How to Become a Forensic Expert: Career Guide, Courses, Salary, Jobs, Scope, Types, Steps, Abroad, After 12th

Forensic Science is a big area and consists of several career options both in the private and government sectors.These professionals have an especially bright job outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 32% increase in information security jobs between 2018 and 2028.

Cybersecurity is a promising field, with nearly 300,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the United States and an expected 3 million jobs globally by 2023.

According to PayScale data forensic computer analysts earn an average annual salary of $73,900. The lowest-earning 10% earn around $50,000 per year, while the top 10% earn $118,000 or more.

It is a complete science subject and is not limited to that subject only. Many colleges around the world offer courses in forensic science including B.Sc Forensic Science, Masters in Forensic science, Ph.D. in Forensic Science , PG Diploma in Forensic Science, and even certificate courses. Other than that there are standard courses, several application-based courses like fingerprint study or criminal psychology are also available.

Almost all of these courses are majorly in offline mode and are taught in colleges considering their application, but few online certificate courses can also be found on websites like Coursera and FutureLearn.

Table of Contents

Quick Facts About Forensic Experts

1.1 Who is a Forensic Expert?

1.2 Who Can Become a Forensic Expert?

Types of Forensic Expert

2.1 Biological Technicians

2.2 Chemical Technicians

2.3 Chemists and Materials Scientists

2.4 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

2.5 Fire Inspectors

2.6 Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

2.7 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

2.8 Police and Detectives

2.9 Private Detectives and Investigators

Overview of Positions in a Forensic Expert
Top 5 Highest Paying Forensic Science Careers

4.1 Forensic Medical Expert

4.2 Forensic Experts

4.3 Forensic Accountant

4.4 Crime Scene Investigator

4.5 Crime Laboratory Analyst

Types of Forensic Expert Courses

5.1 Forensic Expert Certificate Courses

5.2 Forensic Expert Diploma Courses

5.3 Forensic Expert Bachelor’s Course

5.4 Forensic Expert Master’s Course

How to Become a Forensic Expert: Jobs

6.1 iHackers Inc

6.2 BDO India Limited Liability Partnership

6.3 Genpact India Private Limited

How to Become a forensic expert: Skills
Forensic expert courses in Foreign

8.1 Forensic Experts Best Colleges in Europe

8.2 Forensic Expert Best Colleges in US

8.3 Forensic Expert Abroad Eligibility Criteria

How to Become a Forensic Expert: Salary

9.1 Average Annual Salary

9.2 Specializations Wise

9.3 Experience Wise

How to Become a Forensic Expert FAQs

Quick Facts About Forensic Experts

A wide range of courses is offered in Forensic Science. They vary from certificate courses to Ph.D. degrees. The duration of the course is from a few months to 3-4 years.
The average salary needed for completion of a degree in forensic science starts from INR 3,00,000 to even 10,00,000 a year. People can earn more by specializing in specific areas in forensic science.
Different courses have different charges. The average fee for a bachelor’s in Forensic Science is from INR 30,000 to INR 2,00,000. For a Master's degree, it is from INR 20,00 to INR 2,00,000; and for a Ph.D., it can be from INR 45, 000 to INR 4,00,000. Many institutions provide financial support to students.

Go through the full list of Top PhD Forensic Science colleges in India.

Who is a Forensic Expert?

Forensic experts students come from all areas of science and medicine, not just blood analysts and DNA technicians.
Forensic psychologists can also determine the mental health of patients or criminals and give well-designed opinions on their current state of mind.
Forensic reconstruction masters can speak with experience about speed, direction, and implications of an accident while driving, and what are the favorable factors that can make such an accident possible.
Forensic designers can study computers and other devices to trace the information removed from a hard drive. In some cases, it also shows what kind of activity has been performed on a device.

The Major Job Role Forensic Experts Are:

Providing evidence in a civil trial
Making a decision
Forensic investigation

In laboratories, forensic technicians typically do the following:

Able to Perform chemical, biological, and microscopic analysis on evidence taken from crime point.
Studying all possible connections between suspects and criminal activities, by using the results of DNA or other scientific analyses
With the guidance with experts in specialized fields, such as toxicology (the study of poisons and their effect on the body) and odontology (a branch of forensic medicine that concentrates on teeth)

Who Can Become a Forensic Expert?

Students who are wishing to become forensic experts will have to undergo hard training for a few months. However, the training is performed at a very last stage, first, they have to complete their educational requirements.

