Student FAQs
What is Forensic Science?
- Forensic science is the application of scientific methods and principles to investigate crimes and support the justice system. It involves analyzing physical evidence—such as DNA, fingerprints, and trace materials—to uncover facts that help law enforcement and courts resolve cases.
What functions do Forensic Scientists perform at DFS?
- DFS forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence submitted by investigating law enforcement authorities and the medical examiner’s office. They issue written reports and testify in court regarding the outcome of their scientific analyses.
Please note: DFS forensic scientists rarely, if ever, visit actual crime scenes. Instead, they analyze the evidence collected and assist in training qualified law enforcement officers on the proper collection and submission of evidence for laboratory analysis.
What education is required to become a Forensic Scientist at DFS?
- Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a biological or physical science. Advanced degrees are helpful but not mandatory for most forensic science disciplines. Many of our examiners have a BS degree in chemistry or biology and an MS degree in forensic science. Our Forensic Toxicologists hold doctoral degrees in chemistry, toxicology or pharmacology.
What is the difference between a Crime Scene Investigator and a Forensic Scientist?
- Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) and Forensic Scientists play distinct roles in the criminal justice process. CSIs work primarily at crime scenes, where they collect, document, and preserve physical evidence such as fingerprints, biological samples, and trace materials. Their focus is on proper evidence handling and maintaining the chain of custody, and they often have backgrounds in law enforcement or criminal justice rather than advanced science degrees. In contrast, Forensic Scientists work in laboratory settings, analyzing the evidence collected by CSIs. They perform specialized scientific tests, interpret results, prepare detailed reports, and frequently testify as expert witnesses in court. These positions require advanced education in scientific disciplines such as chemistry, biology, or forensic science, along with strong analytical and communication skills. In short, CSIs gather evidence in the field, while Forensic Scientists analyze that evidence in the lab.
Where can I study Forensic Science?
- Many universities offer forensic science programs, and some are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), which ensures programs meet rigorous curriculum standards. Information on FEPAC accreditation standards and accredited programs can be found on their website. For additional information on forensic science education opportunities and a career brochure, visit the What is Forensic Science? or Careers in Forensic Science pages of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences website.
How do I become a Qualified Forensic Scientist?
- To be considered a qualified Forensic Scientist with the DFS, candidates must meet specific requirements designed to maintain laboratory accreditation and ensure competency. These requirements include:
Education and Training: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and specialized training in the chosen forensic discipline.
Certification and Competency: Prior certification as a forensic examiner, including documented training and demonstrated competency in courtroom testimony.
Most Forensic Scientists achieve qualification through structured on-the-job training within an accredited forensic laboratory.
What types of internships are offered?
- Internships are unpaid, project-oriented and are designed to be mutually beneficial to the intern and the Department. DFS does not offer internships consisting solely of "shadowing" experiences.
Am I qualified for an internship at DFS?
- Internships for college and university students are very limited and are managed by DFS Laboratory Directors. Priority for any available internship opportunities is given to graduate students in FEPAC accredited forensic science programs, then graduate students in forensic science programs at other colleges, and thereafter to college students in science programs at the undergraduate level. High school students are not eligible for internships.
How do I apply for an internship?
- To express your interest in an internship, please submit your request a minimum of one semester prior to the actual semester of interest by sending the following to the Laboratory Director at the lab location of interest:
- CV/resume AND
- A cover letter expressing your area of interest including project idea, current degree program, academic/professional letter of reference and the dates you are requesting to conduct your internship
- If you are seeking an internship for academic credit, provide information regarding your college’s requirements, expectations and contact information for the appropriate college representative
Once all required information has been received by the appropriate Laboratory Director, it will be screened to ensure the candidate meets the criteria (see qualifications FAQ above). If the request can be accommodated, the Laboratory Director will consult with others within the Department to identify a mentor and determine if your project idea aligns with the Department’s mission or if a suitable project is available.
Laboratory Director contact information:
Where can I get more information about forensic science?
- There are excellent online resources that provide general information about forensic science.
Check your local college library for the Forensic Science Handbook, Vol. II and Vol. III by Richard Saferstein. University and medical school libraries may carry the Journal of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Science Society, Forensic Science International and the Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal.
Which schools offer degrees in forensic science?
- Forensic Science is a popular degree program. Programs that are accredited by the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) meet rigorous curriculum standards. Information on FEPAC accreditation standards and accredited programs can be found on their website. For additional information on forensic science education opportunities and a career brochure, visit the What is Forensic Science? or Careers in Forensic Science pages of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences website.
The Department of Forensic Science has an affiliation with forensic science education programs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia and George Mason University (GMU), located in Fairfax, Virginia.
VCU offers both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Forensic Science, which are accredited by FEPAC. Several of the lecture/laboratory courses within the Masters program are taught at the DFS Central Laboratory in Richmond. More information about both degree programs can be found here.
GMU offers both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Forensic Science. More information about both degree programs can be found here.
How do I get a job in forensic science?
- The Department of Forensic Science employs forensic scientists who examine and analyze crime scene and other evidence submitted by investigating law enforcement authorities and the medical examiner’s office. The scientists issue written reports and testify in court regarding the outcome of their scientific analyses. DFS forensic scientists rarely, if ever, visit an actual crime scene. DFS scientists assist in training qualified law enforcement offices to retrieve crime scene evidence and submit it appropriately in order to preserve its value as evidence suitable for forensic laboratory analysis. Nearly all forensic scientist positions require a bachelor’s degree in a biological or physical science. Our Forensic Toxicologists hold doctoral degrees in chemistry, toxicology or pharmacology. Advanced degrees are helpful but are not required in other forensic specialty areas. Many of our examiners have a BS degree in chemistry or biology and an MS degree in forensic science. On occasion, DFS will seek to hire a “trainee” for a position in one of its laboratories. Such trainee positions are highly competitive and may require undergraduate and graduate level education and coursework as noted above. To obtain the requisite experience for a laboratory position, it may be useful to serve in an unpaid internship at a forensic laboratory. This is usually easiest to do while one is a student. All positions currently available at DFS, including trainee positions, are listed on our Job Openings page. Our technical positions are also posted to the AAFS Employment Opportunities page and the ASCLD Job Postings page.
