Learn about the diverse specialties that use science to help solve crimes.

There are many disciplines within the forensic science field, each one playing a specific role in the criminal justice system. The common thread across all of them is their use of objective, scientific analysis to help law enforcement solve crimes and secure convictions. You may be asking, “What type of science is forensic science”? According to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), “Any science used for the law is a forensic science.”¹ Forensic scientists primarily work in areas connected to law, security, psychology, public policy, and criminal investigation.

If you are wondering, “What can I do with a forensic science degree,” the AAFS website lists 12 forensic science disciplines: anthropology, criminalistics, digital & multimedia sciences, engineering & applied sciences, general forensics, jurisprudence, forensic nursing science, odontology, forensic pathology/biology, psychiatry & behavioral science, questioned documents, and toxicology.² It’s important to know the difference between them when choosing a potential career in forensic science that aligns with your professional goals, skills, and interests. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of forensic science, the types of evidence they work with, and how each of them contributes to the forensic science field.

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Anthropology

Forensic anthropology is the identification of human remains to determine physiological traits of the deceased that may help in a crime investigation, such as age, gender, race, and skeletal information. This forensic discipline includes techniques such as DNA analysis, which uses genetic material for further identification, biological relationships, or DNA profiling. Another technique is entomology which is often used on decomposing remains through insect collection and identification or life cycle analysis. 

Criminalistics

This discipline is what many people think of as the definition of forensic science, thanks to the popularity of films, true crime podcasts, and various CSI television series. Professionals in this forensic science discipline work in the field of collecting and analyzing trace or forensic evidence, which can be physically demanding in adverse conditions, with long hours and exposure to adverse conditions or even disturbing crime scenes. Or they may work in laboratories where they identify, interpret, and further analyze physical evidence from crime scenes. Their work is critical, providing results that can reconstruct how a crime occurred and help bring offenders to justice.³

Those who pursue a career in this discipline may work as crime lab professionals, forensic analysts, and criminal and civil investigators. They are needed in a variety of facilities such as forensic laboratories in police departments, sheriff offices, district attorney offices, regional, state, and federal agencies, universities, medical examiners' offices, and private companies.

Digital and multimedia sciences

Also known as digital forensics, this discipline is responsible for capturing and examining digital devices and interpreting electronic data to uncover digital evidence in many aspects of cybercrimes. These specialists may analyze computer networks or phone technologies, perform data recovery and malware detection, or process audio and video evidence.

Engineering & applied sciences

Forensic engineering scientists include a varied group of forensic practitioners in engineering fields and related sciences. These professionals are called in to investigate a wide range of incidents, such as aviation mishaps, contaminated sites, mining accidents, bridge or building collapses, railroad accidents, explosions, automobile collisions, product failures, environmental contaminants, and any civil, criminal, or regulatory issues in such cases. Authorities rely on their expertise to assign correct blame or negligence if needed and evaluate claims from victims of these incidents. 

General

Because any scientific or evidence-based methodology used in the criminal investigation process is covered under forensic science, there are a myriad of areas and disciplines necessary to this field. This AAFS website category covers areas of forensic science that may not fit into the other specialized categories listed here, but they are also crucial parts of the criminal investigation process. They may cover anything from consulting, education, or research to geology, veterinary services, chemistry, or accounting and financial fraud.

Jurisprudence

It stands to reason that anyone who is involved in a criminal investigation may be called on to provide testimony in court as a field expert or to support a lawyer’s claim in a criminal case. Forensic scientists who are deemed experts in their fields may work more often in jurisprudence, and they are vetted thoroughly by lawyers for their crucial knowledge and training. This is important because, according to the AAFS, “only an expert witness is permitted to testify to an opinion based on analyses performed by the expert.”⁴

Forensic nursing science

Forensic nurses perform specialized duties that go beyond typical nursing practices because they integrate healthcare and judicial system responsibilities. They are often used to provide examinations and treatment for sexual assault cases, domestic abuse, and child or elder abuse and neglect. They will also collect and secure evidence that can be used in court.

Odontology

While this may seem like a sub-field of forensic anthropology, it is a very specialized discipline that involves the analysis and identification of dental evidence in criminal cases. They may be needed when no other human remains or fingerprints are available such as for victims of explosions or natural disasters. In assault cases where bite marks are present, a forensic dentist can provide further details to help law enforcement.

