Forensic Science
Forensic science combines science and investigation in order to aid and support the prosecution or defense in criminal and civil investigations. While the profession has been widely romanticized by various TV shows, make no mistake – this job is most likely different that you expect. In contrast with popular perception, this is a highly scientific role, which often involves detailed, painstaking work. Field duties are limited to a few areas of expertise, and most often than not a forensic scientist will spend his time in the lab.
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 Mississippi.
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.
Forensic Science Requirements in Mississippi
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Crime Laboratory, which was established in 1956, consists of a main laboratory in Jackson, along with three regional laboratories in Meridian, Batesville, and Gulf Coast. The Mississippi Crime Laboratory (MCL) provides forensic services to the state’s law enforcement agencies, from Gulfport and Biloxi to Hattiesburg and West Gulfport.
Mississippi is home to many colleges and universities that offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in forensic science and similar disciplines that allow students to acquire the ability to communicate scientific principles and analytical results through a strong theoretical understanding of basic scientific principles.
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Biological Sciences
A Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Biological Sciences provides students with the skills needed to pursue forensic scientist jobs in such areas as DNA analysis and identification.
Common core coursework may include:
- Introduction to forensic science
- Forensic biology
- Forensic analysis
- Fingerprint analysis and techniques
- Survey of forensic toxicology
- Forensic laboratory policies and procedures
- Drug identification
- Crime scene documentation
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biochemistry
A Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biochemistry is designed to prepare students for forensic science careers in such areas as: serology, toxicology, and drug identification.
Common core coursework may include:
- Introduction to Forensic Science
- Forensic Biology
- Forensic Analysis
- Fingerprint Analysis and Techniques
- Survey of Forensic Toxicology
- Crime Scene Documentation
- Arson and Explosives
- Special Projects in Forensic Science
Forensic Science Training in Mississippi
There are two major job classifications through the MCL: forensic scientists and forensic biologists, with careers ranging from trainees to Level 5, depending upon education, experience and professional certification.
Forensic scientists in Mississippi may work through either the Impression Evidence Division or the Analytical Division.
A forensic science trainee in the Impression Evidence Division must possess a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, while a forensic science trainee in the Analytical Division must possess a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, with at least 24 semester hours of chemistry and analytical chemistry.
A forensic biologist trainee in the MCL’s Bioscience Section must possess a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a directly related field.
Forensic Science Salary in Mississippi
According to the Mississippi Department of Economic Security (MDES), 300 forensic science technicians were employed in the state in 2010. The field is growing nationally and in Mississippi. The MDES projects job growth in the double digits throughout 2020. The increase is projected to be 13.3% with fifteen jobs becoming available each year.
Forensic labs are scattered throughout Mississippi. The Columbus and Jackson Police Departments have their own crime labs, while the Mississippi Department of Public Safety has its main lab in Jackson. Additional regional labs are located in the following cities: Batesville, Gulf Coast, Meridian.
Forensic scientist salaries can vary widely depending on the amount of experience and the specialty of the scientist. The average salary for a Mississippi forensic science technician in the period from September 2012 to October 2013 was $66,000 according to Indeed.com.
In addition, many forensic scientists are crime scene investigators (CSIs). This position entails rapidly arriving at a crime scene to document the site and collect and preserve evidence for further examination in a lab.
The types of positions for CSIs vary greatly in Mississippi. Some law enforcement agencies hire civilians for these positions, while others use senior patrol Deputies or sworn Criminal Investigators as their crime scene technicians. The average salary for a crime scene investigator in Mississippi was $62,000 in the year preceding October 2013 according to Indeed.com.
Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Mississippi
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Mississippi
| University | University of Southern Mississippi, Forensic Science B.S. |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Type | Full time, Part time |
| Tuition and fees | $15,736 in-state; $32,296 out-of-state per year |
| Program link |
| University | Mississippi State University, Forensic Science Concentration B.S. |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Type | Full time, Part time |
| Tuition and fees | $16,960 per year |
| Program link |
Master’s Degree Programs in Mississippi
| University | University of Southern Mississippi, Forensic Science M.S. |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Type | Full time, Part time |
| Tuition and fees | $19,116 per year |
| Program link |
