Education and training is required to become a forensic investigator because it is one of the positions in law enforcement that is based on various scientific methods. Those interested in this career should research job details before making a formal career decision due to the graphic nature of some cases that may require this service. After researching the general responsibilities of a forensic investigator, potential applicants should also decide on the specific area that they are interested in. Due to the variety of careers in this field, educational requirements may vary. Some agencies have smaller and less complicated case loads which may only require an associate's degree, but larger law enforcement agencies may prefer employees to have a master's degree in a criminal justice field.
Degree programs should be heavily based on criminal justice and a variety of science courses. Students should research universities that have a well-developed forensic science department to ensure that they are familiar with all procedures involved in crime scene investigation. Coursework may include toxicology, latent fingerprints, fundamental concepts of forensic science, trace evidence, biology, chemistry, and other sciences related to forensic methods. An associate's degree is the minimal requirement for some jobs, but most prefer at least a bachelor's of science (B.S.) degree in forensic science or criminal justice. The intricate details of this profession generally require an enhanced knowledge of forensic psychology and less mainstream science methodology in order to successfully become a forensic investigator.
After successful completion of a degree program, students are usually required to participate in an extensive training course in order to obtain hands-on experience. There are several programs that offer training courses, but most law enforcement agencies prefer future employees to train at their facility. One of the primary reasons for this is for employees to familiarize themselves with the agency and its particular methods. Training to become a forensic investigator outside of the hiring agency may prepare applicants for the additional training they will receive once hired.
Most students discover that it is easier to apply to various law enforcement agencies during their last year of college and receive on the job training needed to become a forensic investigator. Aside from scientific theory and methods, investigators should have advanced technical writing skills, excellent communication skills, and patience. Analytical thinking and superior problem solving skills are also extremely important to become a forensic investigator due to the complexity of the work.