Every forensic expert must have gained work experience right after completing their graduation course.
Apart from the educational requirements, to become a successful forensic expert, one must have a piece of good knowledge, concepts, and procedures.

Types of Forensic Expert

Here are the types of the forensic experts, you can pursue any of them,

Biological Technicians

People of these areas help in studying biological and medical researchers conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
Sometimes they are even called laboratory assistants, who basically are liable for doing scientific tests, experiments, and analysis under the guidance of biologists (such as microbiologists) or medical scientists who directly evaluate their work.
Biological technicians usually use old laboratory instruments, advanced robotics, and automated equipment to perform experiments.
They employ specialized computer software to collect, analyze, and design experimental data.
Few biological technicians, like those who assist the work of zoologists and wildlife biologists, can collect samples in the field, so they may need the ability to hike tough terraces or travel through wilderness areas.
Biological technicians work in various types of research areas. They may support medical researchers by providing new medicines and treatments to laboratory animals. They may isolate proteins from other cell material, and analyze data from an experiment.

Chemical Technicians

Chemical technicians use very advanced tools and techniques to help chemists and chemical engineers to do research, develop, produce, and test chemical products and processes.
Most chemical technicians work in groups. They are supported by chemists or chemical engineers who guide their work and analyze their results.
However, they may work as guides to chemists who are new to a lab or a specialized area of research.
Technicians who work in laboratories can also help in conducting experiments that contribute to research and development.
For example, some chemical technicians can help chemists, doctors, and other scientists to invent new medicines.
Through this way, chemical technicians often mend the gap in knowledge remaining when a chemist moves on to a new assignment.

Chemists and Materials Scientists

Chemists and materials scientists practice particles at the atomic and molecular levels and study how the substances collide with each other.
They use their experience to design new and improved products and test the quality of manufactured goods.
Chemists and expert scientists study particles at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze how to study substances that interact with one another.
They use their knowledge to design new and improved products and to verify the quality of manufactured goods.

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

Environmental science and protection technicians acquire environmental knowledge and investigate the main sources of pollution and contamination, including those that hamper public health.
Many environmental protectionists and technicians work under the mentorship of environmental scientists and specialists, who guide the technicians' work and analyze their results.
In addition, technicians usually work with experienced people like scientists, engineers, and technicians in other fields to solve big problems based on environmental degradation and public health.
For example, if scholars want to work in teams with geoscientists and hydrologists to handle the cleanup of contaminated soils and groundwater all-around an abandoned bomb manufacturing site.

Fire Inspectors

Fire inspectors examine buildings to detect fire problems and make sure that central, state, and local fire goals are met.
Fire investigators are a type of worker in this field, who find the root cause of fires and explosions.
Forest fire examines and prevents specialists to assess outdoor fire hazards in public and residential areas.

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

They are indulged in eliminating Hazardous chemicals and materials (hazmat) removal, workers’ identification, and disposal of asbestos, lead, radioactive waste, and other hazardous substances.
They also equilibrise and clear up materials that are fire catcher, corrosive, or toxic.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Medical laboratory (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and do several studies to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.

Police and Detectives

Police officers can save the lives and property of other people.
Detectives or criminal investigators, who are usually called agents or special agents, collect facts, figures, and evidence from crime scenes. Police and detective work is very demanding, stressful, and dangerous.
Officers must be active and ready to react throughout the entire shift. Officers everyday work at crime and accident points and encounter suffering and the results of violence.
Although a job in law enforcement may be demanding, many officers find it encouraging to help members of their communities.

Private Detectives and Investigators

Private detectives and investigators look for useful information about legal, financial, and personal matters.
They provide several facilities, like verifying people's history and statements, finding missing persons, and investigating computer crimes.
Private detectives and investigators use numerous types of tools when researching the facts in a case.
Much of their work is done using computers, permitting them to collect information such as telephone numbers of suspicious people, details about social networks, guiding of online activities, and records of a person's prior arrests records.
They call the people to verify facts and interview people when conducting a background check.

Check Out: Eligibility Criteria for GATE Exam.

Overview of Positions in a Forensic Expert

Even though they mainly work normal office hours, you may have to do shifts or be on call. As crimes can occur any time, you must be ready to work evenings and weekends or anytime.

