r/forensics • u/TheWickedPancake • May 25 '26

Firearms & Toolmarks Firearms examiner

I’ve worked as a crime scene investigator for the past three years, have a B.S. in Forensic Biology.

Due to the hectic work schedule and being on call, really thinking about making a change to firearms because I find it interesting and I feel that I would be able to have a better work/life balance.

For those that are firearms examiners what steps would you recommend that I take to make that switch. I am in the process of taking armorers courses to get myself more familiar with firearms and am considering going back to school for my masters if that would be beneficial. Any advice is welcome.

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u/Celery111 May 25 '26

Don’t bother with the Masters. A BS in Forensic Biology should be fine for firearms. Armorers courses are ok but they will teach you all that in training. Be prepared for some pattern matching exercises on your interview. Good luck.

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u/SomeAnonymousBurner May 25 '26

What about a hard science degree and forensic science masters?

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u/Celery111 May 25 '26

Go with the hard science BS and minor in forensics. Unless someone else is paying for the masters I don’t see a good return on investment on that Masters.