Forensic Science Programs in Missouri
As the field of criminal justice has grown over the years, it has split into many small subfields that allow professionals to focus on specific areas of study. One of the areas that has seen the most growth is forensic science.
While the field of criminal justice has historically focused getting subjects to confess as a primary way of solving crimes, forensic science has changed the game completely. Now, even in the face of a noncompliant suspect, it is possible for investigators to build a case with an accurate crime timeline and solid, irrefutable evidence.
Considering a forensic science major or graduate degree? Choosing a school is the first step.
Use our list of Missouri forensic science schools to reach out to programs in your area.
What Can I Do with a Forensic Science Degree in Missouri?
The full abilities of this field were put to the test in a recent Missouri case. While performing a welfare check on an archeologist, criminal justice professionals found four coffins full of human remains in the man’s house (The Scientist, 2017). Through forensic science techniques and with the help of various types of equipment, they were able to determine the age of the skeletons, their ethnic background, and where they originated from. This helped investigators determine whether or not the skeletons were legally obtained.
Forensic Science Degrees in Missouri
As you explore Missouri forensic science colleges, you may be shocked by the amount of degree options available.
Unless you already have a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree may be the first step for you. You may be able to earn an Associate’s degree in about two years by completing between 60 and 70 credits.
From start to finish, a Bachelor’s degree requires four years of study and the completion of 120 credits. If you plan on taking your education to the next level with a Master’s degree, you must first earn a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Associate’s-Level Forensic Science Classes
Forensic Chemistry (3 credits): Explore important chemistry concepts and learn how to apply them to the field of forensic science.
Forensic Biology (3 credits): This course blends forensic science and biology, giving you techniques for analyzing and understanding biological evidence.
Psychopharmacology (3 credits): Psychopharmacology is the study of the use of drugs in the treatment of mental disorders. Many of these medications have serious side effects, and understanding these side effects is crucial in working with victims and suspects.
Crime Scene Photography (3 credits): Learn the basic tenets of crime scene photography and develop your photography skills in various crime settings. You may also learn how crime scene photographs are used.
Laws of Criminal Evidence (3 credits): Evidence must be collected, stored, and analyzed in very specific ways to be admissible in court. Learn about this detailed process in this course.
Bloodstain Evidence (3 credits): In this class, learn how to gather samples of blood from bloodstains. You can also develop your skills in the analysis of bloodstains.
Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Investigation
Criminal Investigation (3 credits): Find out what the criminal investigation process covers and how your work as a forensic scientist may help investigators solve crimes more quickly. This course is also helpful for those who want to use their forensic science knowledge in a law enforcement role.
Law, Ethics, and Testimony (3 credits): These three topics are closely related in criminal justice, so you must be well-versed in all three areas to effectively carry out your forensic science work. Learn about legal aspects of processing evidence, working ethically in criminal justice settings, and service as a witness in court cases.
Forensic Science Topics (3 credits): With topics that change each semester, this course covers the latest issues and developments in forensic science.
Murder to Trial (3 credits): Murder is one of the most serious crimes investigated by forensic science professionals. Delve into the process of uncovering a murder, investigating it, and bringing it to trial.
Instrumental Analysis (3 credits): In this class, you learn how to use forensic science technology and equipment to perform analysis of evidence specimens.
Don’t wait any longer to start your forensic science career.
Get more information on forensic science degrees by contacting Missouri schools today.
Working as a Forensic Scientist in Missouri
In Missouri, the demand for forensic science professionals is growing quickly, keeping it in line with job growth throughout the country. This trend may continue for several years to come as forensic science becomes an even more important tool used by investigators, prosecutors, and judges. While there are many jobs in large metropolitan areas like St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri’s suburban and rural areas also have an expanding need for criminal justice professionals.
Those who want to work directly in the field of forensic science often choose to become forensic science technicians. While you may travel to crime scenes occasionally to gather evidence, most of your work is done in the laboratory. You should be able to work independently while still being an important part of an investigative team. In Missouri, forensic science technicians earn an average of $50,260 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Job openings may see a 25% boost between 2014 and 2024 (O*Net, 2017).
Criminal investigators may also have a forensic science background, since they are often the first responders to crime scenes. If you like the thought of working in your community to solve crime, you may want to learn about the process of becoming a criminal investigator. The average salary in this field is $69,800 per year (BLS, 2017). By the year 2024, O*Net anticipates a 2% increase in job openings throughout Missouri (2017).
If you want to take on a challenging and in-demand role in forensic science, look into becoming a coroner. This can be a demanding role, since it often involves working with the victims of violent crime. However, the work done by coroners is indispensable; the evidence they gather can bring justice to victims and bring peace to their families. Missouri coroners claim an average income of $60,320 per year (BLS, 2017). Job openings may jump 3% by the year 2024 (O*Net, 2017).
Find out how you can keep your community safe and work with the latest technology in a forensic science program.
Get in touch with Missouri forensic science colleges now to explore your options.
