Forensic Science Colleges in Minnesota

For those interested in a career related to law enforcement but who do not want to become law enforcement officers or attorneys, a career in forensic science is the answer. Forensic scientists in Minnesota (MN) assist law enforcement and private sector professionals, such as defense attorneys, in retrieving and analyzing evidence related to many crimes. To pursue this career, students should start by studying biology and chemistry, and they may also earn a degree from a forensic science program.

There are a few options for studying forensic science in Minnesota today, and more options will likely become available shortly as the demand for forensic professionals grows. Several subfields in this career may require specialized training, experience, and even professional certification, including serology, toxicology, DNA analysis, trace analysis, fingerprints, ballistics, document examination, digital evidence, tool marks, latent evidence processing, and footwear impressions.

While many maintain regular business hours, it’s important to note that due to the nature of evidence collection and analysis, these professionals may be called upon to work on weekends, evenings, and even holidays as needed.

Read on below to discover how to become a forensic scientist in MN, what the job outlook is in the state, the availability of quality traditional or distance-based programs, and what prospective students should know about program accreditation and professional certifications.

Featured CSI & Forensic Science Programs
Arizona State University	Forensic Science (BS)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Forensic Science (PSM)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Forensic Science - Death Investigations (BS)	Visit Site
Southern New Hampshire University	BA in Psychology - Forensic Psychology	Visit Site
Purdue Global	BSCJ - Crime Scene Investigation	Visit Site
Stevenson University Online	Forensic Investigation Grad Certificate	Visit Site
Stevenson University Online	Online Master of Forensic Science (MFS)	Visit Site
American Public University	Forensics (Certificate)	Visit Site
sponsored × When you click on a sponsoring school or program advertised on our site, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.

Meet the Expert: Megan Foley, MB-ABC, PhD

Dr. Megan Foley is an assistant professor of the forensic science program at Hamline University. She brings her expertise in forensic biology to deliver hands-on, practical education for undergraduates interested in careers in forensic science or the legal and criminal justice systems. She has a PhD in forensic science from Oklahoma State University, a master of science in forensic science from Arcadia University, and a bachelor’s in biology from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota.

She performed casework for five years as a forensic biologist at NMS Labs in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, before transitioning to a career more focused on research, training, and education at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education. Here, she taught master’s-level courses for the Arcadia University and Thomas Jefferson University forensic science programs and led and maintained a research program in forensic biology. She continued her academic experience as a visiting assistant professor for the forensic science master’s program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Alongside her academic responsibilities, she remains active in the field by serving on multiple organization committees, including the Research Committee for COFSE and the ABC Biology Certification Examination Management Group. She holds a certification through the American Board of Criminalistics in Molecular Biology. Additionally, she is a voting member and AAFS Liaison for the ASB DNA Consensus Body, which writes and approves standards in the field for laboratories performing forensic biology testing in the United States.

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

Dr. Foley: Very few educational opportunities exist in Minnesota for those interested in pursuing a forensic science education. There are a few opportunities to explore the field while majoring in a natural science degree, like the chemistry major with a forensic science emphasis at Bemidji State University or the forensic science minor offered to natural science majors at Metro State University.

Hamline University is currently the only school that offers a targeted education for students interested in pursuing forensic science through two bachelor of science majors in forensic biology and forensic chemistry. Additionally, criminal justice students interested in forensic investigations are offered a variety of forensic courses, like crime scene and death investigation or forensic fingerprint examination.

A forensic psychology concentration is also offered to students majoring in criminology, criminal justice, psychology, or legal studies. This concentration focuses on allowing students to explore how psychology can be applied to criminal justice and legal systems by studying crime and criminal behavior. Students interested in anthropology can also explore its application to the forensic field through courses like forensic anthropology, human osteology, and skeletal identification.

Both forensic science degrees are built with flexibility of interest in mind. The forensic biology degree is structured around students gaining more in-depth biological knowledge and expertise that can prepare students for careers in the field of forensic biology and beyond, including fingerprint analysis, paternity testing, forensic pathology, or other related scientific fields. Forensic chemistry allows students to explore careers focused on chemical testing and understanding, like drug analysis, forensic toxicology, arson analysis, or other related scientific fields.

