Colleges with Forensic Science Degree Programs

Pursuing a degree in forensic science can open up an abundance of career opportunities for people interested in the intersection between the legal and medical fields. In fact, US News & World Report (2022) shows forensic science majors go on to pursue various careers, including crime scene investigator, forensic DNA analyst, forensic interviewer, and forensic science technician. With forensic science degree, including extensive training in a laboratory environment, more specific job opportunities for graduates include becoming a medical examiner; crime lab analyst; toxicologist; forensic biologist; forensic chemist; forensic engineer; forensic odontologist; and criminal profiler.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021), forensic science technicians—one of many possible careers open to professionals in this field—make an average annual salary of $61,930. Openings for this group are projected to grow 16 percent between 2020 and 2030—twice as fast as the national average for all occupations. The forensic science degree is versatile and can provide access to growth opportunities in a diversity of science-based criminal justice.

So what kind of skills can one expect to learn in a forensic science program? According to the American Academy of Forensic Scientists (AAFS), some of the competencies achieved in these programs include how to:

• Analyze evidence from crime scenes (e.g., blood, body fluids, hair and fiber samples, fingerprints, firearms, toolmarks, documents, chemical traces, and other substances) using chemical, biological, and physical testing methods
• Documenting testing procedures and communicating findings to medical and legal personnel
• Testifying in court cases as expert witnesses

Forensic scientists work in a range of environments—some of which students may be exposed to during university internships, real-world research projects, and other projects organized through forensic science schools—such as hospitals, morgues, labs, courts, police departments, government agencies, universities, research centers, and private companies. Employment opportunities for forensic scientists are also propelled by technological advances. New scientific methods and instrumentation are continually emerging (e.g., DNA analyses) for collecting and examining criminal evidence, creating backlogs in forensic laboratories.

Although forensic scientists and technicians typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, there are exceptions. Read on below to discover what to expect from a forensic science school, as well as information on degree levels, curricula, professional certification, and program accreditation.

Forensic Science Degree and Certificate Programs

Although there are various forensic science programs and degrees—including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate options—this section focuses on programs accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Commission (FEPAC). For more information on program accreditation’s benefits, please reference this article’s last section. Please note that some of these programs are offered through other academic departments (e.g., chemistry, biology, etc) and offer forensic science as an emphasis or concentration.

Here are four featured FEPAC-accredited forensic science programs:

Buffalo State of New York (SUNY) provides a rigorous bachelor of science (BS) in forensic chemistry combining a solid, comprehensive foundation in forensics fundamentals with empirical research in real-world laboratories. Established in 1971, Buffalo’s program imparts the hands-on applications of biology, chemistry, and physics to give its graduates sensitivity to the intricacies of scientific research and inquiry.

With classes such as chemistry & criminalistics, scientific criminal evidence analysis, and optimal microscopy, Buffalo prepares its students to scientifically examine and test evidence in an ethical and evidence-based manner. Finally, students are allowed to seamlessly integrate the lessons from the classroom into internships at local forensic labs around Erie County.

• Location: Buffalo, NY
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Commission (FEPAC)
• Tuition: $3,535 per semester (full-time; in-state); $8,490 per semester (full-time; out-of-state)

Arcadia University in Pennsylvania offers an interdisciplinary master of science (MS) in forensic science program boasting small class sizes and excellent student performance on the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT, discussed below).

This program offers structured preparation for careers in a variety of scientific subfields. In addition to courses such as criminal law & ethics; genetics; and general principles of pharmacology, Arcadia students are guaranteed an internship at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education Preparation.

• Location: Glenside, PA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Commission (FEPAC)
• Tuition: $32,470 per year (full-time); $$1,370 per credit (part-time)

The University of California, Davis (UCD) provides a master of science (MS) in forensic science, which gives students training in criminalistics and DNA identification analysis, as well as the collection, examination, analysis, documentation, and reporting of evidence.

This 54-credit program—established in 2002—has produced some amazing forensic professionals, including 59 students (and staff) published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and 47 students who have given presentations to renowned forensics organizations. The curriculum has two distinct tracks—DNA and criminalistics—offering instruction in molecular techniques, genetics & bioinformatics, and forensic DNA analyses in the former, and advanced spectroscopy, analysis of toxicants, and microanalytical microscopy methods in the latter.

• Location: Davis, CA
• Duration: 2-3 years
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Commission (FEPAC)
• Tuition: $868 per credit unit

Cedar Crest College of Allentown, Pennsylvania is one of the few schools in the nation to have multiple FEPAC-accredited programs: the bachelor of science (BS) in forensic science, the BS in genetic engineering with a forensic science concentration, and the master of science (MS) in forensic science.

Cedar Crest has nationally recognized professors who regularly publish in peer-reviewed journals, as well as a one-of-a-kind curriculum, extensive research and presentation opportunities for students, and impressive facilities with state-of-the-art tools (e.g., mass spectrometry [tandem] technology). The master’s program offers instruction in analytical spectroscopy, forensic science administration, and separation chemistry. Finally, since 2007, 95 percent of master’s program graduates have secured employment in forensic science, crime scene investigation, and closely related fields.

