Careers

1. Geneticist- A biologist who studies the science of genes, heredity, and the variation of
organisms. The average salary for a geneticist is $77,000. You need a bachelors degree in
genetics, biology, or chemistry. Some courses geneticists should expect are genetics,
biochemistry, and microbiology.
2. Forensic Scientist- A scientist that analyzes evidence from crime scenes to aid in criminal
investigations. The average salary for a forensic scientist is $56,000. They have at least a
bachelors degree. Some courses a forensic scientist should expect are criminal justice,
biochemistry, forensic science, chemistry, and computer modeling.
3. Pharmacologist- A scientist that tests drugs to study its effects on humans and animals.
The average salary for a pharmacologist is $98,000. Pharmacologists need a doctorates
degree. They should expect some courses such as pharmacology, toxicology, chemistry,
and biology.
4. Epidemiologist- Scientists that analyze patterns/causes & effects of health and disease
conditions. The average salary for an epidemiologist is $60,000. Epidemiologists need a
masters degree.They should expect to take public health, statistics, and biology.
Why this career choice?
Out of all the biology (more specifically genetic) careers that I researched, I would
choose to become a forensic scientist. Even before I did the research for this career, I was leaning
towards it. I was introduced to it earlier in my life, and I thought it was a cool thing to do.
I would be (kind of) working with the police, which I think is cool. I might (sometimes)
be able to figure out whodunnit and with what. I would help solve crimes, which is already a
puzzle itself (I like puzzles/riddles). I would also be able to put bad guys off the street and make
it a safer place to live.
Also, the pay isnt too bad. I only need a bachelors degree, which shouldnt take too
long. Plus some of the courses Ill have to take, kind of sound cool, like chemistry and computer
modeling. So how bad could it be?
A day in the life of a Forensic Scientist
On a normal day, a forensic scientist would work the usual 8 hours, getting roughly $27
an hour. Although, forensic scientists have regular 8 hour workdays, they can also have crazy
schedules, like working overtime or at different times of day, because crime never rests. Like
doctors, forensic scientists may also be on call, meaning they must be available for a certain time
to go to work.
Forensic scientists work in state and local government, so they work in places like
morgues, police departments, coroners office, and crime labs. Forensic scientists often work in
teams with other scientists/law enforcement to get the job done. Crime can happen anywhere at
any time; therefore, forensic scientists must be able to travel a considerate amount and be
prepared for any kind of weather.