Forensic courses are offered to all forensic and criminal justice students who are interested in learning more about specific forensic subfields and gaining hands-on experience in techniques used by crime laboratory units or police departments. All courses focus on offering students practical experience through mock case scenarios spread throughout the semester. Courses also build students’ experience with skills desired by their future employers or graduate schools, including critical thinking, technical understanding, and both oral and written communication skills.

Regardless of which pathway you choose, make sure to have a good understanding of the knowledge and skills that agencies look for when hiring new analysts. Build your education pathway based on these skills and expertise to get the most out of your time in college.

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

Dr. Foley: Here is my advice:

Explore! If you are entering at the undergraduate level, explore the various fields within forensic science and understand what skills are transferable to a career in a variety of fields. Forensic science is multidisciplinary, and the degree can unlock opportunities in other areas of the criminal justice system and beyond. Explore all possible opportunities that focus on lab work, the courtroom, the crime scene, investigations, police work, or the legal system, and see where your passions/interests intersect.
Network! Outside of the classroom, explore local opportunities like job-shadowing or internships in crime laboratories, police departments, courthouses, or research centers. Not only does this allow you to see the day-in-the-life of specific jobs, but it also connects you to professionals who can share their career paths and help you with yours.
Be Ethical! Ethics and integrity are front and center in forensic science and related fields. Entry into many positions requires extensive background checks, and you will likely have to testify in court one day. Your integrity matters and will be questioned when you take the stand.
Most importantly, stay curious and open-minded! Forensic science is continuously evolving, and solving crimes does not follow a template. Ask questions and do not be afraid to explore or make mistakes in school. This is the best place for you to hone your skills, habits, and confidence.

How to Become a Forensic Scientist in Minnesota

As with any career, there are different paths that one can take to become a forensic scientist. The following steps are certainly not universal, but are most common for aspiring forensic scientists in Minnesota:

Step 1: Graduate High School (Duration: Four Years)

A high school degree is a prerequisite for nearly every job in forensic science. According to CareerOneStop (2025), a site that sources its data from the U.S. Department of Labor, just 4 percent of forensic science technicians have less than a high school degree. High school students who want to pursue this career should focus on their science and mathematics courses, particularly chemistry and biology.

Step 2: Pursue an Undergraduate Degree (Two to Four Years)

While a bachelor’s degree is not strictly required for all forensic science careers, Career One Stop indicates that more than 35 percent of forensic science technicians have a bachelor’s degree, with an additional 14 percent having associate’s degrees. There are some forensic-specific options for students in Minnesota, but students may also consider degrees in related fields, including biology, chemistry, or even criminal justice.

Step 3: Consider Professional Certification (Timeline Varies)

Professional forensic certification is ideal for those who want to advance from entry-level forensic science positions. The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) has approved nine different organizations to issue professional certifications. Some of the certifications offered include forensic document examination, forensic engineering, and forensic odontology.

Step 4: Assess Graduate Study Options (Timeline Varies)

Fourteen percent of forensic scientists have an advanced degree, at either the master’s or doctoral level. Online forensic science programs can be ideal for graduate studies, allowing forensic professionals to continue working while earning another degree to further their careers.

Occupational Demand and Salary Data in Minnesota for Forensic Science Specialists

Minnesota employs 110 forensic science technicians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024)—the latest data available as of October 2025. There is an anticipation that openings for forensic science techs across the nation will swell 13 percent between 2024 and 2034, faster than the growth rate projected for all occupations during that time period (3 percent). Currently, there are 19,450 of these professionals nationwide, not including those in related occupations, and they make an average annual salary of $75,260.

According to the BLS (2025), 62 percent of forensic science technicians are employed by the local government, while the state government employs 25 percent.

The outlook is almost on par for residents of Minnesota. Projections Central (2025) found that from 2022 to 2032, the demand for forensic scientists in Minnesota is expected to grow by 13.3 percent, making Minnesota an attractive place to start a career in this field.

