Forensic Science (Death Investigations) Arizona State University

Overview

Forensic science is the application of science to the law or legal procedures. The medicolegal death investigation system is responsible for conducting investigations certifying the cause and manner of death in unnatural or unexplained circumstances --- those associated with forensic investigations. The Forensic Science (Death Investigations) program is offered by Arizona State University.

The BS degree program in forensic science with a concentration in death investigations is built on a solid foundation in anatomy, biology and chemistry, which develop students' basic and upper-level laboratory skills. Students complete holistic, rigorous coursework in the natural and mathematical sciences to adequately prepare for entering a competitive workforce. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is uniquely positioned to train students in forensic techniques such as advanced mapping, scene photography, biological evidence analysis and mock courtroom testimony.

Along with completing coursework and gaining the necessary scientific skills to succeed in this field, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in a laboratory setting by being involved in research or an internship. Students can conduct research under experts of varying forensic fields, including anthropology, biology, entomology, investigations and data science. 

Students also may seek to apply for and participate in forensic science internships sponsored by crime labs or medicolegal offices around the country. Students seeking a volunteer or internship position within a crime lab or medicolegal office (as well as job applicants) often are required to undergo an extensive background check that includes a polygraph exam, fingerprinting and drug testing. Actions that can disqualify an applicant include recent or past illicit drug use (including marijuana), felony convictions and drunk driving convictions.

Career opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics assigns most categories of death investigators to the "forensic science technician" category. According to the bureau, the median annual salary for these professionals in 2021 was $61,930. The profession is projected to grow 17% by 2026 --- much faster than the annual average. About 2,500 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Competition for positions is strong, and this concentration gives graduates an advantage in applying for these positions. Graduates from the program are uniquely positioned with advanced education and training that prepares them to be very competitive job candidates and applicants for graduate and medical school, in areas such as medicolegal death investigation, biology, pre-dental forensic odontology, wildlife forensics, cultural resource management and preservation, international relief, forensic work, law and psychology, forensic nursing and related fields. Those who go into the job market take on roles such as autopsy technician, pathologist's assistant and coroner.