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CAREERS IN FORENSICS:

AN OVERVIEW OF EDUCATION AND PROGRAMS

2006

Department of Anthropology

Department of Biology

Department of Chemistry

Department of Criminal Justice

Department of Software and Information Systems

Department of Psychology

Introduction 3

Forensic Anthropology – Background Information and Resources 3

What is forensic anthropology? 3

What kind of jobs are there in forensic anthropology? 3

Education for forensic anthropology 3

Some relevant courses at UNC Charlotte 3

Programs in Forensic Anthropology across the U.S. 3

For more information about forensic anthropology: 3

Computer Forensics – Background Information and Resource 3

What is Computer Forensics? 3

What kind of jobs are there in Computer Forensics? 3

Education for Computer Forensics 3

Some relevant courses at UNC Charlotte 3

Programs in Computer Forensic across the U.S. 3

For more information about computer forensic: 3

Forensic Psychology-Background Information and Resources 3

What is forensic psychology? 3

What kind of jobs are there in forensic psychology? 3

Education for forensic psychology 3

Some relevant courses at UNC Charlotte 3

Programs in forensic psychology across the U.S. 3

For more information about forensic psychology 3

Forensic Science – Background Information and Resources 3

What kinds of jobs are there in forensic science? 3

Education requirements for a career in forensic science 3

Relevant courses at UNC Charlotte 3

Some graduate programs in forensic science 3

For more information about forensic science 3

Other Related Courses 3

Other Forensic Careers 3

Crime Scene Technician-Background Information and Resources 3

Forensic Accounting1 3

Introduction

This guidebook has been developed by UNC Charlotte faculty across a number of disciplines to provide information to the many students who have an interest in the area of forensics, but often base their interest only on what they have viewed through the media. There are four major areas covered in the guidebook, describing the area, educational requirements, related courses that students can take at UNC Charlotte, and links to web pages that provide more information. There are other forensic areas so students are encouraged to take their exploration further.

Special thanks to those faculty members who contributed a great deal of time and effort. These members include Bill Chu, Department of Software and Information Systems; Bernadette Donovan-Merkert, Department of Chemistry; Janet Levy, Department of Anthropology; Vivian Lord, Department of Criminal Justice; Todd Steck, Department of Biology; and Lori Van Wallendael, Department of Psychology.

Forensic Anthropology – Background Information and Resources

What is forensic anthropology?

Forensic anthropology is a specialization within the field of Biological Anthropology (also called Physical Anthropology); forensic anthropologists apply methods and data from the study of human anatomy and physiology to the analysis of skeletal remains in a criminal justice context. Biological (or Physical) Anthropology itself is a subfield within the larger field of Anthropology. Within the United States, most students who are interested in biological anthropology get degrees in a Department of Anthropology and focus on biological anthropology. There are a small number of separate departments of biological anthropology in the United States, for example at Duke University, but this is not the norm.

Professional forensic anthropologists are usually involved when fully or partly skeletalized human remains are uncovered in the context of a legal investigation. These investigations may be local crime scenes or may be focused on evidence of human rights violations, such as at mass graves in Rwanda, Guatemala, or Bosnia. Forensic anthropologists may also be involved in the investigation of human remains from natural or cultural disasters, such as when graves are inadvertently opened during flooding or hurricanes or during construction.

In these investigations, forensic anthropologists may be called upon to direct recovery of human remains, using basic archaeological techniques of excavation and record-keeping. After recovery, forensic anthropologists will try to establish the identity(ies) of the remains, including number of individuals represented, sex, age at death, distinctive anatomical details, any pathologies, any skeletal evidence of cause of death, etc. In addition to knowledge of human anatomy, forensic anthropologists use knowledge of cultural variability to help in identification. They may work in collaboration with forensic biologists, chemists, and others. In addition to producing a report of their findings in any case, forensic anthropologists may be called upon to testify at a legal trial or to help with the reburial of destroyed graves. A very small number of forensic anthropologists work in facial reconstruction, producing 3-D images that may be used in a courtroom or in a museum.

Those anthropologists who testify regularly in court are usually certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology; certification requires a graduate degree and extensive experience. See below for more information.

What kind of jobs are there in forensic anthropology?

