8 answers
Ruby
Student
Roseville, California
5
Questions
Updated
5295 views
How can I get into wildlife forensic science?
What majors/degrees should I focus on? Are there any schools that are best suited for this?
6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Ruby to become a Wildlife Forensic Scientist at minimum you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, physics, or a related natural science from a program accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission. A solid background in math and statistics is also important. Many forensic scientists also have master's and doctoral degrees in forensic science. Earning an advanced degree is an excellent career investment that can lead to promotions and additional employment opportunities. The second option is to go into a genetic Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. There you can also focus your research on animal genetics, but you get less of the forensic trading that you would expect from a forensic science program. The choice you make could impact the types of jobs you qualify for and inform the direction of your career path. On-the-job training may be required for those who investigate crime scenes and work in labs.
WILDLIFE FORENSIC SCIENTIST CAREERS
• GAME WARDEN – A game warden, alternatively known as a wildlife conservation officer or fish and game officer, serves a dual role of law enforcement and wildlife stewardship. Job titles and duties can vary by state or region, with some states also referring to them as gamekeepers or wildlife troopers. The core responsibilities of game wardens include conducting search and rescue operations, issuing fishing and hunting licenses, running community safety and education programs, collecting scientific samples and data, conducting inspections and investigations for poaching and other illegal wildlife activities, and monitoring local wildlife and their populations. Education and training requirements for game wardens vary by location, making an M.S. in Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation an invaluable asset for those pursuing this career path.
ADDITIONAL WILDLIFE FORENSIC CAREERS
• LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES – Any law enforcement group conducting investigatory work likely relies upon the special expertise of forensic scientists.
• GOVERNMENT BODIES – Local, state, and federal legislative groups and regulatory agencies often require the input of forensic scientists for expert testimony, data analysis, and more.
• PRIVATE LAW FIRMS – Law firms, private investigators, and other non-governmental entities working in the justice system may also hire independent forensic scientists to uncover key data or serve as expert witnesses.
Hope this was beneficial Ruby
WILDLIFE FORENSIC SCIENTIST CAREERS
• GAME WARDEN – A game warden, alternatively known as a wildlife conservation officer or fish and game officer, serves a dual role of law enforcement and wildlife stewardship. Job titles and duties can vary by state or region, with some states also referring to them as gamekeepers or wildlife troopers. The core responsibilities of game wardens include conducting search and rescue operations, issuing fishing and hunting licenses, running community safety and education programs, collecting scientific samples and data, conducting inspections and investigations for poaching and other illegal wildlife activities, and monitoring local wildlife and their populations. Education and training requirements for game wardens vary by location, making an M.S. in Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation an invaluable asset for those pursuing this career path.
ADDITIONAL WILDLIFE FORENSIC CAREERS
• LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES – Any law enforcement group conducting investigatory work likely relies upon the special expertise of forensic scientists.
• GOVERNMENT BODIES – Local, state, and federal legislative groups and regulatory agencies often require the input of forensic scientists for expert testimony, data analysis, and more.
• PRIVATE LAW FIRMS – Law firms, private investigators, and other non-governmental entities working in the justice system may also hire independent forensic scientists to uncover key data or serve as expert witnesses.
Hope this was beneficial Ruby
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ruby !
I am always in awe of students that choose such an exciting career working with wildlife ! I believe that some information and advice I can provide may help you plan for your path.
The first thing to consider for this career is that you'll have to become a wildlife scientist. This path will give you the skills and knowledge for doing forensics. So what exactly would you be doing and when would you be needed ? That's another thing that will help you understand the academic path and the work.
As a wildlife scientist, you would be called upon to do some special things that your academic background will have prepared you for. Your work would consist of investigating many types of wildlife crimes like poaching, illegal hunting, the exotic pet trade, illegal fishing, and the trafficking of wildlife products such as ivory, rhino horns, turtle shells, and animal parts used in jewelry or traditional medicine. You would be employed to determine the species of an animal, part, or product involved in a case, which is crucial for establishing whether the animal is protected under law. This does not require police forensics study, rather a thorough study of animal anatomy, animal chemistry and biology. You'd also need to know the animal protection laws which you can learn on your own or if it's included in a wildlife science major in college. You would be supporting law enforcement and courts with your work as a wildlife expert.
