Forensic Science

Perhaps because of the wild popularity of forensic science television programs, many individuals are now interested in pursuing a career in forensic science. Most such careers require an advanced degree. This means you must first get a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree or a Ph. D. If you believe this is not for you and you just want to be a crime scene investigator, then you should seek an Associate Degree in the Administration of Law and Justice (ADJ). A forensic science class (ADJ 201) is offered by the ADJ department. This class is not offered online. For more information about the ADJ degree, contact Kim Erickson, program secretary for the Administration of Law and Justice Department.

If you do want to become a forensic scientist with an advanced degree, you can complete your first two years of college here at Tacoma Community College and obtain an Associate Degree. You may be able to then transfer to a four-year institution to obtain a baccalaureate degree in your chosen field. There are many forensic science subspecialties and you can tailor your education here at Tacoma Community College depending on which field interests you the most.

Here are some of the different forensic subspecialties with the suggested course of study:

1. Forensic Toxicology - begins with a degree in Biology or Chemistry.
   · Obtain an Associate of Science degree from TCC with a biology specialization or a chemistry specialization.
   
2. Forensic Anthropology - begins with a bachelor's degree in Anthropology.
   · Obtain an Associate in Arts and Science degree from TCC, taking the anthropology electives.
   
3. Forensic Biology - begins with a bachelor's degree in Biology.
   · Obtain an Associate of Science degree from TCC with a biology specialization.
   
4. Forensic Entomology (study of insects) - begins with a bachelor's degree in Biology.
   · Obtain an Associate of Science degree from TCC with a biology specialization.
   
5. Forensic Nursing - begins with an RN degree
   · Obtain a Nursing Associate Degree from TCC.
   
6. Forensic Odontology - begins with a degree in Dentistry.
   · Follow pre-dentistry course of studies at TCC.
   
7. Forensic Psychiatry - requires an M.D. and psychiatry residency
   · Follow pre-medicine course of studies at TCC.
   
8. Forensic Psychology - begins with a degree in Psychology
   · Obtain an Associate in Arts and Science degree from TCC, taking the psychology electives.
   
9. Forensic Pathology - requires an M.D. or Ph.D.
   · Follow pre-medicine course of studies at TCC

Students who are interested in forensic science as a career need to carefully plan their course of study. Each field will have different requirements. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor for discussion of their career goals. Students who earn the Associate in Arts and Science or the Associate of Science degree from Tacoma Community College will usually be able to transfer to a four-year institution as a junior. They should contact the four-year institution whose program they are interested in to obtain specific requirements.

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences has an excellent website at www.aafs.org.

Upon admission to TCC, you will be assigned a Forensic Science advisor.