There are a small number of full-time jobs in forensic anthropology outside of universities. Most forensic anthropologists are faculty members at the university-level and have the regular responsibilities of faculty members: teaching undergraduate and graduate students and conducting research. These forensic anthropologists consult on a case-by-case basis with criminal justice agencies, usually in the local region. It is rare for a local criminal justice agency to employ a forensic anthropologist full-time. For example, neither the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department nor the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations nor the NC Office of the Medical Examiner employ a forensic anthropologist, although they do employ other full-time forensic specialists, such as pathologists and experts in firearms, drug chemistry, and DNA-typing.

Some law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, employ people with a forensic anthropology background in more general investigatory positions.

There are a few jobs for forensic anthropologists at museums, and the U.S. Army also employs a small number of forensic anthropologists. International non-governmental agencies occasionally employ a forensic anthropologist full-time, usually for a limited period contract; these individuals may focus on recovery and identification in a disaster situation or in an investigation of human rights abuses.

Education for forensic anthropology

Most forensic anthropology jobs require a graduate degree: at least an M.A. and frequently a Ph.D. For example, you must hold a Ph.D. in order to be certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology. Graduates with a B.A. or B.S. may be eligible for entry-level jobs in police departments and crime labs, such as crime scene recovery technician, case manager, or lab support technician. These positions may require other credentials.

Practicing forensic anthropologists recommend that a student get a B.A. or B.S. in anthropology. You should take basic courses in all aspects of anthropology and focus on biological anthropology, especially osteology and human anatomy. It is a good idea, also, to learn some archaeology and get some field experience in excavation. It would be wise to supplement your anthropology major with courses in biology (especially human anatomy and physiology and human genetics), earth science or geology (especially soil science), chemistry, and/or criminal justice or criminology. Almost all forensic science, including forensic anthropology, will require good skills in statistics, writing, and oral presentation.

At UNC-Charlotte, the anthropology program offers a B.A. in anthropology. A student must take courses in cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology. One course in forensic anthropology will be offered, beginning in 2006; several other biological anthropology courses are also offered. Students should also take human anatomy and physiology in the Department of Biology.

A student investigating graduate education should choose a university with a strong biological anthropology component in the anthropology department, and with faculty who work in osteology, human evolution, and/or bioarchaeology. Internships are advisable at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Some students do best by seeking a M.A. at a university that focuses on the M.A. in anthropology, and then going to a different institution for a Ph.D. if that is what the goal is. Other students do better at a university where they can continue straight through to a Ph.D. in anthropology. However, this latter kind of anthropology department is often more difficult to get admitted to. Students will need an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and excellent GRE scores for entry into M.A. departments. Higher grades and scores are needed for admission into many Ph.D. departments; in addition, for all graduate applications, a student will need a well-written and focused personal statement and good references from faculty members who know him or her well.

Some relevant courses at UNC Charlotte

• ANTH 1101 Introduction to Anthropology

o Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer; no prerequisites

• ANTH 2141 Introduction to Biological Anthropology

o Offered Fall and Spring; no prerequisites

• ANTH 2142 Primate Behavior

o Offered about once every three semesters; prerequisite is ANTH 1101.

• ANTH 2151 Introduction to Archaeology

o Offered every fall; no prerequisite

• Biological Anthropology Courses at the 3000- and 4000-levels, including Forensic Anthropology, Human Evolution, and Race and Anthropology

o Each offered about once every three semesters; prerequisite is ANTH 2141 or permission of the instructor.

• ANTH 4453 Field Project in Archaeology

o Offered most years in 1st summer session; prerequisite is ANTH 1101, ANTH 2151, or permission of the instructor

Programs in Forensic Anthropology across the U.S.

Here are some institutions with recognized programs (either specific degrees or formal tracks) in forensic anthropology:

University of Florida, Gainesville, Department of Anthropology and the C.A. Pound Human Identification Lab:



California State University at Chico, Department of Anthropology:



Mercyhurst College, Pennsylvania, Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute:



Western Carolina University, Department of Anthropology and Sociology (undergraduate only):



University of Tennessee – Knoxville, Department of Anthropology:



Michigan State University, Department of Anthropology and Interdisciplinary Masters Program in Forensics:

and



Adelphi University, New York, Department of Anthropology (undergraduate only):



University of Wyoming, Department of Anthropology (undergraduate):



University of Montana, Department of Anthropology:



University of New Mexico, Department of Anthropology:



General listing of programs in all areas of forensic sciences, from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences:

(click on “Resources”)

For more information about forensic anthropology:

Information on Forensic Anthropology from Dr. A. Midori Albert, UNC-Wilmington



Forensic – listing of books, interactive web pages, and many other resources; surprisingly good information for a commercial site:



Zeno’s Forensic Site – another source of all sorts of information on the field



American Academy of Forensic Sciences – the major professional organization for all types of forensic scientists; resources on meetings, training, employment, etc.



