5 answers
Maya
Student
Boca Raton
1
Question
Asked
1878 views
Ways to explore my interest in the forensic sciences/psychology as a rising high school senior ?
ore specifically any certifications or opportunities for ‘hands on’ experiences.
I’m certain this question has probably been asked numerous times before but I figured I’d still throw my hat in the ring. As the question states I’m quickly approaching my senior year and am looking for new ways to step into the realm of medicine. For context I’m located in Southern Florida and have have been intrigued by becoming a forensic pathologist for years but never seriously considered it till now.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
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5 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Maya !
I am not sure which careers you are referring to, forensics lab work ? law enforcement forensics ? Psychologist ? In all of these professions, one does not jump in without the education, necessary college degrees and experience through college projects and lab work, so as a high school student, you will have to first explore the exact careers you want and understand what paths to take for each one. It won't be possible to have actual hands on work for these right now. You first have to learn the basics and then the advanced courses that will prepare you as there is a lot to learn.
If you haven't chosen your Senior High School classes yet or you can drop and add one, take a Chemistry class, either an introduction or if you have already taken it, take an advanced Chemistry class before college.
To have a career in forensics working in the lab, you would need a Bachelors or Masters Degree. To do forensics as a law enforcement career, you would need a Bachelors Degree in Administration of Justice and go into police work as many police offices have one of their staff do forensics investigations. To do work as a Psychologist in the realm of forensics you would not be working with investigation or evidence. When needed, you'd be called on to evaluate, analyze and write a report about the criminal, the same types of psych/social reports you'd be writing for all of your patients as a psychologist.
To become a Forensics Pathologist, you would get your Bachelors Degree, attend Medical School, and do a residency and a one year forensics fellowship. It is important to understand the careers first before jumping in. Be well informed so that you can decide exactly which career you want.
I would suggest doing volunteer work at a police station, Lab and if you want to be a psychologist, at a community or social service agency in your town. Even if it's that you run errands, do data entry or reception volunteer work it would be good to get the feel of the environment and the people. You will learn the bulk of what you'd need to know for these careers in college. Certifications for these careers are for people that are already through the academic path and understand the work.
This summer, there has been a great Criminal Justice Summer Camp for Teens where you live that even gives you the opportunity to tour the Medical Examiner's Office in Boca Raton. Look into this for next summer before you enroll in college. In addition for teens, look into the National Student Leadership Conference's Summer Forensics Program, also probably good for next summer. If you know what college you will attend for forensics, some have a summer program for teens, too, like Florida Atlantic University, but you'd have to enroll and take a certain amount of credits after taking their summer program.
So your first step is to decide on exactly what work you want to do because that will let you know what to major in at college. Then choose the Major that will prepare you and aligns with the career. Read the Major programs and see if it is a path you would like to take. Decide how long you want to go to school for your career. It takes 13 years to become a Forensics Pathologist.
I hope this helps but discover more information and take one step at a time. I wish you all the best !
I am not sure which careers you are referring to, forensics lab work ? law enforcement forensics ? Psychologist ? In all of these professions, one does not jump in without the education, necessary college degrees and experience through college projects and lab work, so as a high school student, you will have to first explore the exact careers you want and understand what paths to take for each one. It won't be possible to have actual hands on work for these right now. You first have to learn the basics and then the advanced courses that will prepare you as there is a lot to learn.
If you haven't chosen your Senior High School classes yet or you can drop and add one, take a Chemistry class, either an introduction or if you have already taken it, take an advanced Chemistry class before college.
To have a career in forensics working in the lab, you would need a Bachelors or Masters Degree. To do forensics as a law enforcement career, you would need a Bachelors Degree in Administration of Justice and go into police work as many police offices have one of their staff do forensics investigations. To do work as a Psychologist in the realm of forensics you would not be working with investigation or evidence. When needed, you'd be called on to evaluate, analyze and write a report about the criminal, the same types of psych/social reports you'd be writing for all of your patients as a psychologist.
To become a Forensics Pathologist, you would get your Bachelors Degree, attend Medical School, and do a residency and a one year forensics fellowship. It is important to understand the careers first before jumping in. Be well informed so that you can decide exactly which career you want.
