Forensics Schools in California

California is a powerhouse in forensic science education and career opportunities, offering a diverse range of programs across its universities and colleges. Whether you’re aiming to work in crime scene investigation, forensic biology, or digital forensics, the state’s educational institutions provide robust training and direct pathways into this critical field. With its large population and numerous law enforcement agencies, California also presents a dynamic job market for aspiring forensic professionals.

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) accredits relatively few programs nationally, including only those in forensic science, so this does not necessarily indicate California program quality. As of June 2025, there are no FEPAC-accredited programs in the state.

Read below to discover more about becoming a forensic science specialist in California, including expert advice, occupational demand, featured programs, and accreditation information.

Meet the Expert: Mark Barash, PhD

Dr. Mark Barash is an associate professor and forensic science coordinator in the Department of Justice Studies at San José State University. With over two decades of experience in forensic DNA analysis, including a decade as a DNA reporting officer, he has contributed to numerous criminal investigations involving serious offenses such as homicides and terrorist attacks.

Dr. Barash holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in life sciences, microbiology, and genetics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He also holds a PhD in forensic genetics from Bond University, Australia and did his post-doctoral fellowship in the Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney. His research focuses on forensic genetics, molecular phenotyping, and the integration of artificial intelligence in forensic investigations. He has co-authored studies on machine learning applications in forensic DNA profiling and the use of large language models for visual appearance prediction in forensic contexts. At SJSU, he is dedicated to advancing forensic science education and research.

ForensicsColleges.com: What is something you wish the public understood about forensics colleges and programs in California?

Dr. Barash: At San Jose State University, we offer a BSc in forensic science with the following concentrations:

• Forensic Science, Biology Concentration, BS
• Forensic Science, Chemistry Concentration, BS
• Forensic Science, Digital Evidence Concentration, BS
• Forensic Science, Crime Scene Investigation Concentration, BS

Each of these concentrations is tailored towards the career(s) choice our students wish to pursue.

For example, a forensic chemist uses lab instruments to identify unknown substances such as drugs, gunshot residue, accelerants, and explosives; a forensic biologist analyzes bodily fluids and interprets DNA profiles; a digital forensic analyst analyzes digital evidence related to a crime that is located on digital devices such as hard drives, cloud storage, and cell phones.

Additionally, the digital evidence concentration prepares for the cybersecurity job market. A crime scene investigator documents crime scenes using photography and diagrams and preserves physical evidence. On top of that, the CSI graduates are well-equipped for other jobs, such as fingerprint examiner, firearms examiner, trace evidence examiner, and various careers in law enforcement.

Additionally, the bio and chem concentrations go beyond forensic science by providing a strong foundation in STEM disciplines, and allow students to pursue careers in biotech, biomed, pathology, and medical fields (e.g. this is a great pre-med undergraduate program).

ForensicsColleges.com: What advice would you give to aspiring forensics students in California?

Dr. Barash: My advice to students pursuing a career in forensic science is to start with a strong foundation in the field, but also make an effort to broaden your skill set, explore areas like digital forensics, data analysis, bioinformatics, or specialized lab techniques to make yourself more versatile and competitive. Be open to interdisciplinary learning; understanding legal procedures, criminal justice systems, and emerging technologies will complement your scientific knowledge and make you a more well-rounded professional.

I strongly encourage gaining hands-on experience early through internships or research, as practical skills are essential for your readiness in the workforce. Stay informed about the latest advancements by attending conferences and engaging with professional organizations. Don’t underestimate the power of networking, as it can open doors to mentorship and job opportunities.

Above all, prioritize ethical conduct and integrity in everything you do. Forensic science plays a vital role in the justice system, and it’s important to approach your work with a sense of responsibility and professionalism. The field is constantly evolving, so cultivate adaptability and resilience to meet challenges head-on and continue growing throughout your career.

Salaries for Forensic Scientists in California

In addition to a strong occupational outlook, California boasts salaries that are higher than the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the 19,450 forensic science technicians across the nation earned an average annual salary of $75,260. In comparison, the 3,100 forensic science technicians working in California earned $99,390 annually (second highest in the nation).

Here is a breakdown of the national versus California wages for forensic science technicians—the latest data available as of June 2025:

It is important to note that while the wages in CA are higher than national wages, so too is the cost of living. For illustration, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2025) reported that CA is the third most expensive state in the country, particularly for housing. A high cost of living means that even higher-than-average salaries will not go as far as they would in other states, so prospective forensic science technicians should keep that in mind while evaluating the state’s salary data.

