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Farheen Gani
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Forensics Colleges in Connecticut
If you like biology, chemistry, and other types of science, but are not quite sure what to do for a career, forensic science could be a great option for you. That’s because the field is so multidisciplinary in nature, incorporating not only the aforementioned sciences, but also anatomy, anthropology, and physics. Students of forensic science colleges in Connecticut (CT) can blend coursework in the hard sciences with other classes in criminal justice, math, and psychology in order to round out their education.
So, what does it take to enter the forensic science field? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that a bachelor’s degree is typically necessary, but that some professionals do go on to obtain a master’s degree. Of course, there are various programs offered in-state and online offering everything from associate to master’s degrees, and you’ll have to research to find the one that most aligns with your learning objectives.
Another option could be to consider a career in crime scene investigation (CSI). This career does not necessarily require as much education as forensic science, which typically enables you to work in a science laboratory. A CSI program in Connecticut should help you learn about collecting evidence at crime scenes, preserving that evidence so that it can be used in the lab and in a court of law, and also even how to testify in court. Sounds exciting? We thought so, too! Read on to discover more about forensic science and CSI education in Connecticut.
What can aspiring forensic scientists in Connecticut expect to learn through competitive degree and certificate programs in the state? According to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), these professionals master a variety of skills and role-related responsibilities such as working closely with medical and legal personnel; performing scientific analysis on various types of evidence; processing and documenting evidence methodically; keeping abreast of methodological and technological developments in the field; and providing expert testimony in court cases.
The AAFS states that forensic scientists typically have at least a bachelor’s degree and there is a range of specialized subfields of study, including arson, bite marks, fingerprints, firearms, DNA, child abuse, toxicology, death investigation, digital evidence, and more.
Read on to discover how and where to learn these crime-solving skills in Connecticut, and find out more about the state’s employment outlook, the types of accredited forensics programs available, and professional certification for forensics professionals.
How to Become a Forensic Scientist in Connecticut
A forensic scientist needs to have a number of skills and a deep understanding of the sciences to see how science relates to a crime. Completing one of the forensic science programs in Connecticut could help you develop these powers of observation.
So how do you become a forensic scientist? Below are various entry points.
Step 1: High school graduation.
Since specialists in this field often have degrees in natural or physical sciences, having solid grades in subjects such as chemistry, physics, statistics, mathematics, and biology may prepare them for postsecondary work.
Step 2: Enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in the natural sciences or forensic science (4 years).
At some institutions, you may be able to find a degree in forensic sciences, but at others, you may only be able to pursue a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years, in biology or chemistry. Choose what works best for you, but know that the BLS does point out that those with the best job opportunities have an undergraduate degree in the natural sciences and a master’s degree in forensic science. How well-educated are forensic science technicians in the U.S.? Career One Stop shows that 34 percent of those employed in the field across the U.S. have a bachelor’s degree.
Step 3: Certification through a national organization (optional, timeline varies).
Although not a compulsion, certification can indicate levels of achievement or professional standards to employers, especially in more competitive fields. There are currently nine professional certification organizations accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB), including the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE), the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT), and several other subfields.
Step 4: Move on to a master’s degree or complete a graduate-level certificate (optional, one to two years).
Not all people pursue a master’s degree in forensic science, but it may be helpful in career advancement if your undergraduate degree is in natural science. A master’s degree is also needed to enter some forensic science fields, according to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). If you are not ready to commit to a master’s degree, you may want to consider a graduate certificate, which often comprises a handful of courses, and sometimes can be later applied toward a master’s degree.
Step 5: Consider a doctoral degree (optional, timeline varies).
It’s true that just 3 percent of forensic science technicians have a PhD or other terminal degree, according to CareerOneStop, but this degree can be a benefit to those seeking top-of-the-line jobs, like running a forensic science lab or overseeing a forensic science program at a school. Advanced degrees also allow students to engage in research and even benefit those with a master’s degree in the natural sciences interested in pursuing skills in forensic science. PhDs can sometimes be completed in as little as three years but often can take much longer.
Pursuing a CSI Degree in Connecticut
Crime scene investigators may be involved in a wide variety of work. What they do is different from forensic scientists, as much of their work occurs at the scene whereas forensic science technicians are typically working in the lab. CSI workers may need to take photos, collect physical evidence and store it, and even testify in court about their findings. The education necessary to become a CSI is typically not as involved as preparing to become a forensic scientist since not as much extensive scientific training is required.
Option 1: Complete a certificate or associate degree in CSI (one to two years).
CSI programs can lead to a certificate or an associate degree or, in some cases, be offered as a concentration area or specialization of a bachelor’s degree. These programs may include coursework such as an introduction to criminal justice, fingerprint identification, crime scene photography, and more. In some cases, students who complete a certificate program may be able to transfer their credits toward completing an undergraduate degree.
Depending on whether you complete a certificate or an associate degree in CSI, you can finish schooling within a year or two. Although the BLS reports that applicants for CSI jobs should have a bachelor’s degree, this may not be a requirement in all geographic areas, especially those that are rural.
Option 2: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in CSI instead (four years).
Since the BLS does report that a bachelor’s degree is typically the entry-level point into CSI, a four-year bachelor’s degree may be a beneficial way to distinguish yourself. At the bachelor’s level, students are engaged with the sciences, but may also learn about law and criminal justice procedures and have the choice to pursue electives.
Option 3: Complete training through a police academy (timeline varies).
The BLS notes that many people learn about CSI by completing a police academy and entering the police force. From sheriff’s departments to police offices, there are many different types of law enforcement agencies to work for, and these may provide jumping-off points for advancing your skills in CSI.
Again, certification can be a way to prove that you have solid CSI skills. The requirements for certification will vary depending on your specialty, but the International Association for Identification (IAI) is one of the most respected organizations offering CSI certification.
Occupational Demand in Connecticut for Forensic Science Specialists
In Connecticut, the demand for forensic science technicians—one of many career possibilities for people in this field—is projected to grow considerably in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) anticipates that the nationwide openings for this occupation will increase by 14 percent between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average growth expected of all occupations during that time period (4 percent).
The outlook is even brighter for residents of CT. Projections Central (2025) found that demand for forensic science technicians in Connecticut specifically is expected to grow 25 percent between 2022 and 2032.
In addition to the 17,520 forensic science technicians currently working nationwide—130 of whom are in Connecticut (BLS May 2023)—there are expected opportunities in related occupations such as medical examining, anthropology, handwriting analysis, latent evidence processing, toxicology, odontology, engineering sciences, psychiatry, DNA analysis, forensic nursing, questioned documents, computer crimes, forensic accounting, and more.
Forensic science technicians typically work in laboratories, police departments, international organizations, medical examiner offices, insurance companies, law firms, hospitals, morgues, universities, and independent forensic science groups. According to BLS (2024), 87 percent of forensic science technