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Online Master’s Degrees in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

The world might not need another Horatio Caine, David Caruso’s soft-spoken character on CSI: Miami, who always found the best way to turn any phrase into…murder. The colorful Florida metropolis on the procedural TV show was the perfect setting for all sorts of lurid drama, horrific crimes, and meticulous scientific inquiry, all conveniently wrapped up in an hour or less. The same formula of courageous chemical analysis also worked for CSI television franchises in Las Vegas and New York. In each, viewers received an interesting look at the complex lives of modern big-city crime scene investigators, who did everything from aiding the police by searching for clues to testifying in court. The show’s creators also showed the downsides of the business as well, including the long hours, seeing people at their worst, suffering strained personal relationships, and being subjected to political pressure from all sides.

Several real CSIs have pointed out that the profession is usually less glamorous than TV portrays; in fact, analyzing data properly takes weeks or even months; plus, it takes a lot of legal legwork to convict criminals. These shows are sometimes perceived as educational, but not necessarily in the right ways; criminals simply learn better ways to cover their tracks. On the other hand, these shows likely have motivated many students to consider CSI as a career prospect.

While typical CSIs may not deal with as many sordid crimes as their TV counterparts, these professionals help people with their rigorous attention to detail and can make a decent salary. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BLS May 2023) doesn’t track salaries specifically for CSIs, it does have information on forensic science technicians; they made an average of $71,540 annually, or $34.40 per hour. Notably, the profession is expected to grow by 13 percent between 2022 and 2032, adding 2,300 jobs nationwide (BLS 2023); this is more than four times the average growth anticipated across all career fields nationwide during that same decade (3 percent). Of course, this is only one of many occupations open to those trained in CSI.

For example, the BLS (May 2023) reported that detectives and criminal investigators earned an average of $95,930 per year or $46.12 hourly. These professionals are in demand at the federal, state, and local levels. Texas currently has the highest concentration of jobs (16,460 total) and Alaska is the highest-paying state, boasting an hourly mean wage of $58.54 and an annual mean salary of $121,770. Salaries for CSIs range depending on experience, location, and the resources of whatever agency needs qualified CSI help. A local police department might have different needs and a smaller budget for someone with these skills, but a federal agency may be willing to pay a high amount in exchange for greater responsibilities.

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While investigative positions can be found with a bachelor’s degree and professional experience, those pursuing more specialized or leadership-oriented positions in CSI fields can benefit from a master’s degree. In some cases, advanced credentials can be earned through online courses, making it convenient for people already working professionally to earn a graduate degree.

Continue reading for more information about available master’s programs in crime scene investigation around the country.

Online CSI Master’s Programs

Online programs offer flexibility for people who may not be able to study full-time in a traditional campus setting, especially those with family or career obligations that would make it difficult to temporarily relocate. The following master’s degree programs allow people to attend online lectures with experienced educators bringing their professional and academic experience to students. Here is a comprehensive list of online master’s degrees in CSI and closely related fields:

Online Master’s in Forensic Science, Stevenson University

Stevenson University offers an online master’s in forensic science program helping students develop the foundational knowledge needed for identifying, collecting, analyzing, and, ultimately, reporting findings in a courtroom setting. This program examines the fundamentals of law, technology, and modern methods of evidence collection.

Students can choose between two concentrations based on their interests or career goals: forensic biology or forensic chemistry. The program requires 36 credits. The curriculum includes courses such as physical evidence at crime scenes, serology and immunology, safety/quality control and quality assurance, trace evidence, crime scene investigation, toxicology, and DNA analysis.

  • Location: Owings Mills, MD
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years or less

Master of Science in Forensic Sciences, Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University’s forensic sciences program offers several graduate degrees in various academic disciplines. While it varies by program, OSU offers on-campus, online, and hybrid courses. The specializations are available in arson, explosives, firearms, and toolmarks investigation; forensic investigative sciences; forensic biology/DNA; forensic chemistry/toxicology; and forensic psychology.

The master of science in forensic science with a specialization in forensic investigative sciences program is the most flexible option within the School of Forensic Sciences. Most courses are elective. This track emphasizes elements of crime scene investigation.

This non-thesis, fully online track typically focuses on crime scene investigation and does not require any prior experience in forensic sciences. The 32-credit curriculum includes courses such as a survey of forensic sciences; criminalistics and evidence analysis; directed readings in forensic sciences; and special topics in forensic sciences.

  • Location: Tulsa, OK
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master’s in Criminal Justice, St. Leo University

This online-only university offers a range of criminal justice graduate programs, including critical incident management; legal studies; behavioral studies; forensic science; criminal investigations; and corrections. Topics can supplement knowledge in law enforcement and present some bigger-picture analysis of current justice issues. Students must take an 18-credit core criminal justice program; nine to 12 credits in a specialty field; and two to three elective courses.

Made up of 36 credits, the program includes courses such as ethical issues in criminal justice administration; legal issues in criminal justice administration; public policymaking in criminal justice; leadership applications in criminal; causes & control of juvenile delinquency; environmental crimes; and crime scene investigation and management, among others.

  • Location: St. Leo, FL
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master’s in Investigation, University of New Haven

The University of New Haven offers an online master of science program in investigations, helping students strengthen their earning potential, making them a more valuable team member, and creating opportunities to move into greater leadership roles.

