Earning a forensic Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) may help you to advance in the forensic science field. You may pursue this degree in order have more job opportunities, be more competitive in the job market, or land positions that provide higher pay; you may even pursue this degree in the hopes of teaching at a college or university. The requirements you’ll have to meet to earn a forensic PhD may depend on the college or university at which you decide to pursue this educational path. In most cases, however, you’ll need to complete secondary school or earn a secondary-school diploma equivalent. Then, you’ll likely have to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field and gain admission to a forensic PhD program.
Completion of secondary school is the typical prerequisite you’ll have to meet to begin college and start working toward a forensic PhD. While you’re in secondary school, you may do well to take classes in advanced sciences to build a foundation of knowledge that may help you in college. Paying close attention in math classes may help as well. You may even benefit from classes that require critical thinking as well as those that help you build communication skills. If you do not complete secondary school, however, you may gain admission to college with an equivalent diploma instead.
After secondary school, you’ll typically have to earn an undergraduate degree as you work toward earning a forensic PhD. Most forensic PhD programs require successful applicants to have four-year degrees in a related field. If you choose a life science major, for example, you may be well prepared. There are some PhD programs that also require students to have master’s degrees or at least prefer them to applicants with less education. As such, you may consider earning a related master’s degree once you complete the undergraduate program.
Besides earning an undergraduate degree, there may be other requirements to meet to be admitted to a forensic PhD program. For example, you may need to have a minimum grade point average and provide official transcripts from each school you’ve attended. You may also have to provide test scores from standardized exams and letters of recommendation. Some schools may ask you to provide a resume if you have work experience. Additionally, you may have to write and submit a statement of your goals with your application.
Once you are enrolled in a forensic PhD program, you’ll likely take courses in such subjects as forensic toxicology, chromatography, and pharmacological analysis. You may have independent study and research to perform as part of the program as well. You will likely also prepare a PhD thesis or research project as you work toward this degree. Some programs require PhD candidates to take comprehensive exams as well.
