Forensics Colleges in Michigan

The Great Lakes State boasts more than 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of streams, making it an especially fertile ground for those interested in ecological forensics. In fact, the catastrophic Flint water crisis was uncovered by careful, scientific assessments of lead contamination in the drinking water. This devastating disaster is just one example of how a subfield of forensics is helping to unearth criminal misconduct.

According to Michigan State University (MSU), additional areas of forensics specialization include biological evidence, toxicology, drugs & firearms, pathology, odontology, anthropology, toxicology, trace evidence, and even entomology (i.e., the study of insects). The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) adds to this list the following subfields: arson, bite marks, blood & bodily fluids, crime scene, child abuse, DNA, death investigation, digital evidence, fingerprints, and sexual assault. Forensic students might major in forensic science or pathology, for example, and still be able to specialize in one or more of those other areas.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), forensic scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and maintain responsibilities such as analyzing crime scenes, taking photographs of the evidence at the crime scene, making sketches of the crime scene, reconstructing crime scenes, collecting evidence, including fingerprints, bodily fluids, and weapons, and recording findings and observations, such as the position and location of evidence.

The Wolverine State is home to a wealth of forensics colleges at every level, including certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and graduate programs. Further, forensic science professionals are relatively well-compensated. As proof of point, the BLS reported that Michigan’s forensic science technicians make more money annually than the average salary of all occupations across Michigan (mentioned below).

Read on to discover the occupational outlook for forensic scientists in Michigan, the variety of accredited forensic programs in the state, and professional certification information.

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Meet the expert: Jane C. Harris, PhD

Dr. Jane Harris is the director of the Center for Forensic Science at Northern Michigan University. She has held her current position as a forensic anthropologist and forensic artist since 2017.

Dr. Harris oversees a whole-body donation program, a forensic anthropology laboratory, and the Forensic Research Outdoor Station (FROST), an outdoor human taphonomy research and training facility. She also teaches forensic anthropology-related courses for the NMU Department of Sociology & Anthropology.

Prior to starting at NMU, Dr. Harris worked as a medicolegal death investigator for the Office of the Medical Examiner in Ingham County, Michigan, and as the unidentified remains coordinator for the Michigan State Police Missing Persons Coordination Unit. She was a member of the Facial Identification Scientific Working Group from 2010 until 2014, and has participated on the NIST Organization of Scientific Area Committees Facial and Iris Identification Subcommittee from 2014 until the present.

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

Dr. Harris: The forensic science programs in Michigan offer vastly different student experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom, so students should research them first and make an informed decision about which one best fits their goals and interests.

At NMU, for example, we operate one of only a handful of outdoor taphonomy research facilities in the world, which offers virtually unmatched research experiences and hands-on instruction related to human decomposition, but there is so much more to forensic science. So, if a student is seeking a strong program with a different focus, DNA analysis, for example, one of the other universities would probably be a better fit for them.

One thing I have noticed about forensic science programs across Michigan is that most, if not all, have great working relationships with local, state, and even federal law enforcement agencies and/or their local medical examiner’s office. So, there are a lot of opportunities across the state for students to interact with professionals in their fields, which is invaluable for their professional development.

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

Dr. Harris. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with a lot of the students at our university about why they chose NMU and why they chose forensic science, specifically. I’ve found that I frequently offer the following advice:

Work on being exceptional in your chosen science, rather than hyper-focusing on the eventual forensic application of it. A forensic scientist is a scientist who applies the methods, theory, and knowledge from their discipline to legal matters. It is not possible to be a good forensic scientist without first being a good scientist. I always advise students to learn everything they can and to fully commit to their coursework in order to be the best scientists they can be.

In addition to the classes that will help you to be a good scientist, it is important to also take classes that will help you to be responsible citizens. Taking a statistics class, for example, helps students understand how to conduct their own analysis and differentiate between reliable and misleading analysis or reporting. Taking a class like anthropology or sociology helps students understand how their world views affect their decisions and opinions, and that other people may think and make decisions differently because they have different worldviews.

Talk to your professors. Professors, for the most part, are either practitioners or have colleagues who are, and most professors are thrilled to help students decide on the courses that will be most helpful to them, connect students with colleagues, or engage students in research. It is up to the students to make themselves and their interests known to their professors; they should not expect their professors to discover them.

Occupational Demand and Salary Data for Forensics Professionals in Michigan

As mentioned above, forensic science technicians stand to make more money annually than the average for all occupations across the state, and there’s more good news for aspiring forensics professionals in Michigan.

