Forensic Science Programs

If you are considering colleges with forensic science programs, or related programs such as computer forensics and forensic psychology, please review the actively updated listing of subjects and specific degree programs below, which the www.forensicscolleges.com staff will be adding to over time, in an effort to help guide your decision-making by providing detailed information on a growing number of forensics disciplines.

computer forensics

Computer Forensics

Computer or digital forensics is the study of how technology is used to commit crimes. Computer forensic specialists use computer hardware and software to recover information from machines that could be used in criminal trials.

Crime and Intelligence Analysis

Using a combination of old-school behavioral criminology, tried-and-tested statistics, and cutting-edge tech, criminal intelligence analysts take a data-driven approach to lowering the crime rate. Their work can inform policies and strategic operations that prevent violent crime, gang activity, drug trafficking, and terrorist operations.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

Crime scene investigation is the field of collecting, documenting, and analyzing information from a crime scene with the goal of recreating a crime and then using the evidence in criminal trials.

Criminal Justice (CJ)

For students interested in a versatile degree, majoring in criminal justice may prove a wise decision. Criminal justice graduates go on to occupy a variety of exciting, impactful positions, becoming private detectives; probation officers; fraud investigators; DEA agents; law enforcement officers; secret service agents; state troopers; fish and game wardens; and criminologists.

Criminal Profiler

Criminal profilers use their knowledge of psychology and behavior to determine the motivations of criminals and anticipate crimes based on this “profile.” Crime scene data collection is the basis for informing their theories.

computer forensics

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the area of forensics that is devoted to actively protecting information. Cybersecurity specialists use computer hardware and software to track data thieves, thwart e-terrorists and protect sensitive electronic information.

DNA Analyst

The expansive field of scientific exploration is full of opportunities for specialization and growth, none more important than the biological breakthrough that revolutionized interrogation techniques: DNA. The double helix holds invaluable information on how living organisms are formed, and its usage in science and justice proceedings has multiplied over time.

Emergency Management

From the Covid-19 epidemic to intensive flooding and wildfires, communities around the globe have faced natural epidemics at an unprecedented scale. Public and private agencies turn to emergency management professionals to help them analyze risks, assess potential solutions, build their capacity, respond to crises, and move on from disasters.

Forensic Accounting

A forensic accountant uses basic accounting and investigative skills to find defects in financial statements that may be indicative of criminal activity. They perform audits on financial and legal files and present their findings in trials.

Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropologists analyze and apply scientific techniques in order to diagnose posthumous death by violent force or trauma. Skin tissue, bone observation and demographics are key areas of study.

Forensic Biology

Charged with the task of examining tissue samples to identify victims and crime scenes, forensic biologists provide essential information in criminal investigations to pinpoint the cause and time of death. These professionals can also serve in pivotal roles during public health crises and environmental disasters (e.g., oil spills) by providing scientific legal testimony through their analyses.

chemistry

Forensic Chemistry

A two-in-one degree program that straddles the disciplines of chemistry and criminal justice, forensic chemistry can be best described as laboratory detective work. Read on to learn more about forensic chemistry programs. Using the scientific method to examine evidence in a laboratory, forensic chemists play a critical role in the criminal justice system by ruling out or confirming a crime was committed.

Forensic Engineering

Forensic engineers are individuals that are experts in their field (electrical, mechanical, construction, etc.) that are called to analyze and testify in situations where criminal activity may have occurred relating to this field.

Forensic Medicine

Forensic science is a discipline in which the scientific method is used to investigate crimes and examine evidence that may ultimately be presented within a legal setting such as a court of law. Among the many fields within forensic science is forensic medicine. Forensic medicine is a specialized field that combines medicine, criminal justice, and law enforcement. Graduates of forensic science programs who specialize in forensic medicine may pursue various careers.

Forensic Nursing

Forensic nurses learn how to identify and treat victims of violent acts such as abuse and rape. Forensic nurses are also trained on how to gather and present evidence of these actions in court.

Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathologists conduct autopsies and post-mortem examinations on individuals whose deaths may have been caused by unnatural circumstances. They also work closely with law enforcement officials and legal teams to provide expert opinions on their findings.

Forensic Photography

Forensic photographers document a crime scene visually. This work includes taking images of tire tracks, fingerprints, sustained wounds and blood spatter patterns that comply with evidence collection legal standards. Discover what it takes to join this high-growth career.

Forensic Psychology

The study of forensic psychology examines how criminals behave and the emotional and mental effects on victims. Forensic psychologists are often asked to present findings in court, especially in cases where mental illness may have caused a violent act.

forensic science

Forensic Science

Forensic science is the general study of how science can be used for legal purposes. Forensic scientists range from biological researchers to chemists and have many specialized skills.

Forensic Tech

Forensic science technicians complete detailed lab analyses in order to assist law enforcement officials in identifying criminals. These technicians perform blood, weapons and fiber analyses in order to support a criminal investigation.

Forensic Toxicology

Toxicology is the study of poisons. Forensic toxicologists use scientific knowledge to aid in criminal investigations to determine if accidental or intentional poisoning was a cause of death and to determine fault in criminal trials.

Mobile Forensics

A career as a mobile forensics expert can be launched by by learning about the file systems and data retrieval process in cellular phones, smart phones, and other mobile devices.

Pathologists' Assistant

Forensic pathologists’ assistants (PAs) are highly skilled professionals employed in morgues, forensic pathology research organizations, community hospitals, medical schools, and private laboratories. Discover what to expect from a forensic PA school.

Forensic Science Degree Programs

 

Whether you are just getting out of high school or are looking to extend your expertise even further, there are forensics degree programs available to you. We'll be adding specific undergraduate and graduate degree programs to this list over time, so if you don't see a particular program of interested listed, please let us know and please check back for detailed information on additional forensic degree program options.

Forensic Science Certificate Programs

 

There are two main types of educational certificates available in the forensic science field. The first is a professional certificate, usually available to those who have completed high school and are considering additional education to get an entry-level job in the field. A good example is the certificate program offered by Loyola University. This is a 20-credit program that is designed to help new students and law enforcement professionals gain a basic understanding of crime scene investigation techniques.

 

For students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in a biological science or forensics-related area, a post-graduate certificate is also available. These certificates show mastery in a niche area of study within the field of forensic science. National University offers this kind of graduate-level certification program for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in a related field.

 

Another type of certification is also available: advanced professional knowledge certifications. These certifications are usually obtained through a professional organization and denote that a new level of expertise has been acquired through continuing education.