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What Can I Do with a Forensic Science Degree in Indiana?

Compared to other criminal justice specialties, forensic science is still relatively new. Experts in this field note that it has changed substantially since technology first started allowing the use of physical evidence in criminal investigations.

In the city of Kokomo, investigators note that forensic scientists see upwards of 300 cases per year (Kokomo Tribune, 2017). They claimed that earlier forensic tests required an entire tablespoon of blood for testing, while the latest tests require a microscopic amount of blood. In addition, evidence processing techniques have become much faster, allowing scientists to avoid a backlog of cases and untimely delays.

The more that technology evolves to meet the needs of criminal justice professionals, the more that the demand for forensic science professionals may grow.

Forensic Science Degrees in Indiana

 Choosing the right forensics degree is the first step in your chosen career path. This area of study is highly technical, so you can choose the type of degree that suits your previous education and work experience.

If you’re a new student, consider earning an Associate’s degree in forensic science. An Associate’s degree requires at least 60 credits, which takes the average student two years of full-time study. Many programs are also open to part-time students, allowing adult students to keep working while earning their degree.

Associate’s-Level Courses in Forensic Investigations

• Investigating Forensic Science
• Concepts of Forensic Science
• Professional Issues in Criminal Science
• Forensic Chemistry

 A Bachelor’s degree in forensic science may give you a more in-depth look into the world of criminal justice. Over a period of four years, you earn 120 credits while taking general education classes and criminal justice courses.

If you already have an Associate’s degree, you may be able to finish a Bachelor’s degree in two to three years. Since this degree is considerably longer than an Associate’s degree, you should get more experience with laboratory technology and procedures. In fact, hands-on experience is one of the cornerstones of this type of degree.

In addition to laboratory courses, you may get the opportunity to complete an internship at a local research facility or criminal justice institution.

Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Criminal Law
• Laws of Evidence
• Forensic Psychology
• Research in Criminal Justice

 Graduate-level forensic science degrees are the natural choice for those who have already completed their undergraduate education. To enroll in a Master’s program, you must already have your Bachelor’s degree in most cases.

Some Indiana schools require undergraduate study in criminal justice or physical sciences, but other options accept students from a variety of educational backgrounds.

From start to finish, a Master’s degree involves about two years of work. By the time you graduate, you should have at least 30 credits.

Each program sets its own requirements and standards. While some graduate programs require completion of a thesis, others have non-thesis options that involve a research project or long-term internship.

Master’s Courses in Forensic Science

• Special Topics in Forensic Science
• Advanced Forensic Microscopy
• Forensic Science and the Law
• Forensic Biology
• Seminar in Forensic Science

 Are you ready to do your part in solving crimes and analyzing the evidence needed for court cases?

Learn more about the best forensic science colleges in Indiana by contacting the schools listed on this page.

Working as a Forensic Scientist in Indiana

 The practical experience and advanced theoretical education you get as a forensic science student should lay the groundwork for an entry-level career in this industry. Options vary between different parts of Indiana and levels of study. This is where practical experience is particularly valuable; having contacts in this field may help you find out about new job openings before they go public.

One career option involves lots of laboratory hours and analysis. Indiana forensic science technicians claim an average income of $57,960 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). By the year 2024, job openings for forensic science technicians may increase 23% (O*Net, 2017).

In this role, you may work for a research facility that processes evidence or develops new forensic technology. You may also look for employment with criminal justice agencies at a local or state level.

Some graduates want to use their education in a law enforcement career. You may become a criminal investigator, since investigators often have the task of analyzing evidence, collecting it from the scene of the crime, and piecing it together with other clues.

On average, criminal investigators earn $63,670 per year in Indiana (BLS, 2017). Demand for criminal investigators may jump 5% between 2014 and 2024 (O*Net, 2017). To become a criminal investigator, you may need to start as a police officer and work your way up.

There are many other roles within the criminal justice industry that you may fill, since more and more career paths now require an understanding of evidence analysis and forensic equipment.

Most Indiana counties, and many individual cities, have coroners on staff. In this role, you may carefully gather evidence to conduct autopsies and look for signs of criminal activity. Statewide, the average salary for a coroner is $65,330 annually (BLS, 2017). A 9% increase in job openings is expected by the year 2024 (O*Net, 2017).

Don’t wait any longer to pursue a career that you enjoy.

Get more information on becoming a forensic scientist by contacting Indiana schools today.

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