Average salaries for forensic scientists typically start at around INR 20,54,533.21
With experience, their salaries can increase to between INR 25000 to 345.25500
Salaries at senior levels can increase up to INR 46,22,699.71

Top 5 Highest Paying Forensic Science Careers

Here are the top 5 highest paying Forensic Science careers which the aspiring students can pursue,

Forensic Medical Expert

Examiners help in finding the main cause of death when someone dies unnaturally. To work as a medical expert you will mostly have to take board certification so make enrollments before taking decisions.

Forensic Experts

Forensic experts analyze machines and design to find the root cause of failure, foul play, and other criminal activities. Who works as a forensic expert can expect to earn INR 61,07,778.68.

Forensic Accountant

They can work in many areas like breach of contracts, post disputes handling, bankruptcy, securities fraud, tax fraud, money breaching, business evaluation, and examining computers and information technology for crimes.

Crime Scene Investigator

To become an investigator student with at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science-related areas. In 2015 the average starting salary was around INR 3,61,969.

Crime Laboratory Analyst

For this role, the analyst uses their knowledge and skills of biochemistry and molecular biology to analyze data sheets like firearms, blood, DNA, and other body fluids.

There are various courses in forensic science courses that can benefit one to become a forensic expert. Here is getting, and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics notification, which says that the basic degree for forensic experts is a bachelor’s degree.

Types of Forensic Expert Courses

There are many types of forensic expert courses available for all the aspirants, they can pursue the career they want.

Forensic Expert Certificate Courses

Getting a certificate is a big goal worked towards by many students throughout their academic careers. Getting a certificate means that a student has proficiency in the fundamental understanding of the concepts involved in the given field. This can be proven either through hard coursework and/or testing.

Forensic science courses include the methods of using science to help determine a crime scene, with the real purpose of gathering evidence for a court.
This process is built into many criminal investigations and trials.
Students learn the reasons behind the methods used to collect evidence and also study cases in which this process has been most useful.
There are numerous benefits for applying to this program that offers a certificate in forensic science.
Though most importantly, students learn whether or not they wish to continue this chosen field. For some, it may be the start of a successful career as a forensic scientist.

Course name	Provider	Duration
Eal Bones: Adventures in forensic anthropology	Coursera offered by Princeton University	6 weeks
Forensic Psychology	Udemy	2.5 hours
Digital Forensics	The Open University, UK	6 months
Introduction to Forensic science	Coursera, offered by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore	8 weeks
Forensic accounting and fraud examination	West Virginia University	4 weeks
Basic forensic science photography	Udemy	2 hours
Forensic science and criminology	International Forensic Science Institute Maharashtra, IFS India	Not available
Cyber Forensics and cyber law	IFS India	Not available

Forensic Expert Diploma Courses

The course has been designed with the aim, to provide a beginning and orientation to the functioning of the Indian Criminal Justice delivery system, and the role of forensic science in this process.
The use of case studies, mock crime scenes, and various practicals permit the eligible candidates to get and to learn the basic skills important for investigation.
Content of the course involves foundations of criminal law, crime scenes, and crime scene processing, ethics and research methods, investigation procedures, forensic biology, DNA and immunology, medico-legal investigations, emerging trends in forensic science.

Diploma courses	Colleges	Fees
Diploma in Forensic Science and Criminal Law	St. Xaviers College, Mumbai	INR 27,000
Diploma in Document Examination	International Forensics Science Institute	INR 5000-35000

Forensic Expert Bachelor’s Course

Bachelors in Forensic expert courses students are trained to find, collect, record, and trace evidence from crime scenes.
Forensic scientists maintain various clues collected from the crime scene and use the latest and advanced tools to convert these clues into evidence which are produced in court for prosecutions of the criminals.
After completion of Bachelors in Forensic Sciences, a student can get a job in Forensic State Labs, CBI, Central Forensic Labs, Educational Institutions, Mental Health Facilities. Etc.

Course name	College	Fees
B.Sc Forensic Science	The Lovely Professional University, Gujarat Forensic Science University, Mumbai University, etc.	15,000 - 5 Lakhs
B.Sc (Hons) Forensic Science	Amity University Noida, Bundelkhand University, Jain University Bangalore	20,000 - 5 Lakhs
B.Com Forensic Accounting	An India Forensic Pune, Institute of chartered accountants of India Delhi, IFS Institute	10,000 - 4 Lakhs

Forensic Expert Master’s Course

M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences is a 2-year full-time postgraduate program, divided into 4 semesters.
Forensics is a way to determine what happened before, during, and after the crime. Students can focus on one area of their choice of forensics, such as Biology or Cyber Security, matched to the sort of criminal activity to detect.
The course also involves an advanced study of Psychology for understanding a criminal’s mind.
Risk analysis is a skill studied in a forensics program, which students can go for both in life and job.
Other skills required for the course, need attention-to-detail and critical thinking, analytical observation, and an eye for detail, which are useful in every phase of life. These skills help students in solving problems, critically analyzing the many consequences of a single act.