American Board of Forensic Anthropology – the organization which certifies forensic anthropologists



Human Rights and Forensic Anthropology



Forensic Anthropology from the University of Utah Health Sciences Center – includes links to media stories about forensic anthropology, updated regularly



Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists



Southern Association of Forensic Scientists



A History of Smithsonian–FBI Collaboration in Forensic Anthropology, Especially in Regard to Facial Imagery



Kathy Reichs - Forensic Sciences



What is Forensic Anthropology?



Computer Forensics – Background Information and Resource

What is Computer Forensics?

Computer Forensics is an emerging interdisciplinary area of study that focuses on gathering evidence stored in computer systems. The act of evidence gathering may involve finding certain files (e.g. documents, emails) or reconstructing sequence of events (e.g. in the case of how a computer may be broken into). The purpose of gathering such evidence may range from aiding an investigation to presenting the evidence in court.

An accomplished Computer Forensics examiner needs to have a broad understanding of both technical as well as legal and criminal justice issues. From a technical point of view, the examiner needs to understand the way information is stored on computers in a variety of operating systems (e.g. desktop computers, laptop computers, hand-held computers, cell phones, music players), how information is sent and processed over the Internet, as well as how common applications store and use information (e.g. web browsing, emails, office software). In more advanced cases, the examiner needs to understand how information may be deliberately hidden (e.g. encryption, stenography) and how to decode such information.

In addition to technical know how, the examiner must also understand legal and criminal justice issues so that evidence gathered will be admissible in court. A good understanding of Computer Forensics is also needed to help companies define appropriate policies and procedures to prevent crimes that involve computers and communication networks.

What kind of jobs are there in Computer Forensics?

Knowledge of computer forensics can often complement other skills and make a prospective employee much more attractive to employers. For example, most law enforcement agencies are looking for investigators with computer forensics knowledge. Corporations are looking for IT/auditing professionals with understanding of computer forensics as companies are facing increasing crime / cases of policy infractions involving computers. Many large corporations have in-house computer forensics labs and examiners.

In addition to the public sector, private sector demand for qualified computer forensics examiners is also on the rise. Law firms and private investigative agencies are looking for forensics examiners to help with criminal defense and civil cases as increasingly evidence involving computers (e.g. email, electronic documents, digital pictures) is involved in litigations.

Education for Computer Forensics

Computer Forensics is still an emerging area of study in universities. Typically students need to major in an IT-related discipline with at least a minor in Criminal Justice. In some cases students may choose to double major. In addition to taking a course in Computer Forensics, students need to have takes courses in information security, systems and network administration, vulnerability assessment, as well as criminal justice courses.

At UNC-Charlotte, a student interested in becoming a computer forensics examiner may choose to be enrolled in the BA Software and Information Systems with a minor (or double major) in Criminal Justice. Students who are interested in working as investigators with some computer forensics expertise may choose to major in Criminal Justice with a minor in Software and Information Systems.

A student investigating graduate education may wish to complete the Graduate Certificate Program in Information Security and Privacy focusing on Computer Forensics. This graduate certificate may be obtained in conjunction with a graduate degree in either Criminal Justice or Information Technology (MSIT). If a student wishes to concentrate on Computer Forensics, but chooses to enroll in MSIT, he/she should work with an academic advisor to take additional courses in Criminal Justice.

Some relevant courses at UNC Charlotte

• ITIS 4250 Computer Forensics

o Offered Fall and Spring; prerequisite is ITIS 2300

• IT IS 3200 Introduction to Computer Security and Privacy

o Offered Fall and Spring; prerequisite is ITCS 1215

• IT IS 4220 Vulnerability and Systems Assurance

o Offered about once a year; prerequisite is ITIS 3200

• Network and Systems Administration ( A course currently under development)

o Offered once every year; prerequisite to be determined

• ITIS 5250 Computer Forensics

o Offered Fall and Spring; prerequisite is admission to the graduate program.

• IT IS 6200 Principles of Computer Security and Privacy

o Offered Fall and Spring; prerequisite is admission to the graduate program.

• IT IS 5220 Vulnerability and Systems Assurance

o Offered about once a year; prerequisite is admission to the graduate program

Programs in Computer Forensic across the U.S.