The BLS (2025) projects that openings across the country for forensic science technicians will swell 13 percent between 2024 and 2034, substantially faster than the average growth anticipated for all occupations during that time period (3 percent). The outlook isn’t as robust for residents of Michigan. Projections Central (2025) found that demand for forensic science technicians in Michigan is expected to grow 7 percent between 2022 and 2032.

There are currently 550 forensic science technicians employed in Michigan, but this doesn’t include those in related occupations such as medical examining, forensic nursing, forensic accounting, cybercrimes (i.e., digital evidence tracing), questioned documents, handwriting analysis, forensic odontology, forensic anthropology, DNA analysis, and more.

It’s clear that a majority of forensic science technicians are employed in the public sector. The BLS (2025) reported that the government employs 62 percent of people in this field. The AAFS details common places of employment for forensic scientists, including crime laboratories, police departments, medical examiner offices, hospitals, universities, and independent forensic science groups. Some work normal business hours, although due to the nature of crime scene processing and forensic work, they may be called upon to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

One prominent employer of forensics professionals in the Mitten State is the Michigan State Police. It boasts seven regional laboratories in its Forensic Science Division with testing services for DNA, firearms & toolmarks, latent prints, bloodstain patterns, controlled substances, traces evidence & questioned documents, and toxicology. The Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS) also hosts job postings, forensics grants, and workshops.

Further, the Michigan Civil Service Commission (MCSC) website provides more information on forensic positions available.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024) reported 690 forensic science technicians in the state. Furthermore, BLS found that the salary figures are higher than the national salary ranges. The United States employs 19,450 forensic science technicians with an average annual salary (mean annual wage) of $75,260. In MI, the average salary in this field is $85,070. These are the latest figures availalbe as of October 2025.

In more detailed terms, here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country compared with those in MI (BLS May 2024):

The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (October 2025), which relies on self-reported salaries. Among the forensic science techs reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found these percentiles for the US:

• 10th percentile: $33,000
• 50th percentile (median): $59,140
• 90th percentile: $79,000

Finally, although annual salary ranges in forensic science are somewhat lower in Michigan than national figures, the cost of living is also significantly lower in this state. By illustration, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center found that Michigan ranked 9th among all American states with respect to affordability, with particular savings in housing costs compared to other US states (MERIC 2025).

Not surprisingly, salaries vary by metropolitan area as well, with higher salaries and more job opportunities offered in larger urban regions. Finally, salaries also vary by employment sector. The BLS found that the local government is the most lucrative place of employment in forensics. The top-paying industries for forensic science technicians nationwide were the following:

• State government, excluding education and hospitals: average annual salary $71,180
• Local government, excluding education and hospitals: $65,890
• Testing laboratories and services: $62,860
• Educational services, state, local, and private: $49,980

Forensic Science Programs in Michigan

For prospective forensic scientists, there is an abundance of forensic programs in Michigan. Before enrollment, aspiring students are encouraged to verify the accreditation status of their programs. There are two main organizations to seek out: the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) for programmatic accreditation or the regional Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for institutional accreditation. Please see the accreditation section below for more information on these approval processes.

For Michigan’s associate degree programs, admissions committees generally call for official secondary school (i.e., high school) transcripts, TOEFL test scores (for non-native speakers of English), and an application fee.

For Michigan’s bachelor’s degree programs in forensics, admissions committees typically ask for official high school transcripts with a competitive GPA (e.g., >3.0), a personal statement, letters of recommendation, official scores from the SAT or ACT (and TOEFL for non-native English speakers), a background check, and an application fee.

For Michigan’s master’s programs in forensics, admissions requirements typically include submitting post-secondary transcripts in a relevant major with a competitive GPA (e.g., >3.25), completing prerequisite coursework (e.g., organic chemistry, biology, genetics, DNA analysis, forensic science, etc.), writing a personal statement, sending letters of recommendation from professors or mentors, sending official scores from the GRE or MCAT tests (and TOEFL for non-native English speakers), being interviewed, and paying an application fee.

Kellogg Community College

Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, MI, provides an associate’s degree in criminal justice with instruction in criminal law, criminal justice, and interpersonal communications. Designed to educate entry-level professionals in law enforcement, such as Border Patrol, Homeland Security, and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents, Kellogg can be an especially attractive option for undecided students who want to transfer to a four-year program.

The 61-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice, criminal law, crime and delinquency, ethical problem-solving in policing, criminal investigation, Client Relations in corrections, and institutional corrections.