Course name	Colleges name	Fees
M.Sc Forensic Science	The Lovely Professional University, SGT University, GD Goenka University, etc.	INR 20,000 - 3 lakhs
PG in Criminology and forensic science	School of Social work Mangalore, Shrinivas University Mukka, Lovely Professional University	INR 2 - 5 lakhs
M.Sc in Forensic Psychology	Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, IFS Institute	INR 1 - 3 lakhs

How to Become a Forensic Expert: Jobs

Most of the company sectors in the forensic expert are,

iHackers Inc

Cyber Forensics Expert internship

Identify, gain access, and secure any necessary tools or systems to be examined.
Re-develop damaged hardware, if necessary. Also, use other ways to ensure data is not manipulated during the analysis. Gaining the target information and assessing the credible and complete set of data. Identify and write any metadata associated with the database, like date creation, owner, etc. Writing any other findings or discovered files that may be relevant. Make sure that all work is completed in stipulated time and in compliance with local and federal laws and forensic standards. Collect the information in a legal and admissible way.
Conducting data breaching and doing incident investigations
Recovering and examining data from computers and electronic devices like hardware
Dismantling and rebuilding technology to recover lost data.
Identifying additional systems/networks manipulating by cyber attacks
Compiling all the evidence for the legal cases
Developing technical reports, write declarations, and preparing evidence for trial.
Give expert advice to lawyers about electronic proof in a case
Advise law-making on the liability of acquired data
Providing expert testimony at court proceedings

BDO India Limited Liability Partnership

As a team, you will be needed to make effective and efficient delivery of our Forensic services to clients, maintain sound client relationships and assist in overall marketing efforts. Your key job responsibilities will include to:

Managing/leading multiple involvement from several industries in the field of forensic investigations, fraud risk reviews, due diligence, forensic and transaction management.
Ensure right presentation at fieldwork as per work plan and adhere to assignment mandates
Carrying out investigative modules to identify problems and collect relevant evidence
Send detailed information on observations/findings within scheduled timelines
Must be able to clearly define the value of a business, and are responsible for developing facts both for existing customers and new customers.
Ensure compatibility with the firm's risk management policies and procedures
Manage key regions of engagements

Genpact India Private Limited

Must know about Azure Data Factory, Data Lake, Synapse DB, Azure Databricks, Python, pyspark, etc as demanded by the company.
Have good knowledge of Azure Solutions to transfer and do best practices, connect with the technical team to remove key people.
Should have good experience in ELT/ETL Cloud platform using Azure Data Factory
SQL includes Azure Synapse DB for Implementing Enterprise DWH
Data management using (Azure Databricks, Python (Pandas, Numpy )

How to Become a forensic expert: Skills

To become a forensic expert you must have some useful skills required in this career. There are some skills for the Hotel Manager career. You need to have:

The ability to do fine, analytical, pain-taking jobs with good attention to detail.
a logical, unbiased, and methodical approach to solving problems.
a persistent approach and a detective mind.
knowledge to work well in a team, as well as alone.
Having good written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate technical information to non-experts.
capacity to work to meet deadlines.
Should have good color vision.

Forensic expert courses in foreign

Forensic Science is a 3 to 4-year course available in countries of Europe or the US. It is a very fascinating and different type of work in comparison to the other jobs.
Students should have a good score in the class 12 Boards and clear the language tests to get a chance of completing a Bachelor in Forensic Science abroad.
Intelligence agencies, laboratory labs, police, and investigative agencies are some of the agencies that hire students of forensic science.

Forensic Experts Best Colleges in Europe

Courses in Europe are easy to understand and are cost-effective which can help in improving knowledge/learning solutions beyond the borderlines.
Students can go through these courses in Europe at the comfort of home or office and can take different forensic courses in Europe at their own speed.
Some of the best Forensic experts colleges in Europe are given below along with the country with their average annual fees;

College Name	Country Name	Fees (INR)
University of Dundee	Scotland	21,82,700
Keele University	England	15,05,330
University of Amsterdam	Netherlands	7,52,600
University of Strathclyde	Scotland	18,81,660
Uppsala University	Sweden	10,76,300
University College London	England	22,58,000

Forensic Expert Best Colleges in the US

Forensic science involves many different areas like fingerprint analysis, DNA mapping, crime scene reconstruction, handwriting examination, criminal psychology, and more.

