Forensic Jobs Quiz
43 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following forensic positions requires a high school diploma at a minimum?

  • Forensic Analyst
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analyst
  • Detective
  • Fingerprint Analyst (correct)

    • What is the average salary for a Detective in Texas per year?

  • $48,000
  • $64,000 (correct)
  • $37,000
  • $57,000

    • Which of the following forensic positions requires certification in fingerprint analysis?

  • Bloodstain Pattern Analyst
  • Fingerprint Analyst (correct)
  • Detective
  • Forensic Analyst

    • What is the main responsibility of a Bloodstain Pattern Analyst?

    <p>Analyzing blood drops and stains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forensic position requires a bachelor's degree preferred?

    <p>Document Examiner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average salary for a Fingerprint Analyst in Texas per year?

    <p>$48,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following forensic positions requires training in the origin and cause of fires and explosions?

    <p>Arson Investigator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average salary for a Bloodstain Pattern Analyst in Texas per year?

    <p>$48,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following forensic positions requires certification in questioned documents?

    <p>Document Examiner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average salary for an Arson Investigator in Texas per year?

    <p>$57,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a requirement for becoming a Crime Scene Tech?

    <p>High school diploma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between Crime Scene Techs and Forensic Scientists?

    <p>Their educational requirements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which university offers a Bachelor's of Science in Forensic Chemistry?

    <p>Sam Houston State University</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What degrees are offered in the Forensic Science Department at Sam Houston State University?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is Sam Houston State University located?

    <p>Huntsville, TX</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following forensic careers requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry?

    <p>Forensic Toxicologist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the headquarters for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice?

    <p>Huntsville, TX</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average salary for a Forensic DNA Analyst per year?

    <p>$63,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may be required for some Forensic Scientists in addition to a Bachelor's degree?

    <p>Masters or PhD</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forensic career involves analyzing samples from bodily fluids and tissues to determine the presence of harmful chemicals?

    <p>Forensic Toxicologist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University known for?

    <p>Being the largest program in the country</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forensic career requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a similar field?

    <p>Forensic Computer Technician</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is located nearby Sam Houston State University for both males and females?

    <p>Death row</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average salary for a Forensic Computer Technician per year?

    <p>$73,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what administrative code does Forensics & Texas State Law fall?

    <p>Code 651</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forensic career specializes in identifying human remains and the cause of death of skeletal remains?

    <p>Forensic Anthropologist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average salary for a Forensic Anthropologist per year?

    <p>$62,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which university has the largest body farm in the United States for studying human remains and decomposition?

    <p>Texas State University</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the tuition per year for Texas residents at Texas State University?

    <p>$10,600</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forensic career specializes in giving sexual assault examinations and documenting severe abuse/assault cases?

    <p>Forensic Nurse</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What educational requirements are needed to become a Forensic Toxicologist?

    <p>Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, specialization in Forensic Science</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average salary for a Forensic Computer Technician per year?

    <p>$73,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the job duties of a Forensic Anthropologist?

    <p>Calculate height and age from bones, determine gender and ethnicity, calculate post-mortem time interval, determine cause of death (if possible)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    True or false: Forensic toxicologists analyze samples from bodily fluids and tissues to determine the presence of harmful chemicals.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    True or false: Forensic DNA analysts develop a DNA profile from a sample and match it with a known person's DNA.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    True or false: Forensic computer technicians examine and repair computer hardware as part of their job duties.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    True or false: Forensic anthropologists calculate height and age from bones to determine the cause of death.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    True or false: Forensic nurses are trained to give sexual assault examinations and document severe abuse/assault cases.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Forensic toxicologists are scientists who identify drugs or other chemicals working in a ______ setting.

    <p>laboratory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A Forensic DNA Analyst is a scientist who specializes in DNA analysis of samples found at ______ scenes.

    <p>crime</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A Forensic Computer Technician is a high-demand career in the growing field of ______.

    <p>cybersecurity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A Forensic Anthropologist is a scientist who identifies human remains and cause of death of ______ remains.

    <p>skeletal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A Forensic Nurse is a nurse who is trained to give a sexual assault examination or document severe ______/assault cases.

    <p>abuse</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Forensic Careers in Texas

    • As of January 1, 2019, forensic technicians and analysts must be licensed in the state of Texas.
    • There are several subcategories of forensic technicians and analysts, including:
      • Seized Drugs Analyst or Technician
      • Toxicology Analyst or Technician
      • Alcohol, General Forensic Biology
      • Firearm/Toolmark Analyst or Technician
      • Materials (Trace) Analyst or Technician
    • Applicants for a Forensic Analyst License must pass the General Forensic Analyst Licensing Exam, while technicians must pass the Modified General Forensic Analyst Licensing Exam.

