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Question
hi i want to be a forensic scientist and im not really sure what i should major in college and what classes i should take in high school
Hello:
Three things are needed.
Mathematics:
You will want to have taken at least up to pre-calc. Going as far as AP Calc will put you ahead of the game.
Science:
Chemistry, Biology and Physics and any advanced versions. Again, if there are AP versions available, then target those if you get the chance. Chemistry specifically.
Communication:
At least one advanced writing class.
As a general rule, if the college you are looking at does not have an actual BS in Forensic Science then you should target a BS in chemistry. There is not another major that will better position you for grad school. Also, chemistry is looked on more highly by federal and state agencies than psychology or biology.
Biology, psychology, statistics, criminology/criminal justice (usually a type of sociology minor) are all acceptable minors.
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Dr. Jeffery Raymond
Expertise
Materials chemistry. Materials science. Spectroscopy. Polymer science. Physical Chemistry. General Physics. Technical writing. General Applied Mathematics. Nanomaterials. Optoelectronic Behavior. Science Policy.
Experience
Teaching: General Inorganic Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry I & II, Physical Chemistry I, Polymeric Materials, General Physics I, Calculus I & II
My prior experience includes the United States Army and three years as a development chemist in industry.
Currently I am the Assistant Director of the Laboratory for Synthetic Biological Interactions. All told, 13 years of experience in research, development and science education.
Organizations
Texas A&M University, American Chemical Society, POLY-ACS, SPIE
Publications
Journal of the American Chemical Society, Nanoletters, Journal of Physical Chemistry C, Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, Ultramicroscopy Proceedings of SPIE, Proceedings of MRS, Polymer News, Chemical and Engineering News, Nano Letters, Small, Chemistry.org, Angewandte
Education/Credentials
PhD Macromolecular Science and Engineering (Photophysics/Nanomaterials Concentration), MS Materials Science, BS Chemistry and Physics, Graduate Certificate in Science Policy, AAS Chemical Technology, AAS Engineering Technology
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