Many colleges of higher education offer courses in forensics for students who want to increase their knowledge more about the legal applications of science.

The United States has some of the best Forensic expert institutions around the world. Some of the best Forensic expert colleges along with the country and fees are given in the table below:

College Name	Country Name	Fees (INR)
Mercyhurst University	United States	27,09,600
University of Central Florida	United States	15,05,330
Pennsylvania State University	United States	22,58,000
Loyola University Chicago	United States	30,10,660
Cedarville University	United States	22,58,000

Forensic Expert Abroad Eligibility criteria:

Some of the basic eligibility criteria for admission in a BSc Forensic expert around the world are mentioned below:

Successful completion of 15 years of study
A personal authentication from the applicant
At Least 70% in class 12th Boards
At least 2 references from researchers or professors
Work experience for 1-2 years is very important
Proof of English language speaking skills
The quality of the profile should be high
Interview performance must be proficient

How to Become a Forensic Expert: Salary

Students with a bachelor's degree in Forensic science hold basic positions like a forensic technician, crime scene investigator, or forensic pathologist with an average salary of Rs 3 – 4 lakhs per annum.
For a Master's degree, it can be from 20,00 to 2,00,000, and for a Ph.D., it is from 45000 to 4,00,000. Most institutions provide financial support to the students.

Average Annual Salary

Name of organisation	Average Annual Salary
Government	INR 3-4 LPA
Private	INR6_10 LPA

Specializations Wise

Specialization	Salary
Forensic scientist	INR 4.95 Lakh per annum
Forensic Consultant	Rs 7.20 Lakhs per Annum
Forensic Investigator	Rs. 3.00 Lakhs per Annum
Assistant Central Intelligence Officer	Rs 3.60 Lakhs per Annum

Experience Wise

Fresher	INR 3-7 LPA
Experienced	INR 5-10 LPA

How to Become a Forensic Expert FAQs

Q1: Is a forensic expert career tough?

Ans. Yes, it is a tough course because it includes the study of several other disciplines of science. It is kind of a mixture of biology, physics, and chemistry and hence becomes quite difficult.

Q2: What is the radius/scope of forensic experts in India?

Ans. As crime is increasing around the globe and data going through several stages, the demand for professionals in the field is highly demanding who can check the data. From government labs to counselors to investigations, the nation is in high need of forensic experts.

Q3: Can a student pursue a B.Sc Forensic Expert from Distance course?

Ans. Distance mode of education is not provided by any university in India for B.Sc Forensic experts, as this course involves heavy practical activities.

Q4: Is Biology compulsory for B.Sc in Forensic expert?

Ans. No, Biology is not compulsory at 10+2 level for B.Sc Forensic experts. Students who have chosen Maths are also eligible.

Q5: What are some of the majors in a forensic expert?

Ans. Some of the majors in a forensic expert can be Fingerprint Examination & Analysis, Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation, Forensic Medicine, Forensic Photography, DNA Fingerprinting, Drug Analysis, Forensic Biology & Serology, etc.

Q6: What are the jobs after Forensic expert studies?

Ans. Some of the job options available after completing courses in forensic expertise are Forensic Scientist, Forensic Analyst, Crime Scene Investigator, Legal Counselor, Forensic Technician, Lab Assistant, Forensic Toxicologist, Forensic Professor, etc.

Q7: What are some of the private colleges for Forensic experts?

Ans. A few of the private colleges for forensic science are Amity University, Galgotias University, Lovely Professional University, etc.

Q8:What are the qualifications needed to start a course as a forensic expert?

Ans. The qualification needed is the completion of 10+2 with a minimum of 60% aggregate in the science stream.

Q9: Can other courses be taken along with bachelors in Forensic experts?

Ans. Several certification courses can be pursued and a bachelor's in Forensic expert, which can help you get the job instantly.

Q10: What are the major employment areas for Forensic experts after graduation broad?

Ans. The major employment areas for Forensic experts for graduates are Colleges & Universities, Police Departments, Forensic Labs, Crime Branches, Security Agencies, and many more.

How to Become a Forensic Expert: Career Guide, Courses, Salary, Jobs, Scope