    Crime Scene Technician

    • Crime Scene Technicians identify and collect evidence from crime scenes.
    • They typically work as civilian employees of the police department or sheriff's office.
    • A high school diploma is required, but a college education is a plus.
    • Job skills include:
      • Ability to work around blood, vomit, and feces
      • Ability to work with decomposing human bodies
      • Ability to stand the sight of maggots
    • The average salary in Texas is $37,000 per year.

    Detective

    • Detectives working for a police department must be a licensed peace officer in Texas.
    • They must first go through a police academy to earn a license, then spend several years on patrol before being moved to the detective division.
    • Detectives are responsible for:
      • Investigating criminal cases
      • Interviewing witnesses, suspects, and victims
      • Writing search and arrest warrants
      • Testifying in court
    • The average salary in Texas for detectives is $64,000 per year.

    Fingerprint Analyst

    • Fingerprint Analysts have specific training in examining and identifying fingerprints.
    • They may be called to a crime scene to lift prints, but most of their work is done in a laboratory setting.
    • Fingerprint analysts must verify all computer matches manually after the computer hits on a possible match.
    • They will be called to testify at trial.
    • A high school diploma is required, and a college degree may be preferred.
    • The average salary in Texas is $48,000 per year.

    Bloodstain Pattern Analyst

    • Bloodstain Pattern Analysts respond to crime scenes and analyze blood drops, stains, and pools.
    • Job duties include:
      • Calculating impact angle
      • Determining directionality
      • Evaluating area of convergence
      • Determining point of origin
      • Sequencing bloodstain events
    • A high school diploma is required, and a college degree may be preferred.
    • The average salary in Texas is $48,000 per year.

    Document Examiner

    • Forensic Document Examiners are trained experts who analyze documents for forgery and fraud.
    • Job duties include:
      • Comparing handwriting samples for authorship
      • Examining documents and linking them to printers
      • Deciphering documents that are damaged or destroyed
      • Examining documents for signs of forgery
    • A bachelor's degree is preferred, and certification in Questioned Documents is required.
    • The average salary in Texas is $50,000 per year.

    Arson Investigator

    • Arson investigators are peace officers who have specialized training in the origin and cause of fires and explosions.
    • There are two levels of investigators in Texas:
      • Fire Investigator (licensed firefighter)
      • Arson Investigator (licensed peace officer)
    • The average salary in Texas is $57,000 per year.

    ATF Special Agent

    • The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a federal law enforcement agency that investigates crimes relating to explosives and arson, as well as firearms, tobacco, and alcohol.
    • To become a Special Agent, one must:
      • Be between 21 and 36 years of age
      • Pass a physical test
      • Pass a written exam
      • Pass a physical and drug test
      • Pass a polygraph and background test
    • The average salary is $61,000 per year.

    Forensic Toxicologist

    • Forensic toxicologists are scientists who identify drugs or other chemicals in a laboratory setting.
    • Job duties include:
      • Analyzing samples from bodily fluids and tissues to determine the presence of harmful chemicals
      • Working with medical examiners to help establish the role of substances related to the cause of death
    • A bachelor's degree in Chemistry with a specialization in Forensic Science is required.
    • The average salary in Texas is $59,000 per year.

    Forensic DNA Analyst

    • Forensic DNA Analysts are scientists who specialize in DNA analysis of samples found at crime scenes.
    • Job duties include:
      • Developing a DNA profile from a sample
      • Matching with known person's DNA
      • Communicating findings to law enforcement
      • Testifying in court during trial
    • A bachelor's degree in Biology or Chemistry with a minor in Forensic Science is required.
    • The average salary is $63,000 per year.

    Forensic Computer Technician

    • Forensic Computer Technicians are high-demand careers in the growing field of cybersecurity.
    • Job duties include:
      • Examining and analyzing digital evidence
      • Computer hardware repairs
      • Testifying in court during trial
    • A bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a similar field is required.
    • The average salary is $73,000 per year.

    Forensic Anthropologist

    • Forensic Anthropologists are scientists who identify human remains and cause of death of skeletal remains.
    • Job duties include:
      • Calculating height and age from bones
      • Determining gender and ethnicity
      • Calculating post-mortem time interval
      • Determining cause of death (if possible)
    • A master's degree in Forensic Anthropology is preferred.
    • The average salary is $62,000 per year.

