Forensic Sciences | Idaho State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 19-4092.00

Skills

WritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Law and GovernmentPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningFlexibility of ClosureNear VisionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInformation Ordering

Tasks

Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory technique
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
Enter data into databases.
Operate drones to capture aerial footage or photographs of crime scenes for further analysis.

Technology

Graphics or photo imaging softwareData base user interface and query softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareOffice suite softwareAnalytical or scientific software

Tools

35 millimeter camerasBenchtop mixersBiohazard suitsBlood collection kitsBody fluid collection kitsBreathalyzersColored camera filtersCrime scene evidence flagsCrime scene tape measuresCyanoacrylate fuming chambersDeoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kitsDesktop computersDigital camerasDigital video camerasDistance measuring wheels

Work Values

SupportRecognitionAchievementIndependenceWorking ConditionsRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium19-4092.00	Forensic Science Technicians	title_inference	$67,440 median$110,710 top	+12.56%	260

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)

Complex evidence collection — plan and execute full evidence recovery at multi-location or large-scale crime scenes, adapting collection strategies to challenging environmental conditions.
Comprehensive case documentation — author technically precise investigative and laboratory reports that meet legal standards for admissibility across a varied caseload.
Advanced scene photography — design and execute photographic documentation plans, including alternate light source and macro imaging, to capture nuanced physical evidence.
Fingerprint evidence analysis — independently process ambiguous or degraded latent prints using advanced chemical techniques and render expert comparison conclusions for case submission.
Expert witness testimony — deliver authoritative, well-organized courtroom testimony on complex analytical methods and findings across diverse legal proceedings without supervisory guidance.
Scene reconstruction and spatial analysis — integrate measurements, photography, and CAD-based diagrams to reconstruct event sequences and present spatial findings to investigative teams.
Multi-source evidence correlation — synthesize biological, chemical, and physical evidence gathered from crime scenes, morgues, and laboratory analysis to support investigative conclusions.
Forensic software proficiency — leverage analytical, process-mapping, and database software to manage case data, identify patterns, and generate visualizations for court or agency reports.
Quality assurance review — evaluate own work and peer case files against accreditation standards, identifying procedural gaps and recommending corrective actions in a laboratory setting.
Critical incident decision-making — apply sound judgment under field or laboratory stress conditions to prioritize evidence handling when resources or time are constrained.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.