In Article <suziejCwtn4H.3nB at netcom.com> "suziej at netcom.com (SuzieJ at netcom.com)" says:
> I'm
> interested in forensic science, and I've been unsuccessful in determining
> if there's a specified degree for such, or is a BS in biology the basis
> for grad work in such a field, etc. and do either UCSD or UCI offer such
> specialized programs. Please note those are my schools of choice, but I'm
> in no way limited to them, they're simply closer than anything else for
> me now. I would appreciate any help you may have, or even just a point
> in the right direction, I'd hate to spend more time going the wrong way!
> Thanks!
>> Suzie
Wow! Good for you! My advice would be to write to or visit forensic
scientists, or the crime lab of a fairly large police department. Those
folks will have hard info on what degrees and training you might need to
get to where they are. They will also be able to tell you things about
forensic science no counsellor can, such as working conditions, opportunities
for advancement, and so on. They may also know where specific degree
programs are located in your area.
With regard to training, I would think that you couldn't miss with a solid
chemistry or biochemistry major, especially if you get some lab experience
using analyitical equipment (gas chromatographs, spectrophotometers and
the like). Also consider a major in molecular biology; you can see in
the OJ case that DNA identification of suspects and victims is going to
continue to be an important factor in forensic science, as the techniques
improve in reliability. As for advanced degrees, that again is something
that folks in the field can tell you more about.
Good Luck!
Kev