• Location: Battle Creek, MI
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Madonna University

Madonna University in Livonia hosts the only FEPAC-accredited bachelor of science (BS) in forensic science degree in Michigan providing students with a solid foundation across the sciences. Students in this program will also be able to obtain a minor in biology, chemistry, or both, further cementing their expertise in this field. Students are also allowed to join the Madonna University Forensic Science Society (MUFSS).

As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as impression and trace evidence analysis, introduction to forensic science, firearm and tool mark analysis, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, forensic anthropology, toxicology, ethics and expert testimony, criminology, population genetics, criminal law & procedure, and biochemistry. The program also includes an internship.

Graduates will be able to take up roles such as forensic scientists, forensic biologists, forensic chemists, forensic anthropologists, crime scene technicians, forensic technologists, forensic pathologists, odontologists, entomologists, and laboratory managers, among many other such roles.

Madonna University also offers several certificate programs in DNA analysis, crime scene practice, crime laboratory technician, and applied forensic science research.

• Location: Livonia, MI
• Accreditation: Forensic Sciences Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Lake Superior State University

Lake Superior State University offers a bachelor of science program in forensic chemistry that combines elements of criminal justice with a strong emphasis on chemistry. Graduates of this program work in forensic laboratories for local, state, and federal government agencies and private investigative laboratories. Some might also go on to pursue graduate degrees.

Made up of 124 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to forensics, medicinal toxicology, quantitative analysis, introduction to criminal justice, investigation, criminalistics, procedural law, substantive law, and principles of statistical methods.

Graduates can take up careers such as forensic science technicians, crime scene investigators, latent print examiners, DNA analysts, drug analysis technicians, forensic pathologists, medical examiners, forensic laboratory managers, and toxicologists.

• Location: Sault Ste. Marie, MI
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Michigan State University

Michigan State University (MSU) offers a FEPAC-accredited master of science (MS) program in forensic science through its innovative School of Criminal Justice. MSU boasts state-of-the-art facilities for students to learn techniques such as chromatography, advanced microscopy, genetic analysis, capillary electrophoresis, and more. The program is designed to provide students with a broad practical and theoretical background in the legal, investigative, and scientific aspects of forensic science while also providing them with the opportunity to study forensic chemistry in depth.

Students enrolled in this program must complete a concentration in forensic chemistry. Consisting of 38 credits, the program includes courses such as crime scene investigation, survey in forensic science, law and forensic science, mass spectrometry, forensic analysis of drugs and alcohol, forensic chemistry and microscopic evidence, and pharmacology of drug addiction.

To be considered for admission, applicants must have a BS or BA degree in a discipline appropriate to the desired concentration with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0.

• Location: East Lansing, MI
• Accreditation: Forensic Sciences Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Michigan Technological University

Students in Michigan Technological University’s graduate certificate forensic accounting program learn to investigate and prevent white-collar criminal activities in the banking and financial sectors. This certificate is ideal for qualified professionals looking to enhance their skill set and can be a foundation to continue to graduate degree programs.

Requiring a minimum of 9 credits, the program’s coursework allows students to develop skills and knowledge in fraud prevention and investigative accounting. Combining information security and data analysis techniques with traditional auditing principles, the program prepares students with advanced forensics training.

Moreover, this certificate assists students in passing examinations such as the CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics) and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner).

• Location: Houghton, MI
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: One to three semesters

University of Detroit Mercy

With a graduate certificate in forensic accounting from the University of Detroit Mercy, graduates may qualify for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam or launch a career as compliance officers or fraud examiners. Students will learn about auditing, accounting and financial rules, fraud detection, and the use and misuse of information technology. This certificate can either be taken as a stand-alone program or in conjunction with Detroit Mercy’s highly-ranked MBA program.

With flexible weekend and evening hours, UDM’s program is uniquely designed for working professionals. The program comprises 24 credits and includes courses such as personal development, ethics & social responsibility in organizations, system forensics, corporate fraud detection & prevention, accounting during cash crisis, computer & information security, and principles of loss prevention.

• Location: Detroit, MI
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 months

Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University’s Chemistry Department offers a bachelor’s degree in forensic biochemistry, preparing graduates for a forensic science career. It provides students with the science background required to work as crime lab forensic investigators. The forensic biochemistry curriculum includes courses from several departments and is the credit equivalent of a major plus a minor, therefore no additional minor is required.

This 120-credit program includes courses such as forensic chemistry, forensic anthropology, entomology, modern spectroscopy, introduction to criminal courts, drugs, crime, and the justice system, criminology, criminal procedure, forensic photography, substantive criminal law, advanced criminal investigation, and cybercrime.

