Working in forensics requires advanced degrees in different disciplines.
Forensics is the application of sciences to investigate and establish facts about a subject, crime or culture. Forensic science includes chemistry, anthropology, computer data recovery, crime scene investigation techniques and psychology, as well as other laboratory sciences and photography.
Forensic Psychology Degrees
An advanced degree in forensic psychology typically is a doctorate. The course of study licenses the forensic scientist as a psychologist and trains the individual in clinical forensics. The coursework includes the combining of psychology, research, law and criminology. An emphasis is on applying mental health techniques to legal arguments.
Computer Forensic Degrees
Advanced computer forensic degrees teach the student additional programming techniques. These techniques are used for advanced data recovery, crime scene investigation and computer surveillance. Careers at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security or private investigation firms are common for individuals with this degree. Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, has one of the leading advanced computer forensic degree programs, a Master of Science degree in computer technology specializing in cyber forensics.
Forensic Science Degrees
Advanced degrees in forensic science are offered at numerous criminal justice colleges and universities. The program consists of scientific methods used in legal matters, including chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology. This advanced forensic degree combines forensic anthropology, forensic biology and crime scene investigation techniques. A student can advance to a doctorate degree upon completion of the master's program in forensic science.
Forensic Chemistry Degrees
Forensic chemistry utilizes chemistry to investigate crimes. Michigan State University has one of the more prominent advanced forensic chemistry programs available. The courses are laboratory and research intensive as well as an internship program. The degree is taught through the School of Criminal Justice and the students must enroll in a doctorate program in chemistry as well as the master's degree program in forensic chemistry. Forensic chemists concentrate on DNA analysis, materials make-up and a variety of chemical analysis found at crime scenes.
Tags: crime scene, crime scene investigation, scene investigation, advanced forensic, data recovery, data recovery crime
