Doctoral in Forensics

Introduction to Forensics
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.

Doctoral in Forensics Programs

What will I study in a PhD of forensics?
A doctoral degree in forensics normally lasts four years and 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 have a Master’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 students then attend a dissertation to defend their research before the degree is awarded.

What are the future prospects?
With a doctoral degree of forensics, graduates can go on to make rewarding careers in law enforcement, research organizations and various colleges and universities around the world. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics an estimated 12% increase in employment opportunities. Average starting salaries currently stand at $48,000 while PhDs in forensics earn $120,000 per year on average.