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 New York. New York State could be a great environment for those who have an interest in forensic science and want to pursue a career. A number of forensics colleges in New York offer courses and certificates, some of which may available through colleges located in the heartbeat of the state — New York City. Potential students who are interested in exploring their options can look beyond forensic science colleges in New York to industry sites such as the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) to find additional information and guidance. The site offers a great deal of information on the occupation and various aspects of a career.
Forensic Science Requirements in New York
Forensic scientists in New York are vital to solving criminal cases, even those that have gone cold. For example, in 2013 the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory assisted in solving a homicide from 1998 that had occurred in the Onondaga Indian Nation Territory, where a skull was discovered but no other remains. The family of a Syracuse woman who had disappeared came forward in 2010 with DNA evidence, which the county crime laboratory entered into a national DNA database. A match to the skull was found, confirming that the skull had come from the missing woman. Furthermore, a DNA match was linked to a man who was already in prison for a sexual assault case where he died in 2006, believed to be the perpetrator in this case.
Forensic scientists in New York are often rewarded with the positive feelings that come from solving challenging cold cases like this one.
Forensic science jobs found in New York include:
- Criminalist
- Chief Medical Examiner
- City Medical Examiner
- Forensic Science Faculty Position
- Forensic Technology Services Managing Director
- Laboratory Preparation Technician
- Digital Forensics Director
Forensic Science Training in New York
A master’s degree may be required for senior-level, supervisory and management positions in forensic science. A master’s degree field of study often correlates with a forensic science technician’s career specialty. For example, a supervisor who works in DNA analysis might pursue a master’s degree in molecular biology or genetics, while a drug analyst might pursue a master’s degree in chemistry. According to the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), science-based graduate programs with extensive lab coursework provide the best training for forensic science career advancement.
Entry-level forensic science technicians may be hired by police departments, coroner offices, forensic laboratories, academic institutions and government agencies. Once hired, they are often trained in a particular specialty, including DNA analysis, trace evidence, drug analysis, latent fingerprints, toxicology or firearms. Training periods may last from six months to two years.
Forensic Science Salary in New York
The BLS provides information on the salaries of these technicians throughout the state and in certain cities. The average salary of a forensic science technician in New York state was $60,750 in 2012. Those in the 90th percentile made $84,250 a year. The salary levels for selected cities are: Albany-Schenectady-Troy – $63400 average annual salary and $84250 top tenth percentile salary; New York City area – $61720 average annual salary; $86680 top tenth percentile salary.
In addition to the wages of forensic science technicians being slightly higher in the Albany area, this metropolitan area had the ninth highest concentration of jobs of any metropolitan area in the U.S. There were 120 such positions in 2012. Approximately one out of every 3000 employees in the city was a forensic science technician in that year.
One type of forensic scientist job available in the state is that of a criminalist. The New York City Police Department has five different types of positions for criminalists, depending on their educational level and amount of experience. In 2013, a Criminalist IA earned $43,727, while a Criminalist IV made up to $104,454.
Other types of forensic science jobs take place out of the lab. Scientists who go into the field and preserve evidence at crime scenes are known as crime scene investigators (CSIs). Some law enforcement agencies use sworn officers who are experts in investigation as their CSIs, while others employ civilians in this position. One type of civilian position is an evidence technician. Such a position in Albany started at $30,928 a year in 2013.
Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in New York
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
University | John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science B.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $18,360 per year |
Program link |
University | John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology B.A. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $18,360 per year |
Program link |
University | The College of Saint Rose, Forensic Psychology B.A. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $28,036 per year |
Program link |
University | The College of Saint Rose, Forensic Science B.A. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $28,036 per year |
Program link |
University | Utica College, Cyber Security B.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $33,216 per year |
Program link |
University | Pace University, Forensic Science B.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $36,732 per year |
Program link |
University | Long Island University, Forensic Science B.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $28,456 per year |
Program link |
University | Hofstra University, Forensic Science B.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $37,440 per year |
Program link |
Masters Programs
University | John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity M.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $18,360 per year |
Program link |
University | John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health M.A. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $18,360 per year |
Program link |
University | John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology M.A. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $18,360 per year |
Program link |
University | John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Computing M.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $18,360 per year |
Program link |
University | John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science M.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $18,360 per year |
Program link |
University | The Sage Colleges, Forensic Mental Health M.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $20,200 per year |
Program link |
University | Syracuse University, Biomedical Forensic Science M.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $29,660 per year |
Program link |
University | Syracuse University, Forensic Science M.S. |
Duration | 4 years |
Type | Full time, Part time |
Tuition and fees | $29,660 per year |
Program link |