Careers and Resources
Careers
Careers related to forensic science are projected to grow 17% over the next ten years, much faster than the average for other occupations. Multiple employment opportunities exist in government and private sectors. Students should consult early with their advisors and professors to identify the best path for their interests and ultimate career goals. With two separate emphases to choose from, students need to understand which educational focus can provide them with the best opportunity for their desired employment.
Students who complete the Forensic Investigation emphasis will receive the educational and practical knowledge to secure employment in careers such as a crime scene investigator, medicolegal death investigator, latent print examiner, impression evidence examiner and firearms/ballistic evidence examiner.
Students completing the Forensic Laboratory emphasis will obtain education for working in disciplines such as a criminalist, forensic chemist, toxicologist, drug analyst, forensic technician or forensic scientist.
For various job postings in forensic science, see
IAI (International Association for Identification)
For more information, contact
Criminal Justice Department
801.863.7230
or
Career Development Center
careerdevelopmentcenter@uvu.edu
801.863.6364
Professional Organizations
Students pursuing a career in the forensic sciences become involved in opportunities that allow them to expand their forensic experiences beyond their education. Professional organizations allow individuals to network, obtain up to date advances in the forensic field, and attend annual meetings of professional forensic science organizations. Many different organizations provide students with this type of association. Several organizations even offer student memberships that can eventually be converted to professional status once the student is employed in the field.
Professional Membership organizations
- The International Association for Identification (IAI)*
- Utah Division of IAI*
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences*
- International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts
- Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction*
- International Association of Arson Investigators
- Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
- International Association of Forensic Toxicologists
- North American Forensic Entomology Association
- Society of Forensic Toxicologists
*Student memberships available
