Top "Forensic" Occupations

The two most popular occupations in DISCOVER right now are FBI agent and criminologist. Crime lab analyst falls among the top 20. The most common request from the Evaluation Comments is "Forensic" occupations. Clearly, fighting crime is a hot topic for our users.

There is no one occupation that is "forensic." "Forensic" is a word that can be placed in front of many DISCOVER occupations to designate a person who is an expert in a field and has sufficient credentials to testify in court. Forensic experts must be able to withstand cross-examination of their credentials and opinions, which can be grueling. Aspiration to this level of expertise by the middle or end of one's career is a worthy goal. The list below includes a few of the occupations to which "forensic" is commonly pre-pended.

ACCOUNTANTS/AUDITORS help to ensure that the nation's firms are run efficiently, public records kept accurately, and taxes paid properly and on time. They prepare, analyze, and verify financial documents, and provide information to clients, accountants and auditors, including budget analysis, financial and investment planning, and information technology consulting services. The major fields of accounting are public, management, government accounting, and internal auditing. ACCOUNTANT/AUDITORS must have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers prefer those with a master's degree in accounting or a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Every state board of accountancy grants the designation of certified public accountant (CPA) to accountants who pass the examination of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Average salary ranged from $43,500 to $54,500 a year in 2007.

INVESTMENT ANALYSTS analyze financial information to forecast business, industry, and economic conditions, for use in making investment decisions. They are concerned with data that affects the investment programs of public, industrial, and financial institutions. They interpret data about all aspects of investment, such as price, yield, and stability. They summarize the data describing current and long-term trends and investment risks and benefits analysis for investors. INVESTMENT ANALYSTS must have a bachelor's degree in finance. Work experience is a major consideration in preparing for this occupation. Courses in accounting, business law, economics, investment, writing, math, government, and computer science are helpful. Average salary ranged from $46,500 to $77,500 a year in 2007.

TOXICOLOGISTS research or study the effects of toxic substances and materials on humans, animals, and plants. They design and conduct studies to determine physiological effects of various substances and materials on laboratory animals, plants, and human tissue. TOXICOLOGISTS review toxicological data for accuracy and suggest modifications or corrections to data. They write and maintain records and reports of studies and tests for use as toxicological resource material. Toxicologists testify as expert witnesses on toxicology in hearings and court proceedings. A master's degree in toxicology is sufficient for some jobs in applied research. However, a Ph.D. degree is preferred and is usually necessary for independent research. Average salary ranged from $40,000 to $73,000 a year in 2007.

PATHOLOGISTS study disease to provide the scientific foundation for medical practice. They study the presence, nature, causes, and development of diseases in the human body. Pathologists act as consultants to other physicians by providing and interpreting laboratory information essential for medical diagnosis and patient care. Many pathologists are generalists concerned with all types of patient specimens that can be examined in a laboratory, whereas others specialize in more restricted areas of pathology practice such as clinical pathology, forensic pathology, chemical pathology, and molecular genetics. A PATHOLOGIST must have graduated from medical or osteopathic school and possess the appropriate degree. They must have a license to practice medicine, and complete 4 or 5 years of training in an accredited residency program for a total of thirteen years. A certifying examination is also necessary to become a diplomate of the American Board of Pathology. Average salary ranged from $61,000 to $97,500 a year in 2007.

PSYCHIATRISTS are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses and emotional problems. Psychiatrists use a wide range of treatments, including various forms of psychotherapy, medications, and hospitalization, according to the needs of each patient. Psychiatrists then direct or administer the type of care and treatment needed. Some psychiatrists may be involved in research, teaching in colleges and universities, or serving as consultants to court and school systems. All states require PSYCHIATRISTS to be licensed as physicians. After completing their residency, most psychiatrists take a voluntary examination, given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, to become a board certified psychiatrist. Average salary ranged from $116,000 to $227,500 a year in 2007.

CRIMINOLOGISTS are sociologists who specialize in research of the relationship between criminal law and social order, in causes of crime, and in the behavior of people who commit crimes. Criminologists try to ensure that laws keep up with changes in society. The results of their studies and research help educators, lawmakers, administrators, and others interested in resolving social problems and formulating public policy. They provide information about crime and how people are processed through the criminal justice system. CRIMINOLOGISTS require a Ph.D. degree for most positions in colleges and universities and for advancement to top-level, nonacademic research and administrative positions. A bachelor's degree provides a suitable background for many different kinds of entry-level jobs, such as research assistant, administrative aide, or management trainee. Average salary ranged from $41,500 to $70,500 a year in 2007.

PHOTOGRAPHERS use their cameras and film, or digital cameras and computers, to portray people, places, and events. They try to capture the feeling or mood that sells products, highlights news stories, and brings back memories. Commercial, editorial, and industrial photographers take pictures of such subjects as manufactured goods, buildings, livestock, and groups of people. Portrait photographers take pictures of individuals or groups of people. Photojournalists photograph newsworthy events, places, people, and things. Scientific photographers provide illustration and documentation for scientific publications, research reports, and textbooks. Entry-level positions in photojournalism, as well as industrial, scientific, or technical photography, are likely to require a college degree in photography. No special licensing or certification is required for photographers. Average salary ranged from $32,000 to $49,000 a year in 2007.

ECONOMISTS study how society distributes scarce resources such as land, labor, raw materials, and machinery to produce goods and services. They conduct research, collect and analyze data, monitor economic trends, and develop forecasts. They research issues such as energy costs, inflation, interest rates, imports, or employment levels. They use their understanding of economic relationships to advise businesses and other organizations, including insurance companies, banks, securities firms, industry and trade associations, labor unions, and government agencies. Graduate training is required for most private sector ECONOMIST jobs. A Ph.D. is necessary for teaching in colleges and universities, and for top economist positions in many organizations. A bachelor's degree with a major in economics is excellent preparation for many entry-level positions as research assistants, or administrative or management trainees. Average salary ranged from $53,500 to $104,500 a year in 2007.

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