Since you live in Roseville, I think your best bet would be the University of California at Davis. They have a wildlife major for a Bachelors degree and if you go on for your Masters (which I recommend), you can obtain a Masters degree in Animal Behavior, Applied Mathematics, Avian Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Policy and Management, Geography, Molecular, Cellular, & Integrative Physiology, or Population Biology. The Animal Science Major at UC Davis ranks in the top ten strongest programs for this subject. Being around the campus will provide much opportunity for you connected to animals as they have a veterinary clinic right on campus that you could possibly gain experience with, through either a Work Study job or volunteering. The proximity of where you live to the college is ideal so you can live at home while enrolled. Just to mention it because it's cool, UC Davis has live large animals on campus, like horses at their Equestrian Center and The Horse Barn is open to the public ! Super cool !
My first stint as an extra background actor in college was at UC Davis. It's a great campus and I highly recommend it. Do not worry about the forensics part. Once you know all about animals and have done special exploring, projects and lab work, everything connected to wildlife and the laws, guidelines and protocol specific to wildlife (not community law) you'll be expert by the time you get your Masters Degree or Doctorate and will be able to examine, determine and assist law enforcement or the courts with criminal cases, and in your field, they may be million dollar crimes. In the meantime, you would be a wildlife scientist working at whichever venue you choose and you'd be able to decide once you are finished with your Bachelors. You'll learn all the venues to choose from during college. Networking with law enforcement and the courts would help them get to know you so they could call upon you when needed.
So, it is very fortunate that you live near UC Davis as it has a very high ranked program for their animal studies. They will also have great trainings, panel speakers, guest speakers, conferences and opportunities that other colleges do not offer due to Davis' high rank.
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best !
I am always in awe of students that choose such an exciting career working with wildlife ! I believe that some information and advice I can provide may help you plan for your path.
The first thing to consider for this career is that you'll have to become a wildlife scientist. This path will give you the skills and knowledge for doing forensics. So what exactly would you be doing and when would you be needed ? That's another thing that will help you understand the academic path and the work.
As a wildlife scientist, you would be called upon to do some special things that your academic background will have prepared you for. Your work would consist of investigating many types of wildlife crimes like poaching, illegal hunting, the exotic pet trade, illegal fishing, and the trafficking of wildlife products such as ivory, rhino horns, turtle shells, and animal parts used in jewelry or traditional medicine. You would be employed to determine the species of an animal, part, or product involved in a case, which is crucial for establishing whether the animal is protected under law. This does not require police forensics study, rather a thorough study of animal anatomy, animal chemistry and biology. You'd also need to know the animal protection laws which you can learn on your own or if it's included in a wildlife science major in college. You would be supporting law enforcement and courts with your work as a wildlife expert.
Since you live in Roseville, I think your best bet would be the University of California at Davis. They have a wildlife major for a Bachelors degree and if you go on for your Masters (which I recommend), you can obtain a Masters degree in Animal Behavior, Applied Mathematics, Avian Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Policy and Management, Geography, Molecular, Cellular, & Integrative Physiology, or Population Biology. The Animal Science Major at UC Davis ranks in the top ten strongest programs for this subject. Being around the campus will provide much opportunity for you connected to animals as they have a veterinary clinic right on campus that you could possibly gain experience with, through either a Work Study job or volunteering. The proximity of where you live to the college is ideal so you can live at home while enrolled. Just to mention it because it's cool, UC Davis has live large animals on campus, like horses at their Equestrian Center and The Horse Barn is open to the public ! Super cool !
My first stint as an extra background actor in college was at UC Davis. It's a great campus and I highly recommend it. Do not worry about the forensics part. Once you know all about animals and have done special exploring, projects and lab work, everything connected to wildlife and the laws, guidelines and protocol specific to wildlife (not community law) you'll be expert by the time you get your Masters Degree or Doctorate and will be able to examine, determine and assist law enforcement or the courts with criminal cases, and in your field, they may be million dollar crimes. In the meantime, you would be a wildlife scientist working at whichever venue you choose and you'd be able to decide once you are finished with your Bachelors. You'll learn all the venues to choose from during college. Networking with law enforcement and the courts would help them get to know you so they could call upon you when needed.
So, it is very fortunate that you live near UC Davis as it has a very high ranked program for their animal studies. They will also have great trainings, panel speakers, guest speakers, conferences and opportunities that other colleges do not offer due to Davis' high rank.
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best !
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ruby. If you want to work in wildlife forensic science, you need to study animals, nature, and how to solve crimes. This job is about finding out what happened when wild animals are hurt, etc. You will use science to help protect animals and nature.
First, you should study a subject like biology, zoology, wildlife science, or forensic science in college. These subjects teach you about animals, how their bodies work, and how to study clues from crime scenes. You also need to learn chemistry and how to use a microscope.