Featured Forensics Programs in California

Not only does California boast one of the healthiest job outlooks of any state, but it also offers a wealth of forensic science programs across a range of levels and subfields. Although none of the California programs are accredited by FEPAC, as of 2025, they remain in good standing with their institutional accrediting agencies:

University of California at Davis

The University of California at Davis, with its campus located close to the Bay Area, hosts a renowned master of science (MS) program in forensic science at its scenic campus. This graduate program prepares students for forensic science careers and offers two academic emphasis areas: forensic criminalistics and forensic DNA. The DNA track focuses on DNA and molecular biology courses, while the criminalistics track emphasizes instrumental analysis and chemistry.

This 54-credit program’s core curriculum includes courses such as forensic science fundamentals, homicide crime scene investigation, and forensic case reports. The forensic DNA track features courses like molecular techniques, forensic DNA analysis, and population genetics. Courses in the criminalistics track encompass forensic statistics, advanced spectroscopy, and analysis of toxicants.

• Location: Davis, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months

National University

National University offers a master of forensic sciences program that studies the components of death investigation, basic human anatomy, identification of unknown dead persons, and analysis of trauma and disease. Students will learn how to interact professionally with forensic investigators and pathologists and apply scientific methods for resolving legal problems. This MFS program offers two specialization areas: Criminalistics and Investigation.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in laboratory science for the criminalistics specialization. The investigation specialization does not have a specific major requirement for the undergraduate degree.

The 54-credit program includes core courses such as forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic photography, crime scene investigation, fingerprint analysis, and digital evidence.

Courses in criminalistics include trace evidence; advanced forensic toxicology, forensic serology and DNA, as well as advanced forensic DNA analysis. The specialization in investigation includes courses such as advanced criminalistics, forensic psychology, law and criminal procedure, and major case investigation.

• Location: La Jolla, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

San Jose State University

San Jose State University’s Department of Justice Studies has a bachelor of science (BS) program in forensic science with distinct concentrations in chemistry, biology, digital evidence, and crime scene investigation. The interdisciplinary courses are designed not only to give students a working knowledge of the field through hands-on, supervised instruction but also to provide students with an awareness of the intersection of law, ethics, and scientific investigation in criminalistics.

As part of this 120-credit program, students will explore topics such as crime scene investigation, forensic photography, human anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, pathophysiology, forensic entomology, principles of biochemistry, instrumental analysis, physical evidence analysis, body fluid and DNA analysis, and toxicology.

• Location: San Jose, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

California State University at Stanislaus

California State University at Stanislaus is located just east of the Bay Area. Its bachelor of arts (BA) program in criminal justice provides a broad, multidisciplinary exploration of the complex criminal justice system. The program incorporates techniques and knowledge from various academic and applied disciplines. In addition to concentrations in corrections, law enforcement, juvenile justice, and criminal legal studies, the program also offers a concentration in forensic science.

The program includes core courses such as the causes of crime, criminal procedures, juvenile justice, hate crimes, immigration and the American criminal justice system, sex crimes and gender issues in criminal justice, and race, ethnicity, and the criminal justice system. The forensic science concentration includes courses such as bodies of evidence, forensic DNA technology, criminalistics, scientific evidence and the law, digital photography, and crime intelligence and analysis, among others.

• Location: Turlock, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Southwestern College

Southwestern College offers an associate’s of science degree in forensic studies, ideal for criminal justice students with a particular interest in evidence collection. Preparing students for positions such as forensic lab technicians and evidence technicians, the program provides students with the ability to observe objectively and collect data and facts to make informed judgments.

Some topics students will explore include digital forensic photography, evidence technology, principles of investigation, legal aspects of evidence, concepts of criminal law, written communication in the administration of justice, biological anthropology, and an introduction to the administration of justice.

Southwestern College also offers a certificate of achievement in forensic studies.

• Location: Chula Vista, CA
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
• Expected Time to Completion: AS degree (four semesters); certificate (two semesters)

East Los Angeles College

East Los Angeles College’s Administration of Justice Department offers an associate’s of science degree in forensic crime scene investigation. This program is particularly ideal for candidates interested in pursuing careers such as forensic specialists, crime scene investigators, or identification technicians, or those who wish to continue on to bachelor’s degree programs in forensic science.