Here are some institutions with recognized programs (either specific degrees or formal tracks) in Computer Forensics:

John Jay College of Criminal Justice: Master of Science in Forensics Computing

West Virginia University’s Certificate in Computer Forensics

For more information about computer forensic:

Computer Forensic Education is an excellent survey paper of Computer Forensics.

Career in Forensics lists some possible career paths for people interested in Computer Forensics.

Cyber Crimes Center



Computer Forensics Tool Testing (CFTT) Project Web Site



Inside the DEA, DEA Programs, Computer Forensics Program



DCIS Computer Crimes Program



National Institute of Justice - Computer Forensic Tool Testing



RCFL: Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory



Forensic Psychology-Background Information and Resources

What is forensic psychology?[1]

Forensic psychology involves the application of different areas of psychology (clinical, developmental, social, cognitive, and community) to questions and issues related to law and the justice system. Clinical psychologists who are primarily interested in forensic practice conduct assessments, research, and treatment relevant to the needs of the courts. Developmental psychologists deal with legally relevant research and consultation with children and adolescents in such areas as testimony of children, the knowledge and decision-making of adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system, and the needs of children and families involved in divorce and child custody issues. Social psychologists may consult with attorneys, courts, and agencies in their research areas; such as witness credibility, jury selection, and decision-making influences. Cognitive psychologists are trained in the areas of human perception and memory, and may be consulted by the courts in eyewitness identification, the accuracy of memory, the reliability of confession evidence, and the detection of deception. Community psychologists are involved in policy and law formulation, implementation, evaluation, and change.

What kind of jobs are there in forensic psychology?

Forensic psychology has steadily grown during the last 30 years. Research, consultation, and practice in areas of psychology relevant to the law should continue to expand over the next ten years. With this growth comes an increased effort within psychology to provide guidelines for those providing services to courts, attorneys, and lawmakers. For example, forensic psychologists have played a large role in many state and federal changes in lineup procedures in recent years, in an ongoing effort to reduce the problem of false convictions.

Clinical-forensic psychologists are employed in forensic hospitals, mental health centers, jails, prisons, and juvenile treatment centers. Clinical-forensic psychologists also work independently in private practice, although it is rare that their private practice is only forensic work.

Most developmental psychologists interested in forensic psychology are employed in higher education where they teach and conduct research. Some are employed by governmental agencies, private foundations, or non-profit organizations and are involved in advocacy and policy formulation and analysis. Unlike clinical psychologists, developmental psychologists formulate and test such theories as those concerning the effects of divorce and joint custody on children, the effects of restrictive environments on adolescent development, or long-term effects of physical, sexual, or emotional child abuse on adult functioning.

Like developmental psychologists, most social and cognitive psychologists with forensic interests are employed by colleges or universities, where they teach and conduct research. Less frequently, they are employed by governmental agencies, private foundations, or non-profit organizations conducting some combination of advocacy and policy formulation and analysis. Some individuals who offer trial consulting services have been trained in traditional programs in social or cognitive psychology.

Community psychologists who are interested in forensic psychology teach and conduct research in higher education settings. Unlike other areas of psychology, however, a number of community psychologists are employed in governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, foundations, or other community-based advocacy and service settings.

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Criminal Profiling

Many students express an interest in criminal profiling. In reality, few law enforcement agencies employ such techniques and there is little call for such professionals. The Behavioral Sciences Unit of the FBI does have a small number of FBI agents who are engaged in profiling, among other responsibilities. Because of the small number, the FBI encourages prospective applicants who are interested in being special agents to do so because they are interested in the range of opportunities available with the FBI, not because they want to be a profiler. Further information is available from their office in Washington, D.C. or through their website: .

Education for forensic psychology

Any forensic psychology jobs require a doctoral degree. For psychologists whose practice is individual-focused and involves forensic assessment or treatment services, a doctorate in clinical psychology and licensure as a practicing psychologist is typically required. Students who are leaning towards clinical practice should consider Psy.D. programs, while those who might like to conduct research should focus on Ph.D. programs. A masters degree in clinical psychology may be sufficient to obtain employment in institutions, where work is conducted under the supervision of a Ph.D or Psy.D. psychologist.

Few Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs offer specialty training in clinical-forensic psychology. Instead most clinical-forensic psychologists are graduates of general clinical psychology programs who developed their specialty later in their training, either on internship, by way of completing a forensic fellowship, or by independent and continuing education study. Students interested in becoming clinical-forensic psychologists should consider a clinical Ph.D. or Psy.D. program which offers a forensic specialization.