• Location: Allentown, PA
• Duration: Four years (bachelors); two years (masters)
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Commission (FEPAC)
• Tuition: $43,043 per year

Forensic Science: Common Courses & Requirements

Here is a breakdown of what to expect from forensic science programs of all levels in terms of application requirements and curricula, as well as examples at each level:

Associate Degree in Forensic Science

Prerequisites (i.e., application requirements): Official transcripts from all secondary (and/or postsecondary) coursework with a competitive GPA, personal statement, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for non-native speakers of English, application fee

Common courses: General chemistry, biology, physiology, introduction to forensic science, criminal law, forensic aspects of death investigation, fire & arson investigation

Example: Prince George’s Community College

Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science

Prerequisites: Official transcripts from all secondary (and/or postsecondary) coursework with a competitive GPA (e.g., >3.0), completion of specific coursework (e.g., high school level chemistry, biology, physics, and/or calculus), personal statement, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) scores, TOEFL scores for non-native speakers of English, application fee

Common courses: Organic chemistry, criminalistics, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, ethics in criminal justice, microbiology, biochemistry, general education courses, scientific criminal evidence analysis,

Example: Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)

Master’s Degree in Forensic Science

Prerequisites: Official transcripts from a bachelor’s program (e.g., biology, chemistry, forensic science, or related discipline) with a competitive GPA (e.g., >3.0), completion of specific coursework (e.g., two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, two semesters of biology, molecular biology, statistics, genetics), personal statement, interview (in-person or web-based), letter(s) of recommendation, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, TOEFL scores for non-native speakers of English, application fee
Common courses: Forensic toxicology, forensic serology, DNA analysis, human molecular biology, forensic trace evidence analysis, quality management in forensic science, advanced forensic chemistry, forensic science communications
Example: University of Alabama (UAB)

Doctoral Degree in Forensic Science

Prerequisites: Official transcripts from all university degrees with a competitive GPA (e.g., >3.5), resume or CV, completion of specific coursework, personal statement, interview (in-person or web-based), letter(s) of recommendation, experience working in forensics, Graduate Record Examination (GRE), TOEFL scores for non-native speakers of English, application fee
Common courses: Law & forensic sciences, forensic toxicology, pattern & physical evidence concepts, advanced forensic chemistry, trace evidence & microscopic analysis, DNA typing, advanced biochemistry, dissertation or thesis project
Example: Sam Houston State University

Forensic Science Hybrid & Online Options

In addition to the vast array of online forensics programs in forensic science, crime scene investigation (CSI), forensic accounting, and other subfields, here are two additional online forensic science programs to consider:

University of Massachusetts (UMass) Global in Irvine, California offers an online bachelor of arts (BA) in criminal justice with a concentration in forensics. Preparing its students for careers in forensic science, Brandman boasts demanding coursework in applied criminology, forensic studies, and forensic documentation. Additionally, the nationally renowned faculty imparts to students a grasp of forensic science fundamentals such as the management & documentation of evidence, exercising high ethical principles, and complex problem-solving.

• Location: Irvine, CA
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Tuition: $500 per credit

The University of Florida (UF) provides several online forensics programs, including a master of science (MS) in forensic science through its College of Pharmacy. This program won the Award of Excellence in Distance Education. Designed for working professionals in crime labs and other relevant settings, UF’s two-year master’s program has units in forensic anthropology, entomology, biological evidence, blood spatter, and forensic medicine.

Please note that UF has three additional master’s program concentrations: forensic DNA & serology, forensic drug chemistry, and forensic toxicology. Finally, UF also has several 15-credit, online graduate certificates in the following concentrations: forensic drug chemistry, forensic death investigation, forensic DNA & serology, and forensic toxicology.

• Location: Gainesville, FL
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $12,744 per year

Forensic Science Professional Certification

Although having a national certification may not be necessary to work in the field of forensic science, some professionals choose to pursue one of the many certifications available through certification organizations accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB).

For example, the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) offers several five-year professional certifications in eight unique areas:

• Biological evidence screening
• Comprehensive criminalistics
• Drug analysis
• Fire debris analysis
• Forensic DNA
• Hair and fiber
• Molecular biology
• Paint and polymer

Prerequisites for these certification exams include having a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences and at least two years of experience working in criminalistics.

Additionally, ABC provides the 220-question Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT), which gauges undergraduate students’ knowledge in areas such as questioned documents, firearms & toolmarks, ethics & the law, and other relevant subjects. Results from this exam can illustrate a student’s abilities to prospective employers.

Other FASB-accredited professional certification agencies relevant to forensic scientists are listed here:

• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI)
• American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
• Bloodstain Pattern Examiner Certification Board, International Association for Identification (IAI)
• Crime Scene Certification Board, International Association for Identification (IAI)

Accreditation for Forensic Science Programs

Those interested in forensic science colleges and universities are encouraged to check their school’s accreditation status before enrolling. This process can serve as an indicator of programmatic or institutional excellence for prospective students.

Programmatic Accreditation

As mentioned above, the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is the preeminent programmatic accrediting agency for forensic science programs. This organization considers factors such as faculty support, student services, a program’s mission statement, and school finances to award this distinction.

Institutional Accreditation

Several institutional accrediting agencies examine universities as a whole. There are six common, regional accrediting organizations that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)