How to Become a Forensic Science Technician

The explosive popularity of early 2000s crime TV shows like Law & Order and CSI marked the beginning of today’s cultural fascination with the field of forensics. Since then, a wave of documentary series and podcasts like Making a Murderer and Serial, in which experts dive deep into the forensics of crimes, have continued to feed our society’s endless fascination with the science of solving the darkest mysteries.

As a result, prospective students have been interested in becoming forensic science technicians. These specialists, portrayed in our favorite courtroom dramas, help detectives gain the crucial evidence needed to administer justice and bring much-needed peace to the families of crime victims.

The constant innovations in science and technology that increase forensic teams’ abilities to solve crimes—even cases that have long gone cold—make it an exciting work area. It’s no wonder why so many students are interested in a career in this fascinating and altruistic field.

While the media presents a tantalizing portrait of life as a forensic science technician, there are some aspects to consider before diving headfirst into this line of work. Discover how to pursue a career as a forensic science technician below.

Skills & Personality Traits of a Successful Forensic Science Technician

The profession dates back long before “true crime” became popular in entertainment media. Today’s most fundamental practices within forensic science, such as fingerprinting and firearm examination (i.e., the ability to connect a specific bullet found at a crime scene to the specific gun it was fired from), actually date back to the 1800s. These methods are still widely revered and frequently used as evidence in courtrooms today.

Forensic science technicians are regularly present at crime scenes, aiding in criminal investigations under a crime scene leader or field supervisor. Their role involves helping to collect, document, and analyze evidence and submit it to the crime laboratory. Technicians are also known to assist supervisors with planning the process of organizing and properly storing evidence while adhering to government policies and laws.

Here are some of the main tasks that forensic science technicians are expected to perform in their day-to-day work lives:

• Communicate with law enforcement regarding crime scene procedures and protocol
• Ensure that supplies are available for crime scene investigation teams
• Clean and maintain equipment
• Ensure procedures are followed by members of the evidence team when identifying, collecting, and processing physical evidence
• Collect weapons-related evidence
• Handle human tissue, bodily fluids, and DNA
• Package and transport physical evidence to the forensic crime laboratory

Not surprisingly, a propensity for math and science is necessary, as technicians need a strong comprehension of statistics and natural sciences to analyze evidence.

A forensic science technician should have a strong sense of curiosity and be naturally detail-oriented. Due to the nature of the job, technicians should be prepared to handle the implications of working around crime scenes. Forensic scientists can develop these skills with time. These professionals are also expected to spend hours at the crime scenes and in the lab, ensuring that all relevant evidence is carefully collected and analyzed.

In addition to strong technical skills, proficient technicians should have written and verbal communication skills. For example, they are expected to create detailed written reports conveying scientific information in layperson’s terms to police, lawyers, and juries. This is why soft skills like public speaking are arguably as essential as the hard science and math skills needed to succeed in this profession.

Occupational Demand and Salary Data for Forensic Science Technicians

Career Outlook and Occupational Demand

The demand for forensic science technicians—one of many career possibilities for people in this field—is projected to grow considerably in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) anticipates that openings for forensic science techs will increase by 14 percent between 2023 and 2033 (generating 2,500 new positions in the U.S.), which is much faster than the average growth expected of all occupations during that time period (4 percent).

Forensic science technicians typically work in laboratories, police departments, international organizations, medical examiner offices, insurance companies, law firms, hospitals, morgues, universities, and independent forensic science groups. According to BLS (2024), 87 percent of forensic science technicians are employed by the government. While some work regular business hours, forensics experts may be called upon to work weekends, evenings, and holidays due to the 24-hour nature of crime scene processing.

Salary Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023), the 17,520 forensic science technicians in the U.S. make an average annual salary of $71,540.

In more detailed terms, here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country (BLS May 2023):

The salary data on PayScale (October 2024)—an aggregator of self-reported wages in common occupations—found slightly different ranges among its 41 forensic science technician respondents:

• 10th percentile: $30,000
• 50th percentile (median): $55,654
• 90th percentile: $73,000

Salary prospects tend to differ according to region. The highest-paying states for forensic science technicians are the following (BLS May 2023):

• California: $98,400 (annual mean salary)
• Illinois: $95,750
• Connecticut: $82,620
• New York: $82,610
• Massachusetts: $82,520

However, these are not necessarily the highest employing states for these forensic science technicians, (BLS May 2023):

• California: 2,390 forensic science technicians employed
• Texas: 2,220
• Florida: 2,030
• Arizona: 860
• Virginia: 700

Finally, the top-five highest-paying metropolitan areas included (May 2023):

• New Orleans-Metairie, LA: $165,410 annual mean salary
• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $119,460
• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: $109,000
• San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA: $102,710
• Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA: $101,350

For more information, please visit the forensic scientist salary page.

