2 answers
Maddi
Student
Nevada, Missouri
3
Questions
Updated
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What are the best colleges for forensic pathology, and what should I major in once I get there?
I'm currently a Sophomore and want to go into forensic pathology, but I'm not sure where I should be looking to apply to. I know I need to be looking for colleges with good medical fields, but there's so many different choices that it gets overwhelming. I should probably mention that I'm queer and transgender, so schools in more southern areas might be a bit spooky. I also have no idea what I should plan to major in. I know I still have a hot minute, but I'm looking at another 12ish years of school, so I'd like to make sure I have a good plan.
#major #college-majors #medicalexaminer #forensicpathology #college #majors
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2 answers
Rebecca Reynolds
Asst. Dean Advising and Mentoring
18
Answers
Highland Park, New Jersey
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
First, a look of the best schools for forensic pathology can be found here:
https://www.helptostudy.com/best-colleges-for-forensic-pathology/#:~:text=Best%20Colleges%20for%20Forensic%20Pathology%201%20University%20of,University.%20...%2010%20University%20of%20Southern%20California
and the list of the top schools for LGBTQ students can be found here:
https://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-lgbt-friendly-colleges-and-universities/
If there is no overlap, you probably want to find a good university that is trans-friendly and put together a forensic pathology focus by combining criminal justice (major or minor) or psychology and biology or pathology (if it is offered). I have taught and advised transgender students and served on diversity committees and become an LGBTQ advocate, and also have transgender family members (2), and I am also queer. I think it is MOST important to find a school where you will find a club and other services for transgender students. Otherwise, your academic life could be a nightmare, and to feel comfortable as a student, you need to feel comfortable with yourself and/or have access to services or student orgs. plus a comfortable living situation through Residence Life; you want your instructors to call you by your correct name, escape being misgendered, have access to gender-neutral bathrooms, and generally feel accepted. You are probably right to look at the Northeast or California schools, but large universities, like the University of Michigan or Wisconsin, may have good programs for LGBTQ students, and one can bet that there are transgender students in attendance. Sorry to put the emphasis on identity instead of on academics, because both are clearly important, but your level of comfort can determine your ability to do well academically. Another tip: talk to a forensic pathologist and ask how they became one. They may have combined two majors as an undergraduate (a pre-med track and criminal justice) or focused on a forensics rotation in medical school, in which case your undergraduate major is less important, as long as you do a pre-med track. In fact, you do not need a particular major to pursue the pre-med track, though most students major in biology. You may want to see if there is a women, gender, and sexuality studies department (search for gender studies) and that should let you know if there are students interested in queer studies (a good sign if there are).
Research LGBTQ friendly universities and or, look for lgbtq student organizations on the campus you want to attend.
Go to a university website and search for "transgender students" to make sure you find some kind of services offered.
Go to university websites and enter "pre-medical studies" or pre-health professions, and make sure they have advisors for pre-med students as well as an office for pre-med students.
https://www.helptostudy.com/best-colleges-for-forensic-pathology/#:~:text=Best%20Colleges%20for%20Forensic%20Pathology%201%20University%20of,University.%20...%2010%20University%20of%20Southern%20California
and the list of the top schools for LGBTQ students can be found here:
https://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-lgbt-friendly-colleges-and-universities/
If there is no overlap, you probably want to find a good university that is trans-friendly and put together a forensic pathology focus by combining criminal justice (major or minor) or psychology and biology or pathology (if it is offered). I have taught and advised transgender students and served on diversity committees and become an LGBTQ advocate, and also have transgender family members (2), and I am also queer. I think it is MOST important to find a school where you will find a club and other services for transgender students. Otherwise, your academic life could be a nightmare, and to feel comfortable as a student, you need to feel comfortable with yourself and/or have access to services or student orgs. plus a comfortable living situation through Residence Life; you want your instructors to call you by your correct name, escape being misgendered, have access to gender-neutral bathrooms, and generally feel accepted. You are probably right to look at the Northeast or California schools, but large universities, like the University of Michigan or Wisconsin, may have good programs for LGBTQ students, and one can bet that there are transgender students in attendance. Sorry to put the emphasis on identity instead of on academics, because both are clearly important, but your level of comfort can determine your ability to do well academically. Another tip: talk to a forensic pathologist and ask how they became one. They may have combined two majors as an undergraduate (a pre-med track and criminal justice) or focused on a forensics rotation in medical school, in which case your undergraduate major is less important, as long as you do a pre-med track. In fact, you do not need a particular major to pursue the pre-med track, though most students major in biology. You may want to see if there is a women, gender, and sexuality studies department (search for gender studies) and that should let you know if there are students interested in queer studies (a good sign if there are).
Rebecca recommends the following next steps:
Nattakarn Alkire
52
Answers
Updated
Nattakarn’s Answer
Hello, Maddi
Below is the link to Best Colleges for Forensic Pathology: List of Top Schools
https://study.com/articles/Best_Colleges_for_Forensic_Pathology_List_of_Top_Schools.html
Please see below for what I found that would be good guideline for you to consider.
Choosing a school will be one of the most difficult decisions of your academic career. You'll need to consider what type of degree you'll need in order to accomplish your engineering career goals, as well as whether or not the institution you're considering meets your personal needs.
In the end, your choice may boil down to the school's tuition, location, and reputation.
ABET- accredited: Does the school meet the minimum education standards set by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology? Accreditation is important for any college degree program, as it ensures quality education, and that the curriculum is reviewed by engineering professionals.
School curriculum: Does the focus and philosophy of the program match your interests? Are the clinical facilities up-to-date? Does the school offer dual-degree programs with other majors?
Internships and co-op programs: Does the school offer programs that will give you industry experience? Does the school offer foreign study programs that will give you an edge in the job market?
Location: Are you willing to move out of state? Do you prefer an urban environment?
Size: What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
Tuition: Will money factor into your decision? Will you qualify for in-state tuition at a state school?
Another huge benefit of school? The connections you'll make, and the job placement services that a good engineering college can provide. Many companies searching for future engineers go directly to engineering colleges to find qualified candidates. They will likely hire the Co-op student after they completed the program and their degree as well. So I highly recommend you to find the company that you would like to work for and apply for the Co-op program to help start your career.
Here is the link to more details on the different Type of Forensic science careers. Below is more details about the Forensic Pathologist and salary information as well.
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/discover-careers-in-forensic-science-974532
Forensic Pathologist:
Pathologists Looking into Microscopes
Linda Bartlett/National Cancer Institute/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Forensic pathologists provide one of the most important components of any homicide investigation: They determine the cause of death. Also known as medical examiners, forensic pathologists employ their medical training to identify which, if any, injuries were fatal. They can also help investigators learn the type of weapon used and determine an approximate time of death.
Pathologists play a crucial role in learning whether or not a crime even occurred. Forensic pathologists are medical doctors and can earn more than $200,000 per year. The average self-reported salary in the PayScale database is $102,751.
Below is the link to Best Colleges for Forensic Pathology: List of Top Schools
https://study.com/articles/Best_Colleges_for_Forensic_Pathology_List_of_Top_Schools.html
Please see below for what I found that would be good guideline for you to consider.
Choosing a school will be one of the most difficult decisions of your academic career. You'll need to consider what type of degree you'll need in order to accomplish your engineering career goals, as well as whether or not the institution you're considering meets your personal needs.
In the end, your choice may boil down to the school's tuition, location, and reputation.
ABET- accredited: Does the school meet the minimum education standards set by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology? Accreditation is important for any college degree program, as it ensures quality education, and that the curriculum is reviewed by engineering professionals.
School curriculum: Does the focus and philosophy of the program match your interests? Are the clinical facilities up-to-date? Does the school offer dual-degree programs with other majors?
Internships and co-op programs: Does the school offer programs that will give you industry experience? Does the school offer foreign study programs that will give you an edge in the job market?
Location: Are you willing to move out of state? Do you prefer an urban environment?
Size: What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
Tuition: Will money factor into your decision? Will you qualify for in-state tuition at a state school?
Another huge benefit of school? The connections you'll make, and the job placement services that a good engineering college can provide. Many companies searching for future engineers go directly to engineering colleges to find qualified candidates. They will likely hire the Co-op student after they completed the program and their degree as well. So I highly recommend you to find the company that you would like to work for and apply for the Co-op program to help start your career.
Here is the link to more details on the different Type of Forensic science careers. Below is more details about the Forensic Pathologist and salary information as well.
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/discover-careers-in-forensic-science-974532
Forensic Pathologist:
Pathologists Looking into Microscopes
Linda Bartlett/National Cancer Institute/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Forensic pathologists provide one of the most important components of any homicide investigation: They determine the cause of death. Also known as medical examiners, forensic pathologists employ their medical training to identify which, if any, injuries were fatal. They can also help investigators learn the type of weapon used and determine an approximate time of death.
Pathologists play a crucial role in learning whether or not a crime even occurred. Forensic pathologists are medical doctors and can earn more than $200,000 per year. The average self-reported salary in the PayScale database is $102,751.