Forensic Technician
Certificate of Achievement
Program Details
The Forensic Technician Certificate will prepare a student to work in entry-level positions in biotech and forensic science-related industries. This program is focused on practical laboratory skills with training in a working laboratory setting that specializes in the forensic area. Employment opportunities include: forensic labs, biomedical industry, academic research labs, pharmaceutical industry, agriculture and food science labs. The Forensic Technician Certificate requires 23.5 units in required courses, with a grade of C or better in each course. Completion of CHEM 101 F or CHEM 107 F can be satisfied by achieving a passing score on the Chemistry Proficiency Examination (please contact the Natural Sciences Division Dean for further details).
Forensic Technician Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2025-2026.
Featured Careers
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Bioinformatics Scientists
Bachelor's degree, Post-doctoral training
- Job growth: Rising
- Low salary: 54,500
- High salary: 159,780
- Average salary: 93330
Bioinformatics Technicians
Bachelor's degree, Master's degree
- Job growth: Rising
- Low salary: 40,330
- High salary: 154,140
- Average salary: 71490
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training
- Job growth: Rising
- Low salary: 50,760
- High salary: 169,560
- Average salary: 83460
All Careers in Forensic Technician (16)
| Business Intelligence Analysts | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Rising | 112,590 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Data Managers | Bachelor's degree | Rising | 112,590 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | Certificate after high school, Associate's degree | Rising | 108,970 |
| Document Management Specialists | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Rising | 108,970 |
| Information Technology Project Managers | Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree | Rising | 108,970 |
| Web Administrators | Bachelor's degree, Some college | Rising | 108,970 |
| Bioinformatics Scientists | Bachelor's degree, Post-doctoral training | Rising | 93,330 |
| Biologists | Master's degree, Bachelor's degree | Rising | 93,330 |
| Geneticists | Post-doctoral training, Master's degree | Rising | 93,330 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | Post-doctoral training, Bachelor's degree | Rising | 93,330 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training | Rising | 83,460 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | High school diploma/GED | Stable | 77,390 |
| Photonics Technicians | Associate's degree, High school diploma/GED | Stable | 77,390 |
| Bioinformatics Technicians | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Rising | 71,490 |
| Medical Equipment Repairers | Associate's degree, High school diploma/GED | Rising | 62,630 |
| Biological Technicians | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Rising | 52,000 |
Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Demonstrate ability to effectively collect, process and document evidence, as well as communicate results and provide expert courtroom testimony.
- Demonstrate an understanding of laboratory safety regulations, recognize potential hazards, and practice safe and proficient use of laboratory equipment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the professions available in the biotechnology, molecular biosciences, and the forensic science industry.
- Demonstrate hands-on proficiency in basic molecular biology laboratory techniques.
- Demonstrate in-depth theoretical knowledge in forensic science practices, such as trace evidence analysis, DNA identification, forensic microscopy, chain of custody procedures, and expert witness courtroom testimony.