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My first step is to receive my diploma from Canoga Park High School.

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Earn a Forensic Science Associate Degree

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Earn a Forensic Science Associate Degree

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This step isn't necessary but is helpful to attain an entry-level position in local, state, and federal agencies.

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Complete a Bachelor's Degree with a natural science or forensic science focus

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Complete a Bachelor's Degree with a natural science or forensic science focus

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The next step is to complete a Bachelor's degree in programs like Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry.

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Pursue an Apprenticeship and get experience

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Pursue an Apprenticeship and get experience

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It's beneficial to get an introduction to actually working in the field. I'll work under senior forensic scientists and see what the work environment is like in actual crime laboratories.

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Finish a Professional Certification Program

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Finish a Professional Certification Program

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Receiving certification from an accredited organization will establish my excellence in forensic science and it will allow employers to recognize the education I've completed. This can enhance my resume and salary.

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There's undeniable intrigue in careers related to forensic science. Trained to see evidence invisible to the naked eye, these laboratory crime fighters use the rigorous powers of observation, inference, and research-based analyses to reconstruct (often violent) events and put criminals behind bars. Forensic scientists and forensic science technicians receive ample on-the-job training. Before seeking employment, most pursue college degrees in forensics, biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and other hard sciences, choosing specialized coursework in pathology, DNA, criminology, firearms, genetics, fingerprints, toxicology, trace evidence, and other relevant fields.

The daily responsibilities of forensic scientists vary from standard to specialized. O*NET (2023)-an organization sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor-details some of the common job responsibilities for these professionals. Forensic science technicians gather evidence (e.g., bodily fluids, clothing fibers, weapons, soils, plastics, etc); photograph or document findings (i.e., create "certificates of analyses"); analyze evidence using scientific procedures (e.g., scanning electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, genetic fingerprinting); visit morgues to examine victims of crime; stay abreast of methodological and technological developments in the field; compare evidence with digital records; liaise with experts in law, medicine, ballistics, metallurgy, handwriting, electronics, and other fields; create presentations for conferences; and testify as expert witnesses in court.

As for work environments, many forensic scientists work for the federal government-the highest-paying employer according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2022-although local governments are actually the top-employing organization in this field. Finally, before seeking jobs in the upper echelons of the discipline, many forensic science professionals choose to become nationally certified through agencies accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB).

Read on for a more granular look at the salary prospects and steps to becoming a forensic scientist, including typical education, program accreditation, and professional certification options.

Forensic Scientist Career Outlook

There's excellent news for the future of this profession. The BLS (2022) projects that openings for forensic science technicians will swell 11 percent between 2021 and 2031, double the growth rate anticipated for all occupations (5 percent). Furthermore, this expected addition of 2,000 jobs does not include increased opportunities in related careers such as crime scene investigators (CSI), medicolegal death experts, insurance investigators, biological technicians, chemical technicians, laboratory technologists, fire inspectors, etc.

The good news is that there's no shortage of opportunities for qualified forensic science technicians who have the right training under their belts. According to Indeed.com, in April 2023, there were 1,766 job postings for these professionals in the United States, including openings for a Forensic Scientist for the Department of Forensics in the District of Columbia, a Polygraph Examiner for the US Central Intelligence Agency, a Firearm-Toolmark Examiner for the Vermont Forensic Laboratory, and a Junior Digital Forensic Analyst for Deloitte in Rosslyn, Virginia. In sum, this is expected to be a high-growth career with employment in various US-based locations in the future.

Forensic Scientist Salary - How Much Do Forensic Scientists Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2022, forensic science technicians enjoy good wages nationwide. Among the 17,590 forensic science technicians around the US, the BLS found an average annual salary (annual mean wage) of $69,260, much more than the mean yearly salary for all occupations in the U.S. at $61,900 ( BLS 2022). As wages vary by region, experience, education, and other factors, the BLS provides a salary range breakdown for forensic science technicians.

