Forensic science involves many different topics, including fingerprint analysis, DNA mapping, crime scene reconstruction, handwriting examination, criminal psychology and more. Many institutions of higher education offer courses in forensics for students who want to learn more about the legal applications of science.

The PhD is a doctoral degree, specifically called a "doctor of philosophy" degree. This is misleading because PhD holders are not necessarily philosophers (unless they earned their degree in philosophy!). That said, PhD recipients are able to engage in thought experiments, reason about problems, and solve problems in sophisticated ways.