Forensic Science
College of Humanities and Sciences ▪ Department of Forensic Science ▪
1020 West Main Street Richmond, VA 23284-3079 ▪ Main Office: Room 2015 ▪ Phone: (804) 828-8420
Description of Major: Forensic Science is the application of science to the law. Around every crime is
a story. Who was the victim? Who was the culprit? What was their connection? Forensic science is a
means to unravel the story. Eyewitnesses, victims and even suspects can forget or can change their
stories. The physical evidence never forgets and cannot change. It is the forensic scientist’s job to use,
analyze and interpret the physical evidence. They are objective and advocates for the evidence. The
criminal investigation may start at the crime scene and end in a courtroom, but an essential part of the
process is the forensic laboratory.
Forensic science is the use of the physical sciences to analyze physical evidence in criminal
investigations. Forensic scientists work in local, state, and federal government and private laboratories.
They testify as the expert witnesses for the state and defense in criminal trials.
Concentrations:
Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry
College:
College of Humanities and Sciences
Occupational Choices: The occupations listed below provide a sample of career options one may choose
with this academic background. Keep in mind, however, that some fields will require graduate study or
further schooling of some kind. Many more occupations exist and are worth investigating.
Administrator of public
services
Assistant Medical Examiner
Botanist
Chemist
Computer Analyst
Criminalist
Crime Scene Investigator
Deputy Medical Examiner
Forensic Chemist
Latent Fingerprint Examiner
Forensic Consultant
Forensic DNA Analyst
Forensic Drug Analyst
Associate
Forensic Investigator
Forensic Pathologist
Forensic Scientist
Medical Examiner
Molecular Biologist
Odontologist
Director of Laboratories
Document Examiner
Drug Chemist
Firearms Examiner
Forensic Scientist
(DNA/Trace Evidence)
Forensic Technologist
Evidence Technician
Fingerprint Analyst
Histologist
Forensic Analyst
Laboratory Analyst
Pathologist
Psychologist
Questioned Document
Examiner
Professor (assistant,
associate or full)
Tool mark examiner
Toxicologist
Trace Analyst
Trace Evidence
Technologist
Professional Organizations: Gain a wealth of information by contacting professional organizations:
American Academy of Forensic Sciences: http://www.aafs.org
The Forensic Science Society: http://www.forensic-science-society.org.uk/
Internet Sites:
Academy of Behavioral Profiling. http://www.profiling.org
American Academy of Psychiatry and Law. http://www.aapl.org/
American Board of Criminalistics. http://www.criminalistics.com/ABC
American Board of Document Examiners. http://www.abfde.org
American Board of Forensic Anthropology. http://www.csuchico.edu/anth/ABFA
American Society of Forensic Odontology. http://www.asfo.org
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD). http://www.ascld.org/
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. http://www.atf.treas.gov
Crime and Clues. http://www.crimeandclues.com
Crime Scene Investigation. http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/
Federal Bureau of Investigation. http://www.fbi.gov
Forensic Entomology. http://www.forensic-entomology.com/
High Tech Crime Investigation Association. http://www.htcia.org/index.htm
International Association of Arson Investigators. http://www.firearson.com
International Association of Forensic Nursing. http://www.forensicnurse.org
International Association for Identification. http://www.theiai.org/
International Crime Scene Investigators Association. http://www.icsia.com/
National Association of Medical Examiners. http://www.thename.org
Society of Forensic Toxicologists. http://www.soft-tox.org
Zeno’s Forensic Site. http://www.forensic.to/forensic.html
Thinking about majoring in Forensic Science? Here are some questions you might
want answered:
Tell me more about this field of study.
“The forensic sciences play an important part in our justice system. Forensic scientists may be involved in
all aspects of a criminal case, and the results of their work may help either the prosecution or the defense.
The point of forensic science is to use all the scientific information available to determine the facts.”
Tell me more about specializations in this field.
Forensic Evidence
▪ Computer and digital image enhancement ▪ DNA
▪ Drugs
▪ Entomology
▪ Crime scene reconstruction
▪ Fingerprints ▪ Firearms/Ballistics ▪ Footwear & shoeprints
▪ Hair fibers
▪ Handwriting ▪ Linguistics/audio
▪ Locks
▪ Paint
▪ Photography ▪ Poisons & toxins
▪ Polygraphs
▪ Voice and speech analysis
▪ Sculpting
▪ Toolmarks
▪ Tire tracks/skid marks
▪ Forensic pathology
▪ Forensic architecture
▪ Forensic medicine
▪ Forensic accounting
▪ Forensic odontology
▪ Forensic economics
▪ Forensic nursing
▪ Wildlife forensics
▪ Forensic accident investigation
▪ Forensic engineering
▪ Forensic psychology and psychiatry
▪ Forensic anthropologists, artists & sculptors
▪ Forensic computer examination
▪ Forensic coroners or forensic death (medical or legal) examiners
▪ Forensic social workers, psychiatric technicians, mental health workers, and counselors
What common major or minor combinations from other departments complement this major?
Combinations could include: Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English,
Environmental Studies, Mathematical Sciences, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine, and Psychology.
Are there any practicum or internship experiences through the department that are available to this
major?
▪ Rams Recruiting: http://www.students.vcu.edu/careers/campint/index.html
▪ FRSC 493, Forensic Science Internship: http://www.has.vcu.edu/forensics/programs/pdfs/fshandbook0607.pdf
▪ Students could also benefit from getting involved in organizations, such as, the Forensic Science Student Club. Go to
http://www.usca.vcu.edu/studentorgs/ to see what other organizations you’d be interested in.