In addition, the university also offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice as well as an associate degree in criminal justice for a smooth transition into the bachelor’s degree program.

• Location: Marquette, MI
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Ferris State University

Ferris State University’s criminal justice program prepares students for successful careers in corrections, law enforcement, and various state, federal, and local agencies, enabling them to make a positive impact on their community. Professional faculty members will guide students here through hands-on, practical field experiences and the latest theoretical knowledge.

The programs offered include an associate of arts degree in criminal justice, a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice-generalist option, a bachelor of science degree in criminal Justice-corrections option, a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice-law enforcement option, and a master of science degree in criminal justice administration (online).

The generalist bachelor’s degree in criminal justice prepares students to succeed in graduate school and law school, specifically in criminology and criminal justice. This option gives students the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an ever-changing field. Employment opportunities include parole officers, probation officers, court reporters, crime analysts, and asset protection.

Consisting of 120 credits, the curriculum includes courses such as introduction to corrections, Michigan criminal law, crime control policy, michigan criminal procedure, current issues in criminal justice, criminal behavior, report writing for corrections, ethical issues in criminal justice, corrections and society, and police and society.

• Location: Big Rapids, MI
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 48 months

Oakland Community College

The criminal justice programs at Oakland Community College deliver valuable learning experiences related to corrections, the court system, and law enforcement. Students will study a broad range of courses, allowing them to discover foundational concepts in evidence and criminal law, security and corrections, police procedures, criminology, and the American judicial system.

The coursework focuses on career-focused and introductory material designed to help graduates begin their careers or continue their education to a bachelor’s degree. The program’s courses allow students to develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that are necessary for entry-level jobs in all fields.

Oakland Community College’s generalist criminal justice program is offered in both the traditional on-campus format and a 100 percent online format. This program provides experiences related to criminal law, criminology, social values, and legal procedures.

This 61 to 64-credit program includes courses such as police patrol administration and procedures, criminal investigation and case preparation, criminal evidence and procedure, criminal law and administration of justice, police administration, introduction to criminal justice, substance abuse investigation, and community relations in criminal justice.

In addition to the generalist criminal justice program, Oakland Community College also offers a criminal justice law enforcement program providing students with an educational background in criminal investigations, law, and police administration and procedures.

Moreover, the college also offers a criminal justice homeland security and emergency management program that exposes students to international and domestic terrorism issues and strategies for countering terrorist threats.

• Location: Auburn Hills, MI
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

For more information on forensics degrees and specializations, please visit the forensic programs page.

Professional Certification in Forensics

In the state of Michigan, forensics certification may not be required for employment, but it can be advisable. Certification can enhance a job candidate’s resume and earning prospects, serving as an indicator of one’s skills. Typical requirements for various forensic certifications include having at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science (or a related field), having at least one year of experience, paying an application fee, and passing an exam. To maintain various credentials, the organizations below generally ask candidates to recertify by paying a fee and fulfilling continuing education (CE) requirements.

There are nine professional certifications recognized by the esteemed Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB), including:

• American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA)
• American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
• American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO)
• American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI)
• Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
• International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
• International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
• International Board of Forensic Engineering Sciences (IBFES)

For some subfields of forensics and employers in Michigan, certification may be required. For example, Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) reports that in an amendment to the longstanding Professional Investigator Act, computer forensics professionals must have two types of certifications: general information security certification and a computer forensics-specific certification.

Since requirements vary by place of employment, interested forensics professionals are advised to check with individual agencies for certification requirements.

Those who wish to have detailed information on credentialing within each subfield of forensics can visit our programs or careers page.

Forensics Program & School Accreditation

As mentioned above, forensics students in Michigan are encouraged to check the accreditation status of their programs or institutions. The main approval body for programmatic accreditation is the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), and for institutional accreditation, it’s the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The former selectively accredits the most competitive forensic science programs across the country. There are two schools in Michigan with FEPAC-accredited programs: Madonna University and Michigan State University (MSU).

It is important to note that as of 2025, FEPAC has accredited fewer than 50 programs, and a lack of FEPAC accreditation does not mean that a program is substandard. In many cases, a program that lacks programmatic accreditation may simply not have applied for accreditation up to this point.

The HLC is one of six regional organizations recognized by the US Department of Education, which accredits universities. In addition to Michigan, the HLC approves programs in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Finally, both accrediting organizations weigh criteria such as student outcomes, faculty effectiveness, comprehensiveness of program curricula, institutional finances, quality of facilities, administrative organization, and other factors in their respective evaluation processes. Please visit accrediting body websites for a full list of evaluation criteria.