    Forensic Nurse

    • Forensic Nurses are trained to give a sexual assault examination or document severe abuse/assault cases.
    • Job duties include:
      • Collecting biological samples from victims
      • Photographing physical injuries
      • Testifying in court during trial
    • A licensed nurse (RN) with a 2-4 year program and SANE Certification is required.

    Forensic Odontologist

    • Forensic Odontologists are dentists who specialize in identifying human remains from teeth and matching bite marks.
    • Job duties include:
      • Identifying human remains from their teeth
      • Matching bite marks on victims to suspects
    • A licensed dentist with a bachelor's degree and completion of four years of dentistry school is required.
    • The average salary is $150,000 per year.

    Medical Examiner

    • Medical examiners are doctors who perform autopsies to determine the time, cause, and manner of death.
    • To become a medical examiner, one must:
      • Take a heavy load of science classes in undergrad
      • Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
      • Complete four years of medical school
      • Complete a residency
      • Become certified through the American Board of Pathology
    • The average salary in Texas is $177,000 per year.

    Education

    • Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers degrees in Forensic Science, including:

      • Bachelor's of Science in Forensic Chemistry
      • Minor in Criminal Justice
      • Master's of Science in Forensic Science
      • PhD in Forensic Science

    • Texas State University (TSU) offers degrees in Anthropology, including:

      • Bachelor's degree
      • Master's degree
      • PhD

    • TSU also has a body farm, Freeman Ranch, which is a 26-acre facility where bodies are donated for study to learn about human decomposition and entomology.### Forensic Science Careers

    • There are two main types of jobs in forensics: Crime Scene Techs and Forensic Scientists

    • Crime Scene Techs respond to crime scenes, do initial scene processing, and usually require a high school diploma with on-the-job training

    • Forensic Scientists work in a lab setting, require a minimum Bachelor's degree, and may specialize in one type of evidence

    Education Requirements

    • Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers degrees in Forensic Science, including Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry, Master of Science in Forensic Science, and PhD in Forensic Science
    • Forensic technicians and analysts in Texas must be licensed as of January 1, 2019
    • Applicable subcategories include Seized Drugs, Toxicology, Forensic Biology, Firearm/Toolmark, and Materials (Trace) Analyst or Technician

    Forensic Career Profiles

    • Crime Scene Technician: identify and collect evidence, require high school diploma (college education a plus), average salary in Texas is $37,000/year
    • Detective: investigate criminal cases, interview witnesses, suspects, and victims, require a licensed peace officer in Texas, average salary in Texas is $64,000/year
    • Fingerprint Analyst: examine and identify fingerprints, require high school diploma (larger departments may require a college degree), average salary in Texas is $48,000/year
    • Bloodstain Pattern Analyst: respond to crime scenes, analyze blood drops, stains, and pools, require high school diploma (larger departments may require a college degree), average salary in Texas is $48,000/year
    • Document Examiner: analyze documents for forgery and fraud, require Bachelor's degree preferred, certification in Questioned Documents, average salary in Texas is $50,000/year
    • Arson Investigator: investigate fires and explosions, require licensed peace officer, average salary in Texas is $57,000/year
    • ATF Special Agent: investigate crimes relating to explosives, firearms, tobacco, and alcohol, require passing physical test, written exam, physical and drug test, polygraph and background test, average salary is $61,000/year
    • Forensic Toxicologist: identify drugs or chemicals in a laboratory setting, require Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, specialization in Forensic Science, average salary in Texas is $59,000/year
    • Forensic DNA Analyst: develop a DNA profile from a sample, require Bachelor's Degree in Biology (or Chemistry) with a minor in Forensic Science, average salary is $63,000/year
    • Forensic Computer Technician: examine digital evidence, require Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a similar field, average salary is $73,000 per year
    • Forensic Anthropologist: identify human remains and cause of death, require Master's Degree in Forensic Anthropology, average salary is $62,000 per year
    • Forensic Nurse: collect biological samples from victims, require Licensed nurse (RN program) and SANE Certification, 40-hour course plus 40-hours of clinicals
    • Forensic Odontologist: identify human remains from teeth, require Licensed dentist and Bachelors degree, pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), complete four years of dentistry school, pass licensing exam, average salary is $150,000 per year
    • Medical Examiner: perform autopsies to determine the time, cause, and manner of death, require Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), medical school, residency, and certification through the American Board of Pathology, average salary in Texas is $177,000.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Test your knowledge on jobs in forensics and the education requirements needed for each role. Learn about the different types of jobs, the necessary qualifications, and the specialized areas within the field.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser