What can you do with a Forensic Science and Technology degree?

First, some facts. Of the Forensic Science and Technology 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 71 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 48%, Forensic Science and Technology graduates have a much lower likelihood (-19%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 48%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 28% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Forensic Science and Technology graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Forensic Science and Technology graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 0%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2012 from Coventry University with a Bachelor of Applied Science - BASc in Forensic Science and Technology. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Regional Logistics Specialist
Swift Transportation
Jul 2018 - Jan 2019
The Regional Logistics Specialist role does not utilize any of the specific knowledge or skills gained from a Bachelor's in Forensic Science and Technology, focusing instead on logistics and transportation operations.

Logistics Specialist
Jb hunt
Jan 2019 - Jun 2019
The position of Logistics Specialist at J.B. Hunt does not require knowledge or skills from the Forensic Science and Technology degree, as it is centered around logistics rather than forensic or scientific principles.

Consultant
Dodge
Jun 2019 - Dec 2019
The Consultant role at Dodge does not involve any forensic-specific skills or knowledge, making it unrelated to the Bachelor's in Forensic Science and Technology.

Consultant
Sprint
Jan 2020 - May 2020
As a Consultant at Sprint, the job responsibilities do not engage with the scientific or forensic knowledge gained from the degree, focusing instead on consulting in the telecommunications sector.

Relationship Banker
PNC
May 2020 - Present
The Relationship Banker position at PNC does not require any forensic science knowledge or skills, as it primarily involves banking and financial services unrelated to forensic applications.

ABOUT

As a passionate and ever-curious Financial Services professional, I have had the opportunity to develop and grow in various roles in diverse industries ranging from Logistics to Telecommunications with world class organizations. I am also passionate about making a difference in people's lives through facilitating, supporting, and actively participating in entrepreneurship ventures. My goal is to make a real difference in this world through initiatives focused on education, literacy, leadership development, and the empowerment of the youth of today.

What jobs can you get with a Forensic Science and Technology degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


Analyzing the job trajectories of individuals with degrees in Forensic Science and Technology reveals some interesting patterns. The most common career paths appear to lie within forensic analysis roles, particularly as DNA Analysts, Crime Scene Investigators, and positions in forensic laboratories. These positions are directly aligned with the skills and knowledge obtained through their academic programs, allowing graduates to apply their education directly in real-world settings. For instance, jobs such as DNA Analyst at state crime laboratories or positions as Crime Scene Technicians demonstrate a clear connection to the forensic science curriculum, which includes understanding criminal evidence, laboratory techniques, and scientific analysis. These roles not only utilize the extensive training in scientific methodologies but also often have a significant impact on the criminal justice system.

Conversely, a significant number of graduates have pursued career paths that do not relate closely to their specialized degrees. Positions in education, general administration, and various non-scientific roles like retail and customer service dominate this analysis. Examples include positions such as high school science teachers, office administrators, and even baristas. These roles, while they may require general scientific knowledge or organizational skills, do not heavily draw upon the specific competencies developed through forensic science training. This disconnect raises important questions about the application of a specialized degree in varied job markets and whether the gap between education and employment aligns with career aspirations in forensic science. Overall, while many graduates successfully enter relevant fields, a notable proportion find themselves in unrelated jobs, highlighting the diversity—and sometimes misalignment—of job opportunities available to graduates in forensic science and technology.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Forensic Science and Technology graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Forensic Science and Technology graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When it comes to graduates with degrees in Forensic Science and Technology, the career trajectories seem to reveal a mixed bag of outcomes. Many of these graduates are stepping into roles that are relatively relevant to their academic backgrounds, particularly in forensic laboratories, crime scene investigation, and various analytical positions. For example, those graduating in recent years are often beginning their careers as laboratory technicians, crime scene investigators, or in roles directly related to evidence handling and analysis. Graduates like those from George Mason University and John Jay College have found positions as evidence coordinators and forensic scientists, respectively, quite shortly after graduating. This shows a bustling entry into fields connected to forensic science right out of college, which is quite encouraging for the new students considering this path.

However, as the years go by, it's clear that not every graduate continues on a direct path related to forensic science. While some individuals land stable jobs that utilize their skills—like those from Eastern Kentucky University and Seton Hill University, who are now in laboratory technician and scientist roles, respectively—others drift into positions that appear less relevant. The data reveals some graduates ending up in jobs such as high school teachers or administrative roles, showing a drift from the forensic path they initially set out on. For instance, the graduate from Bluefield College is currently a science teacher, which, while related to the overall field of science, is a significant departure from the forensic science focus.

Five or ten years later, the picture gets even more varied. While some graduates like those from Ohio Northern University and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville have moved up into significant roles within law enforcement and forensic laboratories, several others seem to be taking longer to find their footing in related fields. Positions at places like Walmart or as part-time workers in unrelated sectors emerge frequently, highlighting a portion of the graduates who may be struggling to find or maintain relevant work. Nevertheless, there are certainly notable success stories, with graduates evolving into positions as forensic analysts or scientists, showing that a substantial number have indeed sustained progress in their relevant careers.

In conclusion, if you’re considering a degree in Forensic Science and Technology, know this: the initial jobs for many graduates align well with their studies, providing a helpful launch into the field. However, as time rolls on, some graduates find themselves veering off into unrelated careers, which could be disheartening. Ultimately, while there are fulfilling pathways available, students should be aware that the journey can diverge into unexpected territories, and not everyone stays on the forensic science track throughout their careers.

How hard is a Forensic Science and Technology degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science and Technology can be pretty challenging, but it's not impossible! You'll dive into a mix of subjects like chemistry, biology, and even criminal justice, which means you need to be comfortable with both science and some legal concepts. Depending on your background and interests, it might feel a bit tougher than some other degrees because of the heavy emphasis on lab work and technical skills. That said, if you’re passionate about solving mysteries and have a curious mind, you’ll likely find it really interesting and rewarding, even if it does take some effort to get through the coursework!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Forensic Science and Technology.

Do Forensic Science and Technology graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the career trajectories of these forensic science and technology graduates, it’s a mixed bag in terms of financial success. Some individuals, especially those who landed roles in established labs or law enforcement, like the Senior DNA Analyst or the Forensic Scientist positions, are likely making decent salaries, especially as they advance in their careers. On the other hand, some of the roles such as teachers or administrative positions might not pull in as much cash, particularly if they're just starting out or are part-time. Those in entry-level positions or internships might also not be raking in the big bucks yet, but it’s common to start there in any field.

Ultimately, while some of these graduates seem to be on solid financial ground as they work in significant roles, others may still be working their way up. For someone in school, it's important to remember that a lot can change in a few years. Networking and gaining experience can really bump your earning potential up, especially in fields like forensic science that require specific skills and expertise. So, while some seem to be doing well, it’s all about where you go from there!

What buzzwords do Forensic Science and Technology graduates use to describe themselves?

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 and Technology. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Forensic Science and Technology?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Forensic Science and Technology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Forensic Science and Technology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count