In more detailed terms, here are the salary percentiles in this occupation in the US:

The salary data on Payscale (2023)-an aggregator of self-reported wages in common occupations-found slightly different ranges among its 258 forensic scientist respondents:

10th percentile: $40,000

50th percentile (median): $56,101

90th percentile: $88,000

As mentioned above, salary prospects tend to differ according to region. The highest-paying states for forensic science technicians are the following (May 2022):

Oregon: $93,900 (annual mean salary)

California: $93,630

Illinois: $91,380

Massachusetts: $87,500

New York: $81,200

However, these are not necessarily the highest employing states for these forensics professionals, a factor roughly correlating with state population size (May 2022):

California: 2,600 forensic science technicians employed

Florida: 2,260

Texas: 2,040

Arizona: 820

New York: 730

Finally, good news for Californians: four of the top-five highest-paying metropolitan areas are located in the Golden State (May 2022):

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $108,890 annual mean salary

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: $102,450

San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA: $97,920

Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA: $95,850

Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH: $93,910

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

Education and Professional Licensure Requirements for Forensic Scientists

The forensic scientist occupation can encompass several different professions, but this section will mainly consider the career of a forensic science technician. New forensic science technicians should earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree to give themselves the best chance of employment.

In most cases, there are no legal requirements for certification or licensure for forensic scientists. However, Indiana has explicitly developed a Crime Scene Certification Committee to certify crime scene investigators. There is a chance that other states will follow suit with licensure requirements.

In addition to legal certification, many forensic scientists pursue certification in their chosen specialty to improve employment opportunities. The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) accredits forensic toxicology, criminalistics, and document examination certifications. Each certification has discrete requirements, so those interested in pursuing this type of certification should determine the prerequisites.

Steps to Becoming a Forensic Scientist

There are many paths to a promising career in forensic science. Here is one possible path to joining this high-growth field:

Step 1: Graduate from high school

Aspiring forensic scientists are advised to graduate from high school, ideally with high marks in biology, chemistry, physiology, statistics, and mathematics, to set themselves up for success. Additionally, some students volunteer or intern in relevant agencies such as police departments, fire departments, medical laboratories, hospitals, or other organizations.

For example, the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) provides a weeklong summer internship to secondary students in forensic science with hands-on training through forensic simulations, supervised laboratory work, and lectures from experienced professionals. The summer sessions occur at American University and Columbia University, giving students hands-on opportunities to solve simulated crimes and interact with legal experts. Interested students are encouraged to contact local and national institutions to see which opportunities are available.

Step 2: Earn a forensic science associate degree (two years)

Some associate degree programs are available for prospective entry-level forensic science technicians. Admissions requirements for two-year programs in this field generally call for a high school diploma; a competitive GPA; a personal statement; and TOEFL test scores (for non-native speakers of English). In addition to general education, these programs may have classes in criminal law, fire & arson investigation, and the physical sciences.
Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) offers an associate in science degree in crime scene technology, preparing students for employment in criminalistics with a specialty in forensic science or crime scene investigation. The forensic science associate degree prepares students for employment as forensic identification specialists.

Made up of 60 credits, the program includes courses such as human behavior in criminal justice; criminal investigation; introduction to criminal justice; forensic science; crime scene technology; basic fingerprinting; biotechnology methods and applications; and general chemistry & qualitative analysis.

Graduates of the program will be able to pursue entry-level positions in local, state, and federal agencies in forensic sciences, medical investigations, crime scene investigations, insurance investigations, and laboratory technologies.

Step 3: Enroll in a bachelor's degree program (2-4 years)

While there are many ways to become a forensic scientist, earning a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, or a related field is highly recommended. O*NET Online (2023) confirms this, saying that most forensic scientists have a bachelor's degree. Not only can a four-year degree enhance employment prospects and earning potential, but it can also open doors to careers in related fields, particularly laboratory work. Graduates from two-year associate's degree programs can finish their degree in two years, while those enrolling in a bachelor's program from high school can complete this degree in four years.

Typical applications to scientific bachelor's programs may include the completion of specific coursework (e.g., high school level chemistry, biology, and mathematics); a competitive GPA; national test scores (SAT or ACT); a personal statement; letter(s) of recommendation; and TOEFL test scores (again, for non-native speakers of English).

In addition to general education, bachelor's programs for forensic scientists have courses such as criminalistics, forensic biology, organic chemistry, and more. The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)-the primary accrediting body for forensic science programs in the country-evaluates the quality of curricula, educational objectives, student support services, faculty credentials, admissions processes, and other relevant factors in schools nationwide.
The University of Tampa
For those seeking a degree in forensics, the University of Tampa (UT) provides a FEPAC-recognized bachelor of science (BS) program in forensic science. Students in this program receive training in forensic chemistry, crime scene investigation, forensic biology, forensic toxicology, fire debris analysis, and forensic firearms examinations. The curriculum of this program also includes internship opportunities with forensic laboratories.

Similar to many BS programs in forensics, UT provides a rigorous mix of laboratory experience and classes such as forensic chemistry; molecular biology; genetics; organic chemistry; forensic toxicology; introduction to criminal justice; biochemistry; and introduction to forensic research. The program comprises 86 credits.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science degree in forensic science, teaching students about interpreting evidence and solving crimes using the latest technology. They will gain hands-on experience and learn professional forensic science techniques investigating crimes. At the end of the program, students will have to attend an in-person culminating experience on ASU's West campus.

Comprising 120 credits, the program includes coursework in the fundamentals of genetics; modern concepts in biochemistry; general organic chemistry; principles of forensic science; fundamentals of forensic analysis; testimony and ethics in the forensic sciences; and analytical chemistry for life sciences.

Upon completing the program, graduates can take up roles such as biological scientists, biological technicians, chemical technicians, crime scene investigators, medical scientists, and health sciences managers.

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

Step 4: Get experience in a police department, crime laboratory, or another relevant setting (1-3 years)

At this stage, many graduates of forensic science programs choose to garner some professional experience in medical and diagnostic laboratories, police departments, local governments, federal agencies, hospitals, and other settings. Not only does this address the disjunction between didactic coursework and real-world applications, but it also can put these professionals in a position to seek national certification.

Step 5: Seek professional certification (timeline varies)

Although professional certification may not be required for employment, it can enhance a job candidate's resume or salary prospects. There are several relevant certification boards accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB), which include:

American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)

American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI)

American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)

International Board of Forensic Engineering Sciences (IBFES)

Crime Scene Certification Board, International Association for Identification (IAI)

American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA)

While requirements for these certifications vary, they typically involve possessing at least a bachelor's degree in a field relevant to forensics; proof of job experience; letter(s) of recommendation; submitting an application fee; and successfully passing a test. For example, the American Board of Forensic Toxicology's (ABFT) five-year "specialist" certification calls for official transcripts; a recent passport-style photograph; three professional references; proof of three years of experience; a $300 application fee; and passing a comprehensive exam. This certification is also offered at the "diplomatic" level to those with relevant doctoral degrees and at least three years of experience.

By contrast, the International Association for Identification (IAI) offers more targeted certifications that reflect specific competencies such as footwear identification; forensic art expertise; bloodstain pattern analysis; and ten-print fingerprint certification. Check with certifying boards for specific prerequisites.

Step 6: Enroll in a graduate program in forensic science (2-4years)

While a master's degree may be optional for many positions, for mid-career forensic scientists seeking to upgrade their knowledge and credentials, pursuing a master's or a doctoral program in forensic science is an enticing option. Here are graduate degree and certificate programs in forensic science.
Boston University
Boston University's (BU) School of Medicine hosts a FEPAC-accredited master of science (MS) in biomedical forensic sciences, one of the premier graduate programs of its kind in the country. This program trains students in a variety of disciplines applicable to both evidence analysis and crime scene investigation.

To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a baccalaureate degree (preferably in natural science) from an accredited university, GRE scores, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, a current A CV highlighting research, and TOEFL scores for students whose first language is not English.

In addition to supervised research and mock-court experiences, students must pass challenging coursework in criminal law & ethics; crime scene investigation; forensic biology; forensic chemistry; and trace evidence analysis, among others. The program consists of 38 credits.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to take up several career options in medical examiner offices, crime laboratories, scientific instrument companies, hospital or biotechnology laboratories, and law enforcement agencies.
Marshall University
The Marshall University Forensic Science Graduate Program is a prestigious institution that offers a Master of Science in Forensic Science degree, which is accredited by FEPAC. The program entails a five-semester core curriculum with both thesis and non-thesis options, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education in forensic science. To enhance their knowledge and expertise, students can opt for one or all of the four areas of emphasis offered by the program: DNA Analysis, Forensic Chemistry, Digital Forensics, and Crime Scene Investigation.

Applications are accepted every spring for a fall semester start. Applicants to this program must have a bachelor's degree in forensic or natural science, computer science, computer or electrical engineering, information technology, or equivalent and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This program is tailored to suit students who seek a deeper understanding of forensic science and to equip them with the necessary tools to excel in this exciting and fast-evolving field.
Stevenson University
Stevenson University's online master of forensic science is ideal for working professionals who wish to learn about the technology, pertinent law, and instrumentation used for collecting evidence for presentation in a court of law. Students in this program will receive training from the top experts in the field, as Stevenson University has a strong relationship with the U.S. Secret Service Lab, the Baltimore County Crime Lab, and the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division.