For psychologists who are primarily researchers, educators, consultants to courts, and policy-makers, licensure or certification is usually not necessary. They still need a Ph.D. in their specific area.

At UNC Charlotte, a masters program in Clinical/Community psychology is available to qualified students. A clinical/community masters degree is a good springboard to the Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and may be sufficient to obtain employment in some institutional settings such as prisons or juvenile facilities. Students in the clinical masters program complete a master’s thesis as part of their training, and may elect to do their thesis in a forensic area.

UNC-Charlotte also offers a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Psychology. One track of this program leads to licensure as a clinical psychologist. Students in the program take a variety of courses in clinical health psychology, and may elect to do research in a forensic area.

Some relevant courses at UNC Charlotte

At the undergraduate level, the psychology department offers a topics course each fall, PSYC 3001, Forensic Psychology, which gives a broad overview of the field. Some senior seminars in psychology, particularly the Seminar in Social Psychology and the Seminar in Experimental Psychology, also focus on forensic issues, depending upon the instructor’s expertise.

Programs in forensic psychology across the U.S.

An up-to-date listing of current graduate programs in the United States can be found at:



For more information about forensic psychology

American Psychology-Law Society



Website of the American Board of Forensic Psychology



Careers in Forensic Psychology



Graduate School Directories - Forensic Psychology



International Journal of Forensic Psychology



Psychology: Forensic Psychology: AmoebaWeb



Forensic Science – Background Information and Resources

What is Forensic Science?

Forensic science involves the application of scientific processes and methods to legal matters. A forensic scientist analyzes evidence that is brought in from crime scenes and reaches conclusions based on laboratory tests run on the evidence. A strong foundation in an area of science, such as biology or chemistry, is required to pursue a career as a forensic scientist.

What kinds of jobs are there in forensic science?

Forensic scientists typically work in government laboratories where they analyze physical evidence submitted by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for investigative and legal purposes. They draw conclusions based on their analysis and write reports on their findings. The results of their work are used in police investigations and court trials. Forensic scientists are summoned to court to testify as expert witnesses and to explain their findings to a jury. On some occasions, a forensic scientist may be summoned to a crime scene to help reconstruct a crime or to assist in the recognition and collection of evidence. Working at a crime scene usually comprises a relatively small component of a forensic scientist’s job responsibilities.

Education requirements for a career in forensic science

You should obtain a bachelors degree (preferably a B.S.) in an area of science, such as biology or chemistry, if you want to work in a crime laboratory or if you wish to pursue a Master’s degree in forensic science. Courses in criminal justice can be helpful, but potential employers and graduate programs in forensic science will be far more interested in your background in science. You will need a solid knowledge base in science, excellent laboratory skills, and good oral and written communication skills.

Potential employers will be interested in your personal character as well your academic background and credentials as a scientist. If you have a criminal record, it will be very difficult to find employment as a forensic scientist.

Relevant courses at UNC Charlotte

( Courses offered at UNC Charlotte that will help you to prepare for graduate studies in

forensic chemistry and employment in a crime laboratory as a forensic chemist:

CHEM 1251/1252 Principles of Chemistry

CHEM 1251L/1252L Principles of Chemistry Laboratory

CHEM 2131/2132 Organic Chemistry

CHEM 2131L/2132L Organic Chemistry Laboratory

CHEM 3111 Quantitative Analysis

CHEM 4165 Principles of Biochemistry I

CHEM 4165L Principles of Biochemistry I Laboratory

CHEM 4111 Instrumental Analysis

CHEM 4171 Biochemical Instrumentation

CHEM 4900 Directed Undergraduate Research

( Courses offered at UNC Charlotte that will help you to prepare for graduate studies in

forensic biology and employment in a crime laboratory as a forensic biologist:

CHEM 1251/1251 Principles of Chemistry

CHEM 1251L/1252L Principles of Chemistry Laboratory

CHEM 2131/2132 Organic Chemistry

CHEM 2131L/2132L Organic Chemistry Laboratory

BIOL 3166 General Genetics

BIOL 4121 Biometry

CHEM 4165 Principles of Biochemistry I

BIOL 4199 Molecular Biology

BIOL 4260 Population Genetics

Some graduate programs in forensic science

Michigan State University (Forensic Science Master’s Program)

George Washington University (Master of Forensic Science and Master of Science in Forensic Science)

(This web page also contains an extensive listing of web links on forensic science.)

