Degree and Section-Specific Requirements
The following is a list of the minimum degree requirements and recommended experience for each discipline offered by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Forensic Laboratory.
In order to be eligible for an internship, it is expected that applicants have completed or be working towards these requirements. It is desirable that applicants have research experience directly related to the field of forensic science and be familiar with good laboratory practice techniques.
Biology/DNA
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area
- Coursework must include molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry
Recommended Experience
- Master's or other advanced degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area
- Coursework in statistics
- Forensic science professional organization membership(s)
Chemistry
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a natural/physical science
- Minimum of 24 credit hours of chemistry related coursework
Recommended Experience
- Bachelor's degree in one of the following is preferred: chemistry or forensic science
- Master's or other advanced degree in forensic science or other relevant natural/physical science
- Forensic science professional organization membership(s)
Digital Evidence
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant area of study related to the field of work
Recommended Experience
- Bachelor's degree in one of the following is preferred: computer science, computer engineering, information technology, criminal justice, or media forensic science
- Master's or other advanced degree in a relevant area of study related to the field of work
- Certification in FTK (ACE), EnCase (EnCE), Cellebrite (CCO, CCPA, CCME), and/or IACIS (CFCE)
- Experience with digital photography and digital imaging using Adobe Photoshop Software
- Forensic science professional organization membership(s)
Firearms/Toolmarks
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a natural/physical science or criminal justice
Recommended Experience
- Bachelor's degree in one of the following is preferred: forensic science, chemistry, biology, or physics
- Master's or other advanced degree in forensic science or other relevant natural/physical science
- Prior experience with the safe handling of firearms
- Ability to complete a practical examination with includes a series of visual acuity tests
- Forensic science professional organization membership(s)
Latent Prints
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a natural/physical science
Recommended Experience
- Bachelor's degree in one of the following is preferred: forensic science, chemistry, or biology
- Master's or other advanced degree in forensic science or other relevant natural/physical science
- Experience with digital photography and digital imaging using Adobe Photoshop Software
- Experience in latent print examinations
- Ability to complete a practical examination which includes a series of visual acuity tests
- Forensic science professional organization membership(s)
Toxicology
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a natural/physical science
Recommended Experience
- Bachelor's degree in one of the following is preferred: forensic science, chemistry, or biology
- Master's or other advanced degree in forensic science or other relevant physical or biological science
- Coursework should include analytical chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmaceutical and/or medicinal chemistry
- Forensic science professional organization membership(s)
Trace
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a natural/physical science
- Minimum of 24 credit hours of chemistry related coursework
Recommended Experience
- Bachelor's degree in one of the following is preferred: chemistry or forensic science
- Master's or other advanced degree in forensic science or other relevant natural/physical science
- Forensic science professional organization membership(s)
*Crime Scene Response
This team is comprised of analysts from the different forensic disciplines in the laboratory and is not a full-time position