Applicants to the program must have a bachelor's degree in a natural science field, official college transcripts from all previous academic work, a GPA of 3.0, and a personal statement. Students must also complete prerequisite courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, statistics, and physics.

As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as physical evidence at crime scenes; serology & immunology; trace evidence; toxicology; crime scene investigation; and DNA analysis.

Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to work as forensic DNA analysts, forensic toxicologists, forensic latent print examiners, and crime scene investigators.

Finally, graduate certificate options are abundant as well, including online programs.
The University of Florida
For example, the University of Florida (UF) offers four distinct 15-credit, online graduate certificates in forensic science: death investigation, toxicology, drug chemistry, and DNA & serology. All of these programs can be completed entirely online.

For the forensic DNA & serology track, students must complete five foundational courses which impart skills in DNA analysis, blood-spatter analysis, interpretations of biochemical evidence, and nucleic acid chemistry, among other abilities.

The graduate certificate in death investigation is offered in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh College of Medicine. The curriculum for this program includes courses such as forensic analysis of DNA; forensic anthropology; and introduction to forensic medicine.

The toxicology graduate certificate is offered by the Department of Physiological Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine. It focuses on the principles of toxicology, drug biotransformation, and forensic toxicology.

Finally, the drug chemistry certificate is offered by the College of Pharmacy. It is structured to provide graduates with a solid foundation in drug pharmacology, analytical techniques, expert testimony, forensic drug chemistry, drug synthesis, and QA/QC procedures.

Location: Gainesville, FL

Duration: 12 months

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Tuition: $575 to $625 per credit

For more information on graduate education-both online and on-campus-please visit the forensic science online programs and forensic science education pages.

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How To Become a Forensic Scientist: Requirements & Steps

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Discover how to become a forensic scientist, including the education, experience, and certification to join this fast-growing field.

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The field of forensic science has now become a key part of the justice system, with forensic lab scientists working to unveil details of matters associated with regulatory, criminal, and civil matters. Their work is solely based upon scientific investigation, therefore helping law enforcement agencies and facilitating judicial matters that involve investigating crimes and resolution of legal problems.

Forensic scientists operate as a portion of an evidence team and oftentimes confer with crime scene investigators and members of law enforcement. Engaged mostly in forensic lab work, forensic scientists utilize their knowledge of analytical methods and scientific principles when they examine physical evidence collected at the crime scene. The scope of their duties also includes creating in-depth reports based on their findings, and they might be called to testify in court as expert witnesses.

Forensic scientists have to have a strong foundation within the natural sciences (physics, chemistry, and biology), and they also must understand the workings of the law and criminal justice system. To get ready to become a forensic scientist, someone should expect to complete numerous measures:

Steps to Become a Forensic Scientist

Step One: Complete at least a Bachelor's degree

People studying to become a forensic scientist first must pursue a degree program, preferably in a natural science or forensic science. Even though requirements for trainee or entry-level work within one of the forensic science disciplines oftentimes differ according to the law enforcement agency, most employers require at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.

Even though the road to a degree within this industry is pretty straightforward, the course of study might differ based upon the institution's offerings or area of study that is being pursued.

People wanting to learn how they can become a forensic scientist might pursue:

Certificate (undergraduate or graduate)

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Certificate (Undergraduate or Graduate)

Doctorate degree

An undergraduate or graduate certificate is the perfect addition to a chemistry, biology, or forensic science degree.

Forensic science undergraduate certificates often are pursued by people wanting to supplement their primary degree program, whereas forensic science graduate certificates are perfect for the ones already possessing a bachelor's degree within a natural science or for those already employed within the forensic science industry and have an interest in concentrating their career on a certain forensic science area.

Bachelor's Degree

Forensic science bachelor's degrees might include a Bachelor of Science in chemistry or biology, or they might be forensic science degrees that have concentrations in chemistry or biology. Furthermore, some forensics science bachelor's degrees permit students to concentrate their degree on a certain forensic science area, like ballistics, trace evidence, or DNA, for instance.