Steps to Becoming a Forensic Science Technician

The BLS also reports that while an employer can hire you with just a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences (e.g., chemistry, physics, biology, etc.), many applicants have earned a master’s degree in forensic science to differentiate themselves from other candidates and earn higher starting salaries.

Internships also can help set aspiring forensic science technicians apart from the crowd by providing experience working at real crime scenes, which is a huge asset to potential employers—especially for applicants pursuing jobs as technicians without master’s-level credentials.

There are various experiential and educational paths for prospective forensic techs, although they typically pursue at least a four-year degree in natural sciences before being employed. In fact, Career One Stop (2024)—a job-planning tool sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor—reports that 35 percent of forensic science technicians have a bachelor’s degree or higher, while 14 percent have associate degrees and 20 percent have some college education.

Here are the steps to take to pursue a career in forensic science:

Step 1: Completing High school (four years).

Since specialists in this field often have degrees in physical or natural sciences, having solid grades in subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and statistics may prepare them for postsecondary work.

Step 2: Earning an associate degree in forensic science (two years).

Some associate degree programs are available for prospective entry-level forensic science technicians. In addition to general education, these programs may have classes in criminal law, fire & arson investigation, and the physical sciences.

Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College’s associate degree in forensic science offers two possible areas of emphasis: crime scene investigation and lab science. Two certificates of completion are also available. This degree also provides students with the opportunity to complete two certificates of completion in fingerprint identification and photography, and crime scene investigation.

This 60- —to 64-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice, criminalistics: physical evidence, crime scene technology: physical evidence, forensic science: biological evidence, criminal investigation, procedural criminal law, evidence technology: fingerprints, and principles of forensic science.

• Location: Mesa, AZ
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College’s associate’s degree in forensic science is primarily a transfer program as most graduates continue their education to complete a bachelor’s degree. Graduates of this program will have the opportunity to transfer seamlessly to John Jay College of Criminal Justice, one of the world’s forensic science leaders.

Made up of 62 credits, the program includes courses such as criminology; forensic science; introduction to criminal justice; molecular laboratory techniques; principles of physical chemistry; and elementary statistics, among others.

• Location: Troy, NY
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years

For more associate programs in this field, visit the FEPAC website or the forensic science education page.

Step 3: Earning a bachelor’s degree in natural or forensic science (four years).

An undergraduate degree is required to become a forensic science tech. The major can be biology, CSI, chemistry, criminal justice, physics, or law.

Alternatively, aspiring techs can choose an undergraduate degree program specifically in forensic science. Some universities, like Texas A&M University, Pennsylvania State University, and Columbia College, offer bachelor’s programs specific to forensic science. Check out our guide to forensics science schools by state to search for a particular program.

The benefit of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in forensic science (as opposed to natural science) is that students can often focus their undergraduate degree on a specific area of forensics, such as DNA, trace evidence, or ballistics. Specializing can make you a more desirable candidate with higher earning potential.

Liberty University

Liberty University’s FEPAC-accredited bachelor of science program in forensic science provides students with interdisciplinary training in criminal justice, biology, and chemistry.

Graduates of this program have the opportunity to begin their careers with the medical examiner’s office, the Virginia Department of Forensic Science, the Department of Health, local police departments, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the National Institute of Health, local and regional offices of the Chief Medical Examiner, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and many more.

This 120-credit program includes courses such as forensic DNA analysis; forensic entomology; trace evidence; introduction to forensics; criminal investigations; analytical chemistry; forensic science seminar; and clinical human anatomy.

Notably, through Liberty’s Washington Fellowship, students can apply for a semester-long internship with NCIS, the FBI, the District of Columbia OCME, and other agencies. This internship will allow graduates to receive academic internship credit while learning valuable life skills that can be used in the professional forensic science field or to pursue graduate studies.

