How to Become a Forensic Biologist

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree (4 Years)

Forensic biologists are scientists by definition, so a four year college degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or forensic biology is mandatory.

Extensive laboratory experience is required and courses in biostatistics, genetics, general chemistry and organic chemistry are recommended.

Considerable knowledge in physics and math is preferred. Programs chosen by students should be accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission.

The preparation timeline below provides an example biology curriculum:

Grade Level	Example Courses
Freshman	General Chemistry I & Lab General Chemistry II & Lab College Algebra & Statistics Introduction to Kinesiology Humanities Requirements Electives
Sophomore	Statistics Human Anatomy & Physiology I Human Anatomy & Physiology II Emergency Medical Response Applied Kinesiology Athletic Care & Prevention Humanities Requirements Electives
Junior	Nutrition for Atheletes Exercise Physiology Lower Body Injury Evaluation Athletic Training Clinical I & II Exercise Testing Upper Body Injury Evaluation Humanities Requirements Electives
Senior	Health in the US Health Education & Planning Healthcare Management Health Policy Capstone Remaining Requirements & Electives

2. Take the Graduate Requisite Exam (GRE)

Most graduate programs revolving around forensic science require the Graduate Requisite Exam (GRE) for admittance. It's a 3 hour and 45 minute, standardized, multiple choice exam that covers analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.

The GRE is broken down into six primary sections:

Section	Section Breakdown
1 Analytical Writing Section	2 writing assignments 60 minutes Tests student's abilities to assess arguments and communicate ideas.
2 Quantitative Reasoning Sections	20 multiple-choice questions 35 minutes per section Tests student's abilities to solve mathematical problems and interpret data.
2 Verbal Reasoning Sections	20 questions per section 30 minutes per section Tests the ability to understand and analyze written material
1 Unscored Section	A duplicate of one of the above sections

3. Earn a Master's Degree (2 Years)

A master’s degree in forensic science is required by most employers in order to seek employment in a private or federal crime laboratory.

The preparation timeline below provides an example forensic science curriculum:

Year	Courses
1st	Crime Scene Investigation & Reconstruction Forensic Toxicology & Chemistry Analyses Biostatistics Genetics Equilibrium & Analysis Law & Ethics Principles of Pharmacology Forensic Serology Forensic Chemistry Forensic Microscopy
2nd	Forensic Toxicology Human Molecular Biology Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis Advanced Forensic Chemistry Quality Management Graduate Practicum in Forensic Biology Research Project in Forensic Biology