I would suggest doing volunteer work at a police station, Lab and if you want to be a psychologist, at a community or social service agency in your town. Even if it's that you run errands, do data entry or reception volunteer work it would be good to get the feel of the environment and the people. You will learn the bulk of what you'd need to know for these careers in college. Certifications for these careers are for people that are already through the academic path and understand the work.
This summer, there has been a great Criminal Justice Summer Camp for Teens where you live that even gives you the opportunity to tour the Medical Examiner's Office in Boca Raton. Look into this for next summer before you enroll in college. In addition for teens, look into the National Student Leadership Conference's Summer Forensics Program, also probably good for next summer. If you know what college you will attend for forensics, some have a summer program for teens, too, like Florida Atlantic University, but you'd have to enroll and take a certain amount of credits after taking their summer program.
So your first step is to decide on exactly what work you want to do because that will let you know what to major in at college. Then choose the Major that will prepare you and aligns with the career. Read the Major programs and see if it is a path you would like to take. Decide how long you want to go to school for your career. It takes 13 years to become a Forensics Pathologist.
I hope this helps but discover more information and take one step at a time. I wish you all the best !
Sarah Sweeney
Medical Assistant and Counselors Agency Affiliate
2
Answers
Oak Harbor, Washington
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hello there!
What a great career choice! And how amazing are you to start preparing ahead of time.
For your senior year I would consider classes such as Science and Social Science.
Mathematics would be another great one. Study and prepare for your GRE exam.
Volunteer at maybe a police department or medical office.
University of Southern Florida has great programs and has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. Their number is 1-813-974-2011.
Another great college would be Global Forensic and Justice Center located in Largo Florida. 4.6 stars out of 5. Their number is 1-727-395-2511.
There is also some great online colleges.
Walden University is a top rated online school.
Website:
https://www.info.waldenu.edu.psychology.forensic
Another great online college is AIU Forensic Science.
Website :
https://www.aiuonline.edu.forensic
I hope this helps. I know you will be successful!!
What a great career choice! And how amazing are you to start preparing ahead of time.
For your senior year I would consider classes such as Science and Social Science.
Mathematics would be another great one. Study and prepare for your GRE exam.
Volunteer at maybe a police department or medical office.
University of Southern Florida has great programs and has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. Their number is 1-813-974-2011.
Another great college would be Global Forensic and Justice Center located in Largo Florida. 4.6 stars out of 5. Their number is 1-727-395-2511.
There is also some great online colleges.
Walden University is a top rated online school.
Website:
https://www.info.waldenu.edu.psychology.forensic
Another great online college is AIU Forensic Science.
Website :
https://www.aiuonline.edu.forensic
I hope this helps. I know you will be successful!!
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Maya,
It is great to hear that you are considering getting some experience in a career field that interests you. There are a few ways you can go about exploring your interest for forensic science. Firstly, you can get in touch with someone who is already in the industry. Get a list of questions ready for them to see what it is like doing that kind of work. Ask them what they enjoy about it and some challenges that come along with it. If there is a forensics lab near you, that would be a great place to start. Reach out to them by email, phone, and possibly, eventually in person. If there are not any near you, get in touch someone to meet online or on a phone call. Show your interest in learning about them and their experience. If there is a lab near you, eventually, see if they have any possible opportunities for you. Something like a learning program, shadowing, or interning can be very beneficial for you. Even if you are just observing and not getting too hands on, it can be a great experience and something to add to your resume.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are considering getting some experience in a career field that interests you. There are a few ways you can go about exploring your interest for forensic science. Firstly, you can get in touch with someone who is already in the industry. Get a list of questions ready for them to see what it is like doing that kind of work. Ask them what they enjoy about it and some challenges that come along with it. If there is a forensics lab near you, that would be a great place to start. Reach out to them by email, phone, and possibly, eventually in person. If there are not any near you, get in touch someone to meet online or on a phone call. Show your interest in learning about them and their experience. If there is a lab near you, eventually, see if they have any possible opportunities for you. Something like a learning program, shadowing, or interning can be very beneficial for you. Even if you are just observing and not getting too hands on, it can be a great experience and something to add to your resume.
Best of luck on your journey!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Maya!