Pathology/Biology

A forensic pathologist is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death through an autopsy or a histology, which focuses on the study of tissues and organs. In some cases, they may also visit the scene of death to assist in the investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death. A forensic pathologist or forensic biologist may also work in public health and disease or injury prevention and can work as a consultant or be employed by city, county, or state medical examiner or coroner offices, federal government agencies, private medical groups, hospitals, and universities. 

Psychiatry & behavioral science

This unique discipline is used both in criminal investigations and in mitigating or preventing violence. In criminal investigations, a forensic psychologist may provide expert testimony, conduct forensic assessments and analyses of an individual’s mental state, create psychological profiles in criminal cases, help develop rehabilitation programs and offender treatments, or manage research projects.⁵

If you’re interested in this discipline but don’t wish to work on the criminal investigation side, you can be a forensic psychologist that analyzes the relationship between psychology and criminality to help create a safer, more secure world. These professionals seek to understand the mindset of criminals and the behavioral or psychological motivations behind crime, violence, and conflict. They can be critical in helping law, government, and criminal justice agencies to prevent and mitigate disasters, critical incidents, and public crises and can address and manage crises methodically and scientifically.

Questioned documents

Anything involving document examinations in criminal cases falls under this discipline. These forensic scientists analyze documents to verify authenticity and detect alterations. They may use techniques such as handwriting analysis (also known as forensic graphology), ink and paper analysis, or forensic linguistics. They can also provide an analysis of writing instruments and writing mediums or identify specific typewriters or computers. They can even verify the validity of police statements or insurance claims or determine the writer’s state of mind at the time a ransom or suicide note was written.⁶

Toxicology

This specialty detects and analyzes drugs, alcohol, poisons, and other toxic substances in the body through chemical analysis or blood and urine tests. Forensic toxicology can also help determine the role of substances in the cause of death, evaluate the effects of alcohol, drugs, and other substances on human behavior and performance (often in DUI cases or workplace incidents), or test for the presence of illegal or controlled substances in a person. Toxicology is specific to substances found in the human body and should not be confused with forensic chemistry, which analyzes chemical substances found at crime scenes (e.g., explosives, drugs, gunshot residue). 

Earning your forensics degree at Alliant International University

Now that you’ve learned about the many types of forensic science jobs, you might be ready to get the training and education you need to move forward in your career as a forensic scientist. The California School of Forensic Studies (CSFS) at Alliant International University offers master’s degree programs that can help prepare you to become a forensic scientist or forensic psychologist. 

Potential candidates can choose from the Alliant MS in Forensic Behavioral Science or MS in Forensic Science, Investigation, & Technology which provide quality concentrations and practical, hands-on training. Alliant also offers advanced practice certificates in a variety of forensic science subject areas, and a PhD in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law for those who want to pursue leadership roles in forensic science or move into a career that shapes policy to help prevent crime. All programs are offered online to provide flexibility for the working professional and taught by faculty who are current practitioners and bring real-world experience to your classroom using the latest evidence-based tools and theories.

Is a master's in forensic science worth it? Careers in forensic science can be fascinating and rewarding for those who have a passion for justice and a mind for analyzing clues and evidence. Each role plays a critical part in the criminal investigation process, requiring tenacity, excellent communication, strong attention to detail, technical proficiency, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. No matter the area or discipline you choose to pursue, your career in forensic science can make a difference in your community and help create a safer, more secure world. 

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Sources

1. Staff, “What is Forensic Science?” American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Accessed June 21, 2024.  https://www.aafs.org/careers-forensic-science/what-forensic-science 
2. Staff, “All AAFS Sections”, American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Accessed June 21, 2024. https://www.aafs.org/ 
3. Staff, “Inside the 11 Disciplines That Make up the Field of Forensic Science”, Uncovered. Accessed June 21, 2024.  https://uncovered.com/inside-the-11-disciplines-that-make-up-the-field-of-forensic-science/ 
4. Staff, “Careers in Jurisprudence”, American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Accessed June 21, 2024. https://www.aafs.org/careers-jurisprudence 
5. Staff. “Forensic Scientist vs. Forensic Psychologist”, Zippia, The Career Expert. Accessed June 21, 2024.  https://www.zippia.com/forensic-scientist-jobs/forensic-scientist-vs-forensic-psychologist-differences/ 
6. Staff, “Forensic Investigation”, PI Now. Accessed June 21, 2024. https://www.pinow.com/investigations/forensic-investigations#7