Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Forensic Science graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 56 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Forensic Science graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 37% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Forensic Science graduate.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from University of New Haven with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Forensic Science. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONDNA Technician / FS-1 SNA International Jun 2021 - Jan 2024 Forensic Scientist I Massachusetts State Police Feb 2024 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Forensic Science, several patterns and observations emerge. It’s clear that while many of these graduates have found jobs that align closely with their area of study, others have ventured into positions that are somewhat disconnected from the essential tenets of forensic science. The common types of jobs among these graduates tend to fall under two categories: those directly related to forensic roles and those unrelated to forensic science applications.
In the realm of jobs directly pertinent to forensic science, many alumni have secured positions as Forensic Scientists, Crime Scene Investigators, and Criminalists, prominently showcasing their academic knowledge in practical scenarios. Roles such as Criminalist at the New York City Police Department and Forensic Scientist I at North Carolina State Crime Laboratory exemplify how these positions flourish through the skills and analytical techniques honed during their education. This correlation affirms that a substantial portion of graduates indeed find their footing in relevant fields where they can apply scientific principles to crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, and laboratory management.
However, a contrasting observation lies in the numerous graduates who have taken on roles lacking significant relevance to their forensic background. Positions such as Yoga Teachers, Sales Representatives, and Customer Service Associates appear with surprising frequency in the profiles of these graduates, suggesting a reality where some individuals may struggle to find job placements directly aligned with their specialized training. Additionally, roles in fields like Human Resources or general education, while valuable in their own right, do not utilize the unique skill sets developed through a Forensic Science degree. This disconnect poses questions about job market alignment and the demand for forensic professionals in their trained capacity.
Ultimately, while many forensic science graduates successfully navigate their careers into roles that leverage their specialized skills, a noticeable fraction diverge into unrelated fields. This diverse range of career trajectories highlights the varied paths that individuals can take following their education. However, it also emphasizes the need for stronger connections and opportunities within the workforce to ensure that graduates can effectively employ their forensic science knowledge in relevant and fulfilling roles.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Forensic Science graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Forensic Science provides a fascinating glimpse into the variety of paths these individuals take following their education. It seems pretty clear that the first job after graduation often varies significantly, but some common themes do emerge over time. For many, the first role they step into may not closely align with forensic science directly. For instance, some graduates of Point Park University ended up as yoga teachers, showing a pivot away from their forensic education. However, those from institutions like Liberty University appear to dive straight into relevant positions, such as criminalists at police departments. This indicates that while some students might veer off the forensic science track early on, others seem to find their footing relatively quickly in their chosen field.
Looking further down the line, say five to ten years after graduation, the more successful trajectories become clearer. Many of the graduates who initially landed in roles outside forensic science have taken steps to return to jobs more aligned with their degrees, although some remain in unrelated fields. For example, those who went on to take positions like forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, and laboratory assistants generally seem to strengthen their careers within the forensic realm over time. Graduates from reputable programs like the University of New Haven and Penn State University show a strong presence in forensic roles ten years later. In contrast, some graduates drift into areas unrelated to forensic science—such as sales or general management—indicating that while forensic science can lead to rewarding careers, the retention in the field can vary widely.
So, in summary, while forensic science graduates tend to kick off their careers in diverse positions, those who remain keen on forensic roles often find stable pathways into relevant jobs within five to ten years. However, the data also reveals that a fair number may find themselves in jobs that don't utilize their forensic training, which could be seen as a drawback. If you’re eyeing a career in forensic science, it's important to understand that while many do pursue fulfilling careers directly related to their education, some might explore radically different paths altogether. This suggests that having a forensic science degree opens doors, but it doesn't guarantee a journey strictly within that sphere.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science can be pretty challenging—definitely not the easiest route you could take, but it’s not impossible either. You’ll dive into a mix of hard sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics, along with some practical lab work and crime scene investigation techniques. If you enjoy science and have a knack for detail, you might find it fascinating, but be prepared for some tough subjects and rigorous studying, especially during those lab sessions and exams. It’s a bit more demanding than some other degrees, but if you’re passionate about the field, it can also be really rewarding.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Forensic Science.
Looking at the trajectories of these forensic science graduates, it seems like there's a diverse range of earning potential based on their job roles and industries. For instance, the folks who landed roles as forensic scientists or criminalists in law enforcement like the graduate from Liberty University appear to be on a more lucrative path compared to some who took on roles like yoga teacher or laboratory assistant, which typically don’t pay that well. Also, the graduate from Penn State who has steadily climbed the ranks to director of analytics likely enjoys a much higher salary than others stuck in entry-level positions.
However, many have carved out respectable careers that are likely providing decent, if not great, pay. Those in specialized roles like lab analysts at established companies (like the Hofstra and University of Central Florida graduates) probably make solid salaries as they gain experience. Overall, while some of these graduates may not be raking in the big bucks yet, especially if they are in entry-level positions, it looks like many are setting themselves up for better financial opportunities down the line as they gain experience and advance in their careers.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Forensic Science. This may or may not be useful:
