Getting Started in Forensic Science

• Find out the job title of the type of work you’d like to do; re: Criminalist

• According to the California Association of Criminalists, “A criminalist is a person with a background in science, typically having at least a baccalaureate degree in an area such as chemistry, biology, forensic science, or criminalistics. Some criminalists have degrees in other, similarly related areas. Many criminalists have advanced degrees.”

• Another good source of information is the U.S. Department of Labor’s most recent  Occupational Outlook Handbook. You can search this book by job title and find the following information for any job:

• the training and education needed

• earnings

• expected job prospects

• what workers do on the job

• working conditions

• California Employment Development Department’s Labor Market Information is another good place to begin a search for your prospective career path.

• Job flyers are another great source of information on qualifications for your chosen career path.

• Once you have decided on a probable career path, enroll in classes at East Los Angeles College, BPACE Forensic Science Academy, or another college or hands-on academy.

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• Remember that one of the most important assets you must have when applying for jobs in the future is a clean record. The following can disqualify you from being considered for many forensic science positions:

• Felony arrests

• Lengthy bad credit history (including failure to pay child support)

• Numerous traffic violations

• Drug abuse

• Domestic abuse