Forensic Science

Forensic science encompasses a wide range of sciences that uncover and analyze evidence used in criminal and civil court cases. Many students are interested in the field of forensic science. However, it is such a broad area of study, it can be confusing. There are many specialty areas within the field of forensic science; there are also subspecialties within many of the specialty areas.

Below is a list of some of the specialty areas within the field of forensic science:

Criminalistics

Criminalists (also called forensic science technicians) work in forensic science laboratories using science to analyze evidence. Criminalists analyze evidence such as body fluids, fibers, fingerprints and firearms.

Forensic Accounting

Forensic accountants examine financial records to uncover fraud and other white collar crimes.

Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropologists use the science of physical anthropology to identify bone fragments. Some forensic anthropologists use skulls to create models of how a face may have once appeared.

Forensic Computer Science

Forensic Computer Scientists search computers for evidence, investigate online fraud and track criminals.

Forensic Dentistry

Forensic dentists identify human dental remains and analyze bite marks.

Forensic Document Examination

Forensic document examiners assess the validity of handwriting and possible alterations to documents. They also use scientific knowledge of paper, ink and other related items to make determinations about documents.

Forensic Engineering

Forensic engineers explain why or how an incident occurred. For example, a forensic engineer may be asked to explain why an airplane crashed or why a building collapsed.

Forensic Entomology

Forensic entomologists use insect and arthropod evidence to reveal information about crimes.

Forensic Geology

Forensic geologists analyze soil and other materials from the ground for evidence.

Forensic Nursing

Forensic nurses work with victims in cases such as sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. They collect evidence, serve as a liaison to law enforcement and offer testimony in court.

Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathologists (also called medical examiners) are physicians who use their medical science expertise to determine cause of death by performing autopsies.

Forensic psychology / Forensic psychiatry

Forensic psychologists and forensic psychiatrics use their knowledge of human behavior to understand and interpret criminal behavior.

Forensic Toxicology

Forensic toxicologists analyze blood and biological materials to search for alcohol and other toxins.


The field of forensic science represents a diverse group of scientists, who use their expert knowledge in an effort to find and understand evidence. Some forensic scientists work for law enforcement agencies, while others work in the public sector. Some forensic scientists work full-time in the forensics field, while others assist in evidence analysis as part of their professional duties.

Students who wish to become forensic scientists should investigate their specialty area of interest. In addition to taking courses directly related to their area of interest, they may wish to take courses in writing and public speaking because all forensic scientists must be able to submit well written reports and offer expert testimony in court.