Can I become a forensic scientist with this?

Question

I'm getting my B.S. in Biology but lately I've been REALLY interested in Forensic Science.

The university that I attend does not offer Forensic Science as a major but only a certificate.

Can I work as a forensic scientist with a B.S. in Biology and only a certificate in Forensics?

Answer 1

Go for the certificate. It all counts. Just know that "Forensic Science" encompasses a wide range of areas: Pathologist, Nursing, Toxicology, Anthropology, Firearm and Tool Mark examiner...I could go on and on.  Once you get your certificate, which I'm assuming is pretty basic and general, you'll have an idea of what you're passionate about and then you can go on to get further education required for your interest.

Answer 2

My sense is that for most significant job in the sciences, you would need a Ph.D. anyway.  You might be able to work in a forensic lab with a B.S. and a certificate, but it really depends on what you want to do there.

Answer 3

In the sense of having the knowledge necessary to do the work they do - probably.  But getting a job depends on if someone will hire you.  Its not like say being a doctor that you need some kind of formal qual to do it.  I would say most that do it work their way up though the ranks of police departments rather than lob in with a qual and expect to get such a job.  I suspect you would be able to get an entry level job, but it will take quite a few years to be what would generally be termed a forensic scientist.

Your chances of rising quickly would proably be enhanced if you get a Masters eg:

http://www.csufresno.edu/forensicscience...

Thanks

Bill