What can I do with a degree in Investigative Forensics?

Forensic Biology/Criminalist

Forensic biology is the analysis of blood and other biologic matter in law enforcement and includes DNA analysis. With a career in forensic biology or one of its disciplines, you will be spending most of your time in a lab. If you become an expert in your field you may be called to testify at trials.

Your UMUC degree in Investigative Forensics will help prepare you for this exciting field.

Career Areas

Forensic biology can also be broken down into disciplines, including:

• Forensic Anthropology (Analysis of Bones)
• Forensic Botany (Plant Analysis)
• Forensic Odontology (Tooth Analysis)

Employers

• Federal Government Law Enforcement Agencies
• State Law Enforcement Agencies
• Local Law Enforcement Agencies
• Private Laboratories
  

Strategies

Get on the fast track to career success by following these recommendations:

• During your undergraduate studies become familiar with a laboratory setting.
• Focus your elective coursework on the sciences such as chemistry or biology. 
• Get involved with an internship or co-op program with a law enforcement agency.
• A degree in Investigative Forensics will prepare you for an entry level position but you will become more competitive in the field if you obtain an advanced degree in forensic biology or investigative forensics.
• Consider going into the police academy after college.  Quite often forensic investigators are former police officers.