The program’s faculty includes forensic specialists, ballistics and weapon experts, fingerprint experts, and experts in the forensic science field through local agencies.

The AAS degree program offers a hands-on learning approach to topics such as crime scene diagramming, crime scene investigation, evidence collection, photography, and advanced techniques in crime scene investigations, such as dusting and lifting fingerprints, blood spatter analysis, weapon identification and gunshot residue testing, and chemical enhancement of fingerprints.

Notably, East Los Angeles College also offers a 17-credit certificate of achievement in forensic crime scene investigation. It includes courses such as ethics in forensic science, directed studies in the administration of justice, offender profiling in criminal investigations, criminalistics, and criminal investigation.

• Location: Monterey Park, CA
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

California State University in Los Angeles

The California Forensic Science Institute (CFSI) at California State University in Los Angeles has an interdisciplinary master’s of science (MS) in criminalistics program. Providing discipline-specific knowledge for those who wish to enter the criminalistics field, this master’s program emphasizes current scientific and analytical methods.

With coursework in areas such as crime scene reconstruction; forensic microscopy; forensic pathology; forensic toxicology and controlled substances analysis; courtroom and legal issues in criminalistics; forensic anthropology; and trace evidence analysis, students in this 41-credit program are prepared to conduct original research for their graduate thesis and take the Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT) offered by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC).

California State University in Los Angeles also offers a forensic specialist certificate program combining specialist training in crime scene investigation and friction ridge examination. This program requires a total of 300 hours. Topics include an introduction to friction ridge analysis; friction ridge examination process; basic photography; general crime scene photography & procedure; specialized impression photography and recovery; fingerprint processing & development; and mock crime scene practicums and courtroom testimony.

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

Several training and education facilities exist outside of traditional university systems. For example, the California Criminalistics Institute (CCI) of the California Department of Justice enrolls more than 1,000 students per year for training in digital evidence, toxicology, and other areas. Designed to keep forensic science professionals abreast of discoveries and innovative methods, these courses are open to city, country, state, and federal employees in the field.

Hybrid and Online Forensics Programs

In addition to the national hybrid and online forensic science programs, some California schools have catered their specialty certificate coursework to meet the needs of distance-based students:

California State University at Fullerton

California State University at Fullerton offers a broad-based certificate program in crime and intelligence analysis, ideal for newcomers to the discipline or working professionals looking to learn the fundamentals.

This training program, which includes coursework in the basic elements of criminal intelligence, criminal intelligence analysis, crime analysis applications, criminal investigative analysis, and computer applications for crime and intelligence analysis, can help qualify individuals for forensic science assignments within their occupation.

California State University at Fullerton also offers a fully online computer forensics certificate program. Ideal for IT specialists, network administrators, systems analysts, and computer forensics professionals seeking career development, this 92-hour program can be completed in just nine to ten months.

• Location: Fullerton, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Crime and intelligence analysis certificate (12 to 18 months); computer forensics certificate (nine to ten months)

University of California at Riverside

The University of California at Riverside has an online forensic nursing certificate program that teaches students how to summarize medical records for legal proceedings and act as medical consultants in various legal settings. Graduates of this program may go on to work in medical examiners’ offices, law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, or specialized hospital units.

This 16-credit program includes courses such as forensic approaches to blunt force and firearm injuries, occupational considerations in forensic nursing, forensic photography in the healthcare setting, sworn testimony for healthcare specialists, introduction to forensic pathology for healthcare specialists, and forensic nurse death investigation.

• Location: Riverside, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Nine to 15 months

Forensics Program Accreditation and Professional Certification

As mentioned above, no forensics colleges in California are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission. However, the schools featured here hold institutional or regional accreditation from organizations recognized by the US Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Prospective students should look for institutions that have been accredited in addition to discipline-specific program approval. California’s most common accrediting agency is the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), including its Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

Finally, some specialty-based individual certification agencies for forensic science professionals in California have achieved academic and experiential milestones in their careers. The prerequisites for certification vary by discipline but generally involve a competitive application process and a test of competence.

The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) provides a list of nine organizations approved to award professional certification. Some of these specialties include:

• Toxicology
• Criminalistics
• Medicolegal death investigations
• Document examination
• Forensic engineering