Forensic Science
Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past which is then used in a court of law and it requires very intense training and formal education.If you made it this far, though, congratulations! You’re taking the first steps in joining a very rewarding profession and itsGOV is here to guide you through what you need to know and what you need to do to join a forensic science program in Arizona.
Depending on the type of forensic science practiced, different degrees and educational backgrounds may help a candidate get a job and excel in this field. Regarding formal education, requirements vary across jobs, but you should definitely have a solid background in mathematics, biology and chemistry.
The National Institute of Justice, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, offers guidelines for model undergraduate and graduate forensic science degree programs. According to the American Academy of Forensic Science, strong programs should offer a curriculum that concentrates on scientific writing, laboratory skills, public speaking, and computer software application training.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Scientific Analysis Bureau is a state agency responsible for providing scientific analysis of trace evidence, technical crime scene assistance, and expert testimony to all criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona. Four regional crime labs carry out these services:
- Central Regional Crime Lab: Phoenix
- Northern Regional Crime Lab: Flagstaff
- Southern Regional Crime Lab: Tucson
- Western Regional Crime Lab: Lake Havasu City
According to a May 2012 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Arizona ranks fourth in the nation for its employment level in forensic science and second in the nation for its overall concentration of jobs and location quotients, with the Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale metropolitan area ranking first in the nation. The annual mean salary for forensic scientists in this metropolitan area, as of May 2012, was $56,380.
Forensic Science Requirements in Arizona
Forensic scientists and science technicians collect, analyze and classify physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Certificate programs may consist of up to six or more courses that highlight criminal law and justice as well as forensic science fundamentals. They are available through 4-year colleges as post-baccalaureate certificate of completion programs that can be completed in 1-2 years, or as undergraduate certificate programs that take about a year to complete either alone or in conjunction with bachelor’s degree studies. Internships or field experiences may be necessary. Students who successfully pass a proctored examination may qualify for a professional certification.
A professional certificate in forensic science is meant for those who are interested in working in criminal investigation or who are currently employed in law enforcement and wish to expand their base knowledge in forensic evidence collection. This 6-course certificate program provides students with a basic knowledge of criminal systems, investigation techniques and collecting and preserving evidence for criminal court. Undergraduate students can earn forensic science certificates at several schools while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a similar field, similar to a minor. These certificates, administered by the department of sociology or criminal justice, consist of 12-29 hours of coursework.
Criteria for admission to an undergraduate certificate program include GPA, transcripts and a personal statement of career plans. The statement must explain how the student plans on using the undergraduate forensic science certificate toward their career goals. Letters of recommendation and other prerequisites may be required. Forensics certificate programs take place in the classroom or online. Full degree programs include lab and outside work. Students study DNA and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), crime scene analysis, death investigation, human identification, courts, ethical issues, toxicology, anthropology, microanalysis and chemical analysis. Most forensic certificate programs are meant to complement graduate programs in forensic science or a related degree.
Forensic Science Training in Arizona
Arizona is a popular state for those who want to receive a degree in forensic science. Currently, according to 2014 information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 940 people are working as forensic science technicians in the state. Those who are interested in learning more about the offerings that the state has when it comes to forensics should look into some of the other programs and organizations there including the Southwestern Association of Forensic Sciences. Of course, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) offers information as well.
The demand seems to be growing for those who are in the field. In 2008, there were only 450 specialists in the state, in 2010, there were 680, and the number is up to the aforementioned 940 today. In Arizona, career opportunities for forensic science technicians are expected to increase by 17 percent from 21010 to 2020, according to data provided by Career One Stop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Nationwide, job opportunities for forensic science technicians is projected to grow by 19 percent during the same time period.
Forensic Science Salary in Arizona
The average salary of a Forensic Science Technician is $56,150. Salaries start from $34,930 and go up to $86,700. Please note that the average salary for a Forensic Science Technician may vary depending on several factors, like level of education, amount of experience, industry, company size and location. In particular, the Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale area had the greatest employment level of any metropolitan area in the country. Five hundred and ninety of the 830 forensic scientists employed in Arizona in 2012 were located there. Forensic jobs continue to be available in Arizona, but they are generally due to the replacement of people leaving the workforce rather than to the creation of new jobs. Workforce Arizona has projected the growth in forensic science technicians to be as follows for 2012 through 2014: Phoenix – growth 3,8, which equals 73 jobs and Tucson a 2,8% growth which equals 16 jobs.
Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Arizona
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
University | Northern Arizona University, Criminal Justice B.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $13,120 in-state, $26,760 out-of-state per year |
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University | University of Arizona, Forensic and Clinical Psychology B.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $ 20,406 per year |
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University | College America, Forensic Accounting B.S., Tucson |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $ 13,406 per year |
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University | College America, Forensic Accounting B.S., Phoenix |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $ 13,406 per year |
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University | Brown Mackie College B.S., Tucson |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $ 16,744 per year |
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University | University of Phoenix, Criminal Justice Administration, B.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $ 12,300 per year |
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Master’s Programs
There are currently no Master’s programs of Forensic Science in Arizona.