This online program can provide an in-depth look into modern investigative theory and can be useful to people already working in law enforcement or related fields such as firefighting. Concentration options are available in criminal investigations and financial crimes.

The 30-credit program includes courses such as investigations, criminal procedure, supervising and managing the investigative unit and process, a survey of forensic science, contemporary topics in investigations, contemporary topics in money laundering, identity fraud investigations, and foundations of digital forensics investigations.

  • Location: West Haven, CT
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: One to two years

Master’s of Forensic Science, University of Central Florida

This online program has an interdisciplinary focus, where students learn a variety of law enforcement, science, and psychology topics. It’s geared toward professionals already working in these fields or those who want to learn the fundamentals. There are a variety of concentrations, including forensic analysis, forensic biochemistry, and general forensic professionals. Part of the program includes creating, defending, and publishing a thesis. The college is also known for its National Center for Forensic Science and a master’s program in digital forensics.

Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or another physical science with 30 hours of college-level science, such as chemistry, physics, molecular biology, or chemical engineering. No prior forensic science experience is required for admission. However, an official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years is required for admission.

The program’s 32 to 34-credit curriculum includes courses such as topics in forensic science; the forensic expert in the courtroom; quality assurance for forensic scientists; forensic analysis of ignitable liquids; and forensic analysis of biological materials.

  • Location: Orlando, FL
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Master of Criminal Justice: Investigative Forensics, DeSales University

Focusing on violent crimes, DeSales University’s online master of criminal justice program with a concentration in investigative forensics relies on science to address legal issues in criminal investigations. With both part-time and full-time options, this fully online program helps students learn about gathering and processing evidence in crime scene investigations.

Consisting of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as forensic science in the courtroom; forensic psychology; advanced crime scene investigation; behavioral criminology; forensic toxicology; medicolegal investigation and identification; and forensic anthropology.

  • Location: Center Valley, PA
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers an online master of science program in forensic science designed for professionals who wish to advance their forensic science careers and those aiming to begin working in crime scene processing, forensic science, law enforcement, and medicolegal. Preparing students for the analysis of several forms of forensic evidence, this online program teaches students a vast array of forensic science competencies such as effective courtroom testimony, microscopic analysis of hairs, fibers, and cells, applied forensic statistical analysis, and forensic toxicology, among many other topics.

The program’s 36-credit curriculum includes courses such as introduction to graduate studies in science, engineering, and technology; crime scene processing and medicolegal death investigation; microscopy and instrumental analysis methods in forensic; courtroom presentation of scientific evidence; general principles of drug chemistry and forensic toxicology; and applied statistics for forensic science.

  • Location: Phoenix, AZ
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Boston University

Boston University offers an online master of science in criminal justice (MSCJ) program that allows students the option of choosing a concentration in cybercrime investigation & cybersecurity, crime analysis, or strategic management. Students in this program will learn to apply principles of leadership in organizational settings, analyze criminal behavior, gain an informed perspective of law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections, and learn theories of social control.

Made up of 32 credits, the program includes courses such as criminology and crime policy; criminal justice administration and ethics; sexual violence; violence and trauma; cybercrime; crime and intelligence analysis; cyberterrorism and cyber defense; victimology; terrorism; forensic behavior analysis; applied digital forensic investigation; and trauma and crisis intervention.

  • Location: Boston, MA
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 16–18 months

Additional Options: CSI Certificates

In addition to the graduate degree programs, there is a variety of online certificate programs in various CSI topics, including:

Admissions Requirements for Online CSI Programs

Some candidates emerge fresh out of bachelor programs, while others began working professionally before applying to graduate school. This career experience can allow students to waive foundation courses or opt out of research programs such as a thesis. Every college’s graduate program admissions requirements vary, but online CSI programs often look for:

  • A relevant undergraduate degree in a field like enforcement/pre-law, or in natural/lab sciences such as biology, chemistry, or physics
  • Official transcripts showing a competitive GPA (e.g., >3.0), or at least a B average
  • Some research-based programs may require past publication in peer-reviewed literature
  • An application and letter of intent describing why you want to pursue this program
  • Letters of recommendation from employers, instructors, or others who can share details about the candidate
  • More competitive programs require a certain score on the GRE

Accreditation

Students interested in CSI and related forensic topics are encouraged to make sure any school they are considering has proper accreditation. Accreditation shows that the institution follows certain established standards of excellence in its education. Sometimes, this covers the entire school or certain programs or colleges within a school.

The reputable institutional accreditation organizations have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation, including:

  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

In addition to overall institutional accreditation, some professional forensics associations offer their own accreditation methods and criteria to make sure students currently in school are learning the proper abilities and skills to compete and excel. The gold standard for forensic forensic accreditation is FEPAC or the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission.

Lastly, aspiring CSI students are encouraged to check out their program’s “state authorization” status. While this isn’t an issue if a distance-based student and an online institution are based in the same state, sometimes online CSI programs are unable to enroll out-of-state students from particular areas. Many online programs display this information on their websites and for those that don’t, applicants should reach out to admissions to ensure eligibility.

Writer

Willow Dawn Becker

Willow is a blogger, parent, former educator and regular contributor to www.forensicscolleges.com. When she's not writing about forensic science, you'll find her blogging about education online, or enjoying the beauty of Oregon.

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