To find colleges in Florida with internships in forensic sciences or psychology, start by researching local schools. If budgets are tight, consider volunteering and apply when funds become available, possibly around student payment times. Highlight your strong online research skills. Check out these resources for internship opportunities:
- jobwatch.org.au/about/internship-program/
- fau.edu/sw-cj/sccj/
- faulkcenterforcounseling.org/internship-program-2/
Take care!
To find colleges in Florida with internships in forensic sciences or psychology, start by researching local schools. If budgets are tight, consider volunteering and apply when funds become available, possibly around student payment times. Highlight your strong online research skills. Check out these resources for internship opportunities:
- jobwatch.org.au/about/internship-program/
- fau.edu/sw-cj/sccj/
- faulkcenterforcounseling.org/internship-program-2/
Take care!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1207
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Maya,
The fact that you're already considering your future and developing an interest in forensic psychology and science, particularly forensic pathology, is really amazing. Even in the early stages, knowing what you might want to do provides you a huge advantage.
You're in Southern Florida and about to begin your senior year, so now is a fantastic time to start looking for opportunities that will help you gain practical experience and broaden your knowledge of the area.
Here are some suggestions that you may wish to consider:
- Internships or job shadowing; Try contacting local police departments, crime labs, hospitals, and medical examiner offices. Some locations allow students to observe for a few days or provide high school internships. You can see the true nature of the work with even brief visits. A brief email or phone call could lead to opportunities.
Summer camps or programs; Forensic science and pre-med summer programs are commonly provided by universities such as FIU, UF, or Nova Southeastern. they might include guest lectures, lab work, or simulated crime scene investigations; they are not only incredibly engaging but also helpful for your college applications.
- Online courses: Beginner-friendly courses in pathology, criminal justice, and forensic psychology are available on websites such as Coursera and FutureLearn. Even being online, they are still helpful for mastering the fundamentals and demonstrating your commitment to institutions.
- Volunteering: Look into volunteering for organizations that assist those in need, such as youth programs, shelters, or mental health facilities. Although it isn't exactly forensic work, it can help you better understand human behavior, which is a major component of both psychology and forensics.
- School clubs and projects: Join a science, psychology, or criminal justice club if your school has one! If not, think about starting one; it's a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate leadership. To demonstrate your passion, you may also complete a senior project on a subject like mental health in the legal system or forensic pathology.
You're headed in a very interesting direction. Even though it may seem like a lot at times, each action you do today brings you one step closer to your long-term objectives. Continue to explore, maintain your curiosity, and don't be shy to ask for guidance from experts; many of them like working with eager learners.
You’ve got this!
Best wishes!
The fact that you're already considering your future and developing an interest in forensic psychology and science, particularly forensic pathology, is really amazing. Even in the early stages, knowing what you might want to do provides you a huge advantage.
You're in Southern Florida and about to begin your senior year, so now is a fantastic time to start looking for opportunities that will help you gain practical experience and broaden your knowledge of the area.
Here are some suggestions that you may wish to consider:
- Internships or job shadowing; Try contacting local police departments, crime labs, hospitals, and medical examiner offices. Some locations allow students to observe for a few days or provide high school internships. You can see the true nature of the work with even brief visits. A brief email or phone call could lead to opportunities.
Summer camps or programs; Forensic science and pre-med summer programs are commonly provided by universities such as FIU, UF, or Nova Southeastern. they might include guest lectures, lab work, or simulated crime scene investigations; they are not only incredibly engaging but also helpful for your college applications.
- Online courses: Beginner-friendly courses in pathology, criminal justice, and forensic psychology are available on websites such as Coursera and FutureLearn. Even being online, they are still helpful for mastering the fundamentals and demonstrating your commitment to institutions.
- Volunteering: Look into volunteering for organizations that assist those in need, such as youth programs, shelters, or mental health facilities. Although it isn't exactly forensic work, it can help you better understand human behavior, which is a major component of both psychology and forensics.
- School clubs and projects: Join a science, psychology, or criminal justice club if your school has one! If not, think about starting one; it's a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate leadership. To demonstrate your passion, you may also complete a senior project on a subject like mental health in the legal system or forensic pathology.
You're headed in a very interesting direction. Even though it may seem like a lot at times, each action you do today brings you one step closer to your long-term objectives. Continue to explore, maintain your curiosity, and don't be shy to ask for guidance from experts; many of them like working with eager learners.
You’ve got this!
Best wishes!