Florida International University (Ph.D. program in Chemistry with Forensic Science Emphasis)



John Jay College (Master of Science in Forensic Science)

For more information about forensic science

American Academy of Forensic Sciences



Crime Scene Investigation



Forensic Science Programs Worldwide



Other Related Courses

CJUS 2102 Ethics and the Criminal Justice System

Offered Fall and Spring, prerequisite is CJUS 1100

CJUS 3000-090 Basic Criminalistics

Provides an introduction to various applications implemented in Crime Scene Investigation in the Criminal Justice System today. The laboratory portion of the course provides hands-on opportunities to learn specific techniques and procedures discussed in lecture.

Offered about once a year, no prerequisites, recommend CJUS 1100

CJUS 3102. American Criminal Courts

Analysis of the court component of criminal justice with emphasis on social science literature concerning prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, juries, and court reform policies.

Offered Fall and Spring, prerequisite: CJUS 1100.

CJUS 3110 Criminal Justice and the Law

Nature and development of criminal law including the concepts of criminal liability, responsibility, and capacity; comprehensive analysis of the various crimes against persons, property, and morality.

Offered Fall and Spring, prerequisite is CJUS 1100

CJUS 3111 Criminal Justice Procedures

Examines the rules that govern everyday operation of the criminal justice system from investigation to appeal

Offered Fall and Spring, prerequisite is CJUS 1100

CJUS 4000/5000-001 Investigative Law

Offered about once a year, prerequisite is CJUS 3111

CJUS 4000/5000-090 Computer Crimes

Critically examines the increasingly important issue of cyber crime, and how crime is facilitated through technology, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. Students will understand the complex nature of this emerging crime type, as well as its significance across a variety of disciplines from the social sciences to business administration and management information systems.

Offered once a year

Other Forensic Careers

Crime Scene Technician-Background Information and Resources

What are the duties of a crime scene technician?

Crime scene technicians respond to crime scenes and other significant events as requested for the purpose of locating, identifying, processing and collecting physical evidence. They must determine what items, areas and surfaces should be processed, and what evidence should be collected for laboratory analysis. Technicians must document the scene and the location and condition of evidence by notes, crime scene sketches, photography, and videotape. They must assist the Medical Examiner’s and District Attorney’s offices for case preparation, as well as testify in court.

What kind of jobs are there for crime scene technicians?

State and large local police agencies possess crime scene units and crime lab personnel. These are non-sworn positions that often have high turn-over rates because of occupational stress, long working hours, and shift work.

Education for crime scene technicians

The preferred educational background is a bachelor degree in biology, forensic science or criminal justice, although some agencies will accept associate degrees with a balance of experience. Many agencies prefer experience in related areas such as police, medical examiner office, or lab work. Additional on-the-job training to obtain certification by the International Association for Identification is often required.

Forensic Accounting1

What is Forensic Accounting?

Forensic accounting is the practice of utilizing accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to assist in legal matters.  It is used for litigation support and investigating specific types of crimes.  Litigation support includes the factual depiction of economic issues related to existing or pending litigation.  In this capacity, the forensic accountant quantifies damages sustained by parties involved in legal disputes and often assists in resolving disputes before they are taken to the courts.  If a dispute reaches court, the forensic accountant may testify as an expert witness.     

The forensic accountant’s responsibility in investigations includes determining whether criminal matters such as employee theft, securities fraud (including falsification of financial statements), identity theft, and insurance fraud have occurred.  He or she may be required to recommend actions that can be taken to minimize future risk of loss.  Investigation may also occur in civil matters, such as searching for hidden assets in divorce cases.

What kind of jobs are there in forensic accounting?

Forensic accountants are found in accounting firms and are needed for investigating mergers and acquisitions, supporting civil litigations, specialized audits, and criminal investigating of tax, economic crimes, and terrorists. Forensic accountants work in corporations, accounting firms, and all branches of state and federal governments.

1 2/12/06

Other related links

Forensic Links



Occupational Outlook Handbook



Mass Fatality Incidents: A Guide for Human Forensic Identification Technical Working Group for Mass Fatality Forensic Identification, June 2005



Medical Examiners, Coroners, and Biologic Terrorism A Guidebook ...



Topic - Related Links - National Criminal Justice Reference Service



Central Identification Laboratory



DMORT - National Disaster Medical System



Crime Scene Investigation Training



Crime Scene Technician



North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation



North Carolina Program for Forensic Science



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[1] Material from this section is primarily from “Careers in Psychology and the Law: A Guide for Prospective Students,” Career and Training Committee, American Psychology-Law Society, APA Division 41, September 2004.

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