Doctorate in Forensic Science

Forensics is one of the most challenging and rapidly growing fields today and focuses on the collection and analysis of various physical materials and substances in relation to a criminal investigation. Forensic scientists are responsible for gathering evidence from a crime scene and running it through various chemical and physical tests in a laboratory. The results conclusively point to the perpetrator of the crime and a prosecution backed by strong scientific evidence usually ends up with a conviction. Forensic scientists are also involved in studying various aspects of criminal behavior and carrying out studies to analyze crime patterns and propose appropriate security measures.

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What will I study in a PhD of forensics?
A doctoral degree in forensics allows students to choose from a number of specializations, including forensic accounting, forensic psychology, and computer forensics. In order to be admitted to a doctoral program, applicants must alt least have a Bachelor’s degree in criminology, forensics or a related field and pass a standard admission test. The core subjects included in this degree are analytic methods, DNA analysis, molecular biology, pharmacology and toxicology. Students carry out research on a certain topic and prepare a research paper or thesis, outlining their findings. This paper is then approved by professors and the students then submit a dissertation to defend their research before the degree is awarded.

What are the future prospects?
With a doctoral degree of forensics, graduates can greatly improve their chances of building a career in law enforcement, research organizations and various colleges and universities around the world. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated a 19% increase in employment opportunities from 2010 - 2020. The median salary that forensic technicians earn as of 2012 stands at $52,840, while those holding PhDs and more experience can eventually earn much higher, such as the top ten percent lot in this field that have annual incomes above $85,210.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Doctorate in Forensic Science?

Many schools in the US, such as the Sam Houston State University, are offering a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forensic Science. Students usually take around 4 to 5 years to complete this program. The course curriculum helps develop the students’ problem solving skills, critical thinking ability and advanced discipline specific knowledge. It also prepares them to take leadership positions in the industry.

What Are the Requirements to Complete a Doctorate in Forensic Science?

Students enrolled in the PhD in Forensic Science are usually required to complete a minimum of 86 credit hours in order to graduate from the program. They have to complete a total of 23 credit hours of core courses, 28 hours of electives and 15 credit hours of thesis research. They have to study a range of modules like Forensic Instrumental Analysis, Forensic Toxicology, Controlled Substance Analysis, Forensic Biology, and Forensic Science Research. They also have to maintain a 3.0 GPA in all courses, in order to graduate. These requirements are subject to variation as per every university’s requirements.

How Much Can I Make after Completing a Doctorate in Forensic Science?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the annual median wage of Forensic Science Technicians was $58,230 in 2018. In 2018, the number of jobs in this field was 16,700. Moreover, it is expected that the employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow by 14% between 2018 and 2028. Around 2,400 new jobs will be created in this field over the 10 year period between 2018 and 2028.