Just some of the available programs in forensic science are:

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry

Bachelor of Science in Genetic Engineering w/ a focus in Forensic Science

Bachelor of Science in Biology w/ a focus in Forensic Science

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry w/ a focus in Forensic Science

Bachelor of Science w/ a focus in Forensic Science

Master's Degree

Forensic science master's degrees are reserved for people who already possess a strong background in forensic science or natural sciences via an undergraduate program. Besides offering students the chance to concentrate their forensic science careers upon a certain forensic science area, most people seek a master's degree, so they can advance their career.

Some master's degree forensic science programs are:

Master of Science in Biomedical Forensic Science

Master of Science in Forensic Biology

Master of Science in Criminalistics

Master of Science in Forensic Science

Forensic science doctorate degrees are:

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Generally, PhD programs are reserved for advanced studies in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and forensic biochemistry, therefore making them perfect for those interested in pursuing teaching opportunities or scholar work.

A forensic pathologist is a Doctor of Medicine; thereby, this forensic science industry requires a Doctor of Medicine to practice as a medical examiner or in the industry of pathology.

DMD or DDS programs are reserved for dental practices. Thereby, people pursuing dentistry (forensic odontology) must hold this professional degree.

Step Two: Pursue an Apprenticeship or Training Program

After completing a forensic science degree program, most people pursue trainee or technician positions beneath the supervision of senior forensic scientists. Most employers hold training programs for new graduates, whereas other employers have certain periods of probation.

Step Three: Pursue a Professional Certification

Besides the completion of a forensic science degree program and training program or period, most forensic scientists search for a professional certification via forensic specialty boards. A few employers require that their forensic scientists accomplish certification, whereas a few forensic scientists pursue certification to advance into a supervisory role or accomplish professional recognition.

Professional certification is a concise indication of someone's experience in a certain forensic science area, as the majority of certification programs require completing certain education and expertise requirements and, more than likely, completing a comprehensive examination.

The FSAB, created with the support from National Institute of Justice, National Forensic Science Technology Center, and American Academy of Forensic Sciences, will serve as a forensic community in which professional boards or organizations which certify forensic specialists or individual forensic scientists are monitored, recognized, and assessed. A full list of accredited organizations may be found on the FSAB website.

Forensic Scientist Education and Skills

Even though the responsibilities of forensic scientists vary according to their specialty or discipline, they have to have similar skills that include having the ability to adequately show:

Deductive reasoning

Written and verbal skills

Problem-solving skills

Critical-thinking skills

In addition, they have to be highly detail-oriented and perceptive, and they have to have the ability to spend extended spans of time performing meticulous, oftentimes painstaking, work.

Besides holding a key set of characteristics, forensic scientists have to finish a certain course of training and education to accomplish the skills needed to do their jobs.

The most typical requirement that is found on any job description for a forensic scientist is a graduate or bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or an associated industry. Even though certain degrees generally aren't required in this industry, most employers search for programs which have been approved by the Forensic Science Education Programs Commission.

Furthermore, depending upon the specialty, most employers search for candidates who have specific coursework, like physics, organic chemistry, and microbiology.

Professional Certification for a Forensic Scientist

A certification in forensic science is common, given the multiple specialties which exist inside this industry. Typically, professional certification involves certain experience and educational requirements, and most require people to pass an examination before certification is accomplished. Some of the certification boards are:

The American Board of Forensic Toxicology

The American Board of Criminalistics

The American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators

The American Board of Forensic Document Examiners

A full certification board list may be found via Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board, created with support from National Institute of Justice, National Forensic Science Technology Center, and American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Other Requirements for Forensic Scientists

Besides detailing the experience and education requirements necessary for accomplishing a job in forensic science, a job description also may include additional requirements necessary to accomplish employment. Candidates specifically might have to:

Show proof of formal training program

Hold valid driver's license

Pass urinalysis drug test

Pass polygraph exam

Undergo background investigation

Finish a training course beneath the guide of a seasoned forensic scientist

Offer proof of certification, education, and expertise through certificates, diplomas, and original transcripts

Forensic Lab Scientist Salary

The average yearly salary for forensic science technicians was $52,840, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics with the leading 10% making over $85,210.

But, a forensic science salary, as with the majority of professions, is mainly dependent on education, experience, the industry, specialized knowledge, and geographic location.

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How to Become a Forensic Scientist - College Educated

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The field of forensic science has now become a key part of the justice system, with forensic lab scientists working to unveil details of matters associated