Upon completion, graduates will be ready to take up roles such as trace evidence technicians, forensic scientists, forensic microbiologists, forensic quality assurance specialists, forensic entomologists, forensic autopsy technicians, forensic consultants, and criminal investigators.

• Location: Lynchburg, VA
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Albany State University

Albany State University offers a bachelor of science program in forensic science providing graduates with an understanding of the scientific knowledge, and practice of forensic science, and preparing them for work in crime scene investigation, forensic science laboratories, and related areas.

The program comprises 124 credits and includes courses such as forensic photography; crime scene investigations and reconstruction; forensic microscopy of trace; criminal evidence and court procedure; forensic chemistry; forensic serology; forensic instrumentation and analysis; introduction to criminal justice; fingerprint technology; and evidence collection in scientific crime investigation.

• Location: Albany, GA
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

For more bachelor’s programs in this field, visit the FEPAC website or the forensic science education page.

Step 4: Secure an internship (one year or more, optional).

Many aspiring forensic science techs sometimes opt to secure an internship to gain real-world experience. Usually, this step is pursued during or after earning a bachelor’s degree.

Internships can be highly competitive, so consider contacting local police departments and agencies independently to see if you can negotiate your internship.

Step 5: Earn a master’s degree in forensic science (two years, optional).

Master’s degrees in forensic science allow for specialization in specific professional disciplines. Some examples of relevant master’s degrees include a master of science in forensic science, a master of science in criminalistics, a master of science in forensic biology, and a master of science in biomedical forensic science. Please see our guide to the master of science degrees in forensic science, including accredited on-campus and online programs.

National University

National University offers an online master of forensic sciences program with specialization options in criminalistics or investigation.

Applicants to the criminalistics specialization must have an undergraduate degree in laboratory science. The specialization in investigation does not have a specific major requirement for the undergraduate degree.

This 54-credit program includes courses in forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic photography, crime scene investigation, fingerprint analysis, digital evidence, topics in forensic sciences, trace evidence, and advanced criminalistics.

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Towson University

Towson University has a FEPAC-accredited master of science program in forensic science. The program’s application-focused curriculum provides students with an educational background and helps them develop forensic science laboratory skills. Students can choose either the DNA track, which focuses on genetic analysis, or the forensic analytical chemistry track, which focuses on trace analysis, toxicology, and drug analysis. All students are required to complete a forensic research project or thesis.

The 37-credit program includes courses such as forensic science and law, forensic molecular biochemistry, forensic chemistry, crime scene and impression evidence, forensic firearms analysis, independent study in forensic science, special topics in forensic science, forensic serology, forensic microscopy, and death analysis in forensic science.

• Location: Towson, MD
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Step 4: Apply for certifications (timeline varies, optional).

Although professional certification is not always necessary to secure employment in forensics, it may be advisable for several reasons. First, certification can indicate a job applicant’s knowledge in a particular area and improve one’s resume. Second, it can enhance a person’s earning potential, opportunities for advancement, and leadership responsibilities. Lastly, a national certification can be transferable to other states across the country.

Requirements for common professional certifications in forensics vary, but they generally include having at least a bachelor’s degree in forensics, biology, chemistry, or another relevant field; having several years of verifiable experience; sending professional references; and passing an exam. There are currently nine professional certifications recognized by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB), including:

• American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA)
• American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
• American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO)
• American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI)
• Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
• International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
• International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
• International Board of Forensic Engineering Sciences (IBFES)

Those who wish to have detailed information on credentialing within each subfield of forensics can visit our programs or careers page.

Accreditation of Forensic Science Programs

There are two types of accreditation: programmatic and institutional.

Prospective forensic science students should ensure that their chosen program meets one or both of these accreditation standards.

Programmatic Accreditation

While many forensic science programs are available, not all are accredited. FEPAC, the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, is the gold standard for this discipline and provides a list of accredited forensic science degree programs in the United States. To earn FEPAC accreditation, programs must meet rigorous curriculum, faculty, facilities, and research standards.

Institutional Accreditation

Institutional accreditation is awarded to an entire college or university by one of the regional accrediting organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). There are six regional accrediting bodies:

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

It’s worth mentioning that while FEPAC is a metric of high academic quality, programs that are not accredited by FEPAC, but hold institutional accreditation are still valuable. Many institutionally-accredited programs are housed within well-respected institutions and offer high-quality forensic or life science education.

Ultimately, students should choose a forensic science program that best meets their needs and interests.