you want are very slim. Yes, I have witnessed local students getting local jobs, but they are the few lucky ones. In my experience, you have to be open for the possibility of relocating to get into the Forensic field. I am living proof as to how much more likely you are able to get that perfect dream job when you are open to moving away. Don’t worry, relocating does not have to be forever.

Please take this opportunity to think about where you are and then where you need to be to reach your career goals. It may take some strategic planning, but it is definitely not impossible. Also, please take this opportunity to check out below the resources that are available to you, such as: Forensic Related Programs and Organizations. You always want to expand your horizon, and in doing so: you can be unstoppable.