3 answers
Claire
Student
Powell, Ohio
1
Question
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What classes should I take in high school to prepare me for a career in forensics?
I am in eighth grade currently. What classes should I take in high school to prepare me for a career in forensics? More specifically, what APs (what classes should I prioritize, etc).
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3 answers
Olivia Alford
I am a Strategic Initiatives Manager. My job is related to strategic planning and am a Project Manager.
8
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Claire,
It’s really awesome that you’re thinking about this early. To prepare for a career in forensics, focus on science and math in high school. Try to take biology and chemistry, since they are very important for forensics. If AP classes are available later, AP Biology and AP Chemistry are good choices. Math classes like algebra and geometry are also important, and AP Statistics can be helpful.
English classes matter too because forensic work involves writing and explaining evidence. If your school offers electives like forensic science or psychology, those are great to take. You do not need every AP class. Doing well in science and math, and staying curious, are the best preparations.
Best of luck to you!
It’s really awesome that you’re thinking about this early. To prepare for a career in forensics, focus on science and math in high school. Try to take biology and chemistry, since they are very important for forensics. If AP classes are available later, AP Biology and AP Chemistry are good choices. Math classes like algebra and geometry are also important, and AP Statistics can be helpful.
English classes matter too because forensic work involves writing and explaining evidence. If your school offers electives like forensic science or psychology, those are great to take. You do not need every AP class. Doing well in science and math, and staying curious, are the best preparations.
Best of luck to you!
Shannon Zulauf
Risk & Independence
33
Answers
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Hi Claire!
This is a great question, and one important thing to clarify early on is that “forensics” can mean very different things depending on the path you’re interested in.
When I think about forensics, I’m thinking less about crime scene work and more about financial crimes and white-collar investigations—things like fraud, embezzlement, compliance issues, cyber or data-related investigations, and corporate risk. This type of forensics is often done from an investigations or consulting perspective, rather than through law enforcement.
Because of that, the skills and classes to focus on shift a bit. For financial or white-collar forensics, high school students should prioritize:
- Math and statistics, to build analytical and logical thinking
- Business, economics, or accounting classes if they’re available
- Computer science or data-related courses, since technology plays a big role in investigations
- English and writing, because clearly documenting and explaining findings is critical
Science is still important, but in this path, the emphasis is less on lab work and more on analyzing information, identifying patterns, asking the right questions, and communicating conclusions clearly.
High school is a time to explore and build a strong foundation—not to lock yourself into one specific role too early. Whether you ultimately pursue financial forensics, consulting, or another investigative path, developing strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills will serve you well.
This is a great question, and one important thing to clarify early on is that “forensics” can mean very different things depending on the path you’re interested in.
When I think about forensics, I’m thinking less about crime scene work and more about financial crimes and white-collar investigations—things like fraud, embezzlement, compliance issues, cyber or data-related investigations, and corporate risk. This type of forensics is often done from an investigations or consulting perspective, rather than through law enforcement.
Because of that, the skills and classes to focus on shift a bit. For financial or white-collar forensics, high school students should prioritize:
- Math and statistics, to build analytical and logical thinking
- Business, economics, or accounting classes if they’re available
- Computer science or data-related courses, since technology plays a big role in investigations
- English and writing, because clearly documenting and explaining findings is critical
Science is still important, but in this path, the emphasis is less on lab work and more on analyzing information, identifying patterns, asking the right questions, and communicating conclusions clearly.
High school is a time to explore and build a strong foundation—not to lock yourself into one specific role too early. Whether you ultimately pursue financial forensics, consulting, or another investigative path, developing strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills will serve you well.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
70
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
To get started in science, focus on Biology and Chemistry first. They're key for forensics because DNA analysis, toxicology, and lab work all relate to these subjects. If your school offers AP Biology or AP Chemistry, consider taking them after the regular courses. Physics is also useful for understanding blood spatter, motion, and forces. If you have the chance to take AP Environmental Science or a Forensic Science elective, those are great too, but prioritize Biology and Chemistry.
In math, try to go as far as you can comfortably. Algebra, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus are important, and Statistics is especially helpful in forensics for data analysis. If AP Statistics is available, it's a great option. Don't forget about English and writing classes; forensic scientists need to write clear reports. Classes that improve research, critical thinking, or psychology skills can also be beneficial.
The main thing is to stay curious and do well in your core classes. Colleges offering programs in forensic science, biology, or chemistry look for strong fundamentals more than a perfect course list. You have lots of time to explore, so focus on building a solid base and discover which parts of forensics you enjoy most.
In math, try to go as far as you can comfortably. Algebra, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus are important, and Statistics is especially helpful in forensics for data analysis. If AP Statistics is available, it's a great option. Don't forget about English and writing classes; forensic scientists need to write clear reports. Classes that improve research, critical thinking, or psychology skills can also be beneficial.
The main thing is to stay curious and do well in your core classes. Colleges offering programs in forensic science, biology, or chemistry look for strong fundamentals more than a perfect course list. You have lots of time to explore, so focus on building a solid base and discover which parts of forensics you enjoy most.