Forensic science investigations employ many of the same principles and techniques applied by clinical laboratory scientists. Thus, earning a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) is excellent preparation for a career as a Forensic Scientist. Eligibility for employment as a forensic scientist requires the addition of two extra courses in biology in addition to the already required CLS curriculum: BIOS 205 (4), Organismal Diversity, and BIOS 308 (5), Genetics. Students are advised to take these additional courses prior to enrolling in 300- or 400-level course in clinical laboratory sciences.
Forensic Scientists, like Clinical Laboratory Scientists, work in sophisticated laboratories with state-of-the-art biomedical and other scientific instrumentation. While Clinical Laboratory Scientists focus on promoting wellness and discovery and monitoring of disease through many analytical tests, Forensic Scientists examine, identify, evaluate and objectively describe evidence from crimes. Clinical Laboratory Science is patient-centered while Forensic Science is crime or case-centered.
Careers as a Forensic Scientist with the Illinois State Police begin with an application process and test of the applicant's scientific knowledge and capabilities for further training. Other screening procedures are also conducted. If hired, the Forensic Scientist Trainee completes a comprehensive training program which varies in length according to the forensic discipline. The following table lists the disciplines with brief descriptions and the length of current training programs. Forensic Scientist Trainees are paid employees during the training programs. Starting salaries for a Forensic Scientist Trainee in 2001 ranged from $2485 to $3522 per month.
| FORENSIC DISCIPLINE | DESCRIPTION | MONTHS IN TRAINING |
| Latent Prints | Detect and compare prints or patterns made by fingers, feet, lips, shoes, or tires. | 24 |
| Firearms and Toolmarks | Examine firearms and tools (crowbar) and compare with crime scene evidence | 24 |
| Questioned Documents | Compare handwriting samples and examine materials (ink, paper, printing) of documents | 36 |
| Toxicology | Analyze tissue and body fluids to identify drugs and poisons. | 18 |
| Drug Chemistry | Investigate crime scene materials for evidence of controlled substances. | 14 |
| Microscopy | Microscopic viewing and enlarging images of small objects (hair, fibers, soil). | 18 |
| Trace Chemistry | Identify and compare materials based upon their chemical properties. | 23 |
| Forensic Biology/DNA | Analyze living organisms and molecular systems (DNA) to associate people with crimes. | 20 |
For further information about earning a degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences with additional coursework in preparation for pursuing a career in Forensic Science, contact the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program at (815) 753-1382. For further information about careers in Forensic Science with the Illinois State Police, click on www.isp.state.il.us , click on employment and look under Forensic Science or call 217/785-0183 or 800/648-4155 (in Illinois only).