Thread: Education Questions

Hi. I am looking into starting a new career. I would like to work in a crime lab. I'm not aiming towards being on the scene of the crime although I don't think it would bother me. I'm interested in diagnostics mostly. I'm 32 years old. I have no college experience and I've been working for the last 13 years in the Veterinary field. I'm wondering what route I should take or even if it would be worth it considering my age and lack of education. Most of what I have read says that I need a bachelors in a natural science or in forensics. Most of the schools that I've looked into around here offer a forensic emphasis on a criminal justice degree but there is little to do with Chemistry or Biology. I would like to eventually work in a state or federal government lab. Which would be the better route? Should I try for a bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Biology or should I get a Criminal Justice degree? I guess what I'm looking for is the most bang for my buck that will get me the furthest. Any advice that any of you could offer would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Bang for buck, I'd hit the hard sciences first. If you end up choosing another career, those degrees will be established. Whereas if you get the C.J. degree first, you've can't stop there but have to keep going to school and hope you don't lose focus.
You'd be surprised how often something can turn you off a career idea.

But have you looked into universities yet? If so, had any luck talking to their career counselors?

Too old? You're younger than me and I don't think I'll ever finish my education.

My advice would be to go for it. Because no matter what happens, if you don't go for it, you'll wish later that you had.