Finally, the ForensicsColleges blog offers several in-depth career articles for graduates in forensic science in its How to Become series, with step-by-step instructions to becoming profilers, crime scene technicians, forensic psychologists, forensic accountants, detectives, and more. Of course, anyone studying to be a forensic science technician will want to know how much they can expect to make working in Minnesota.

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

	United States	Minnesota
Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed	19,450	130
Annual Mean Wage	$75,260	$72,550
10th percentile	$45,560	$50,530
25th percentile	$53,310	$61,280
50th percentile	$67,440	$68,790
75th percentile	$88,710	$82,780
90th percentile	$110,710	$101,150

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

When considering earning potential, the cost of living is a key piece of the puzzle. Forensic science technicians in MN fared much better than people in this industry nationwide. What makes this salary point particularly interesting is the fact that Minnesota is one of the cheaper states to live in across the country. The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2025) found that MN was the 22nd most affordable state.

Featured Forensic Programs in Minnesota

Featured CSI & Forensic Science Programs
Arizona State University	Forensic Science (BS)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Forensic Science (PSM)	Visit Site
Arizona State University	Forensic Science - Death Investigations (BS)	Visit Site
Southern New Hampshire University	BA in Psychology - Forensic Psychology	Visit Site
Purdue Global	BSCJ - Crime Scene Investigation	Visit Site
Stevenson University Online	Forensic Investigation Grad Certificate	Visit Site
Stevenson University Online	Online Master of Forensic Science (MFS)	Visit Site
American Public University	Forensics (Certificate)	Visit Site
sponsored × When you click on a sponsoring school or program advertised on our site, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.

Students looking for forensic science colleges in Minnesota will find that Hamline University is the main option. While other schools offer educational programs in specific areas of forensics, such as computer forensics, Hamline is the only school offering an on-campus program that can provide a foundational education in forensic science.

Hamline University

With Hamline University’s bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees in forensic science, students will gain hands-on, practical skills in Hamline’s forensic laboratory to develop their strength in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and beyond to ensure no evidence goes unused. Through internship opportunities, Hamline ensures every student has the opportunity to translate classroom learning and mock casework into direct experience. Whether students wish to explore careers in crime labs, law enforcement, cybersecurity, or analytical chemistry, this program has internship opportunities for everyone.

The bachelor of science program offers two concentration options: biology and chemistry. The curriculum includes courses such as the survey of forensic science, professional issues in forensic science, crime scene and death investigation, forensic anthropology, forensic photography, forensic fingerprint examination, latent fingerprints, forensic firearm and tool mark examination, and the law of evidence for legal professionals.

The bachelor of arts program in forensic and investigative science is designed for those who wish to discover the theory, procedures, and analysis used in scientifically investigating and processing crime scenes. Core courses in this program include crime and justice in America, survey of forensic science, constitutional issues in criminal procedure, professional issues in forensic science, and policing in America.

Through one-on-one mentoring by faculty members and innovative courses, students will be provided with the tools needed for succeeding in a variety of jobs, such as evidence technicians, firearms examiners, forensic drug chemists, latent fingerprint examiners, trace evidence examiners, death investigators, crime scene analysts, and DNA analysts.

Notably, Hamline University also offers a post-baccalaureate forensic science certificate.

Location: Saint Paul, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Metropolitan State University

Metro State University offers a bachelor of applied science program in computer forensics, which prepares students with knowledge in digital and computer incident investigation, mobile and network forensics, eDiscovery, ethical and legal issues in computing, and privacy and computer laws. In addition to helping organizations and companies protect their interests, graduates of this program will also be able to assist law enforcement in fighting cyberterrorism and crimes.

This 120-credit program includes courses such as computer forensics fundamentals, computer and operating systems fundamentals, introduction to computer forensics, introduction to criminal justice, constitutional law, digital evidence analysis, mobile device security and forensics, the criminal court system, cyber operations, and cyber incident response and handling.

