What Is a Forensic Entomologist?
Forensic entomology is the study of insects and arthropods (relatives of insects) in relation to legal matters, whether civil or criminal. Television crime dramas have made forensic entomology famous, but there are actually very few full-time forensic entomologists. Most are employed as university professors and work only part-time as forensic entomology consultants. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that in 2008 the mean annual wage of forensic science technicians was $52,960. To become a certified forensic entomologist, a master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant area of the biological sciences as well as three years of professional experience are required.