After you finish college, it's helpful to get a master's or PhD in forensic science, wildlife biology, or another related subject. A higher degree gives you more knowledge and better job opportunities, especially if you want to work in research or hold a more senior role.
Some schools and institutions stand out in this field, for example, the University of Florida, Oregon State University, Penn State , etc.
Besides school, try to get internships or volunteer work with wildlife organizations, national parks, or forensic labs. This experience helps you learn how the job works in real life. All the best!
First, you should study a subject like biology, zoology, wildlife science, or forensic science in college. These subjects teach you about animals, how their bodies work, and how to study clues from crime scenes. You also need to learn chemistry and how to use a microscope.
After you finish college, it's helpful to get a master's or PhD in forensic science, wildlife biology, or another related subject. A higher degree gives you more knowledge and better job opportunities, especially if you want to work in research or hold a more senior role.
Some schools and institutions stand out in this field, for example, the University of Florida, Oregon State University, Penn State , etc.
Besides school, try to get internships or volunteer work with wildlife organizations, national parks, or forensic labs. This experience helps you learn how the job works in real life. All the best!
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
103
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hi Ruby,
Pursuing a career as a wildlife forensics specialist is fascinating! These scientists use chemistry to solve wildlife crimes by examining animals, animal parts, and related evidence. To succeed, you'll need a strong science background. Consider majoring in Chemistry, Biology, or Zoology. Alternatively, you could major in forensic science with a focus on animal science or biology. Look for programs accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). A good grasp of math and statistics is also important. Many forensic scientists earn a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry and then pursue a master's or doctoral degree in forensic science. Advanced degrees can lead to better job opportunities and promotions.
You can also get certified as a Wildlife Forensic Scientist through the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science. This optional certification shows your expertise to courts and employers. To qualify, you need a bachelor's degree, one year of work experience, a recommendation letter, and you must pass an annual exam.
Pursuing a career as a wildlife forensics specialist is fascinating! These scientists use chemistry to solve wildlife crimes by examining animals, animal parts, and related evidence. To succeed, you'll need a strong science background. Consider majoring in Chemistry, Biology, or Zoology. Alternatively, you could major in forensic science with a focus on animal science or biology. Look for programs accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). A good grasp of math and statistics is also important. Many forensic scientists earn a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry and then pursue a master's or doctoral degree in forensic science. Advanced degrees can lead to better job opportunities and promotions.
You can also get certified as a Wildlife Forensic Scientist through the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science. This optional certification shows your expertise to courts and employers. To qualify, you need a bachelor's degree, one year of work experience, a recommendation letter, and you must pass an annual exam.
Kimberly Gartland
Procurement Leader
4
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Your career path sounds amazing! Great job! Consider pursuing a biology degree with a minor in chemistry. You can easily manage both by choosing a few extra classes. Also, think about a major in psychology and take your time finding the right program for you.
Volunteering and internships with organizations related to your interests can really set you apart. Gaining experience before graduating can give you a big advantage.
Try researching professionals in your desired career on Google or LinkedIn. Look into their educational backgrounds, and if you find someone on LinkedIn, feel free to reach out for career advice.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Volunteering and internships with organizations related to your interests can really set you apart. Gaining experience before graduating can give you a big advantage.
Try researching professionals in your desired career on Google or LinkedIn. Look into their educational backgrounds, and if you find someone on LinkedIn, feel free to reach out for career advice.
Wishing you the best of luck!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ruby,
Here are some colleges in California where you can study wildlife forensics:
1. University of California, Davis: Offers strong programs in wildlife and fisheries.
2. Humboldt State University: Has a wildlife forensics course with hands-on field experience.
3. California Institute of Technology: Provides diverse programs in wildlife and natural resources.
4. University of California, San Diego: Offers courses focused on wildlife conservation and management.
5. University of California, Berkeley: Known for research in wildlife and fisheries management.
These schools offer great opportunities if you're interested in wildlife forensics. For more information, visit the Wildlife Forensic Science website or learn about becoming a wildlife forensics specialist online.
Here are some colleges in California where you can study wildlife forensics:
1. University of California, Davis: Offers strong programs in wildlife and fisheries.
2. Humboldt State University: Has a wildlife forensics course with hands-on field experience.
3. California Institute of Technology: Provides diverse programs in wildlife and natural resources.
4. University of California, San Diego: Offers courses focused on wildlife conservation and management.
5. University of California, Berkeley: Known for research in wildlife and fisheries management.
These schools offer great opportunities if you're interested in wildlife forensics. For more information, visit the Wildlife Forensic Science website or learn about becoming a wildlife forensics specialist online.
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