Forensic Chemistry

Alexis Severson
Outlook/Opportunities
Guardedly optimistic
Increasing application for forensics
examine, solve, and prevent crime
Overview
Annual Wage in 2012: 52,840/year
Use science to solve crimes
Analyze physical evidence and samples to
solve crimes
Television shows have made the field of
forensics more popular
finding a job is more competitive

Licensing Requirements
Requirements vary by employer
Forensic graduate/Natural Science
Graduate along with undergraduate degrees
are recommended
Strong background in Chemistry and
Instrumental Science are vital
Extensive coursework in math, chemistry,
and biology-- some require a Ph.D.
Workspace
90% of forensic chemists work in labs
Federal, state, or local police department, medical
examiners office, forensic services lab, or branch
of the FBI
Chemists apply chemistry, biology, material
science, and genetics to analyze evidence
Are you a good fit?
KEY: Versatility & Patience
Must be able to spend hours applying
analytical techniques to evidence
documenting
constantly challenge the reasoning for the findings
ability to remain unemotional & unaffected at
crime scenes or with remains
Technical Skills
Detail Orientation
Being able to explain in great detail

Critical thinking skills
Excellent experimental technique
Written communication skills
Being able to explain your findings not only in
writing, but also in front of or to other people
A Future in this Profession
6-12 months of on-the-job training
DNA analysis
3 years of training for firearms analysis
Proficiency tests
Allows you to work on your own
Stay up-to-date on advances in both collection &
analysis of evidence
More common fields include: county, state,
and federal lab examiners
Future Employment Trends
Guardedly optimistic about job prospects
Greater use of DNA analysis
Creating more jobs
Popular media is creating more competition
and interest in forensic careers
New labs are rarely created
Promotion & Retirement are the main source of
open positions
Increasing pressure on government budgets also
decreases available openings
Information Found Using
http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/careers/
college-to-career/chemistry-careers/forensic-
chemistry.html