Notably, Metro State University also offers a 24-credit computer forensics certificate designed for those who already have bachelor’s degrees and would like to re-shape their knowledge and skills in the computer forensics field. This program prepares students with the skills and knowledge in digital incident investigation, computer forensics, computer laws, and cyberspace ethics.

Location: Saint Paul, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University’s bachelor of science program in criminal justice has four emphasis areas that allow students to choose the right career path. These emphasis areas include corrections, police science, tribal justice, and victimology.

The program’s core courses include criminal justice and society, research methods and statistics for criminal justice, judicial process, criminology and delinquency, and criminal law.

Courses in the corrections emphasis area include corrections and penology, community corrections, and principles of criminal justice supervision. The police science emphasis area includes courses in police process, introduction to emergency management, criminal procedure and evidence, and forensic victimology.

Courses in the tribal justice emphasis area include an introduction to Turtle Island, nation-building and leadership, and federal Indian law. Finally, the victimology concentration includes courses such as victimological theory and practice, forensic victimology, global perspectives in victimology, and restorative justice.

Location: Bemidji, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Minneapolis College’s unique associate of applied science program in computer forensics combines skills and knowledge of various areas including computer forensics, information security, information technology, criminal justice, investigation, ethics, and law.

This 60-credit program includes computer forensics coursework, criminal justice introduction, Cisco network administration, information technology concepts, constitutional law, and information technology career preparation.

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Hybrid & Online Forensics Programs

There are still options for prospective forensics students who cannot commit to a fully on-campus experience. Both online programs and hybrid online/in-person forensic science programs are available. By taking advantage of a virtual classroom, students can complete their degrees more effectively without giving up other important aspects of their lives. Following are just a few options for Minnesota residents:

University of Minnesota Crookston

The University of Minnesota at Crookston offers an online bachelor of science program in criminal justice, providing students with the skills and knowledge that prepare them for careers in corrections, law enforcement, and other private and public agencies. This program has been approved by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST). This certification means that graduates from this program will be eligible to become licensed police officers in Minnesota.

This 120-credit program allows students to choose an emphasis area in either corrections or law enforcement. The curriculum includes courses such as crime and criminology, criminal law, criminal justice diversity, criminal justice ethics, victimology, and criminal investigation.

Graduates can take up roles such as forensic science technicians, compliance officers and inspectors, fraud investigators, game wardens, conservation officers, detectives, probation officers, and sheriff officers.

Location: Crookston, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University offers a bachelor of arts program in criminal justice which is approved by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). This program can be completed on-campus or online.

Comprising 120 credits, the program includes courses such as foundations of the criminal justice system, research methods in criminology and criminal justice, building an integrated criminal justice system, constitutional and criminal law and justice, cultural considerations in criminal justice systems, contemporary issues in the criminal justice system, and delinquent and criminal behaviors across the life course.

Concordia University also offers an online master of arts criminal justice leadership program comprising 36 credits.

Location: St. Paul, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 48 months

In addition to these, several online colleges are offering forensic science and crime scene investigation programs, in most cases nationally. Some other schools that Minnesota students can consider are the University of Florida or Oklahoma State University.

Accreditation and Professional Certification

Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is the primary accreditation body for forensic science programs. As of June 2024, no forensic science programs in Minnesota are accredited by FEPAC. However, it is important to note that a lack of accreditation does not indicate a subpar forensic science program. FEPAC has accredited very few programs overall and many have yet to seek accreditation.

To evaluate a forensic science school that does not have programmatic accreditation, students can look for institutional accreditation. Hamline University, for example, is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which offers general accreditation for the overall institution, although not the forensic science program in particular.

Forensic science professionals who wish to further their careers can apply for certification in a chosen specialty. As mentioned above, the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) has approved nine organizations to grant certification in various forensic specialties. The specialty boards approved by FSAB include:

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)

The certification process for each organization will be different and may include exams, transcript reviews, or proof of professional experience.

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

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Writer

Farheen Gani

Farheen Gani writes about forensics schools across the United States, and has covered topics such as forensic chemistry and forensic science and biochemistry since 2018. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).

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