What do I need to major in to become a Crime Laboratory Analyst?

Paige: What do I need to major in to become a Crime Laboratory Analyst?
I want to go into the Forensic Science field, but I want to be a Crime Laboratory Analyst and a Crime Scene Examiner. First off is it possible to be both? If I had to choose, I would choose Crime Laboratory Analyst easily.

What do I need to major in to become a Crime Laboratory Analyst?

Answers and Views:

Answer by K-Dawg
It is possible to do both, but not at the same time. You may find that after a few years in the lab you want to get out and about and that would be a perfect opportunity to get into the role of a CSE.

You also need to understand that within a Crime Lab there are many different fields and specialties so the branch of study you undertake will depend on what area you want to get into. For example, if you want to be a DNA analyst then you’ll want to do a Biology or Biochem degree. If you want to be a Forensic Chemist then you’ll need a Chemistry or Forensic Chemistry degree. You can either do a straight BSc specializing in a particular area, or you can do a Forensics degree specializing in a particular area. Either way they both should be adequate for you to get a foot in the door.

The best advise I can give you is to contact someone in your area who is currently working in your dream job. Ask them what they studied, what the recruitment process is like, if they like the work, if they have any advise on how to get the job. They’re the best source of information. They’ve been through everything you’ll need to go through to get the job so they should have all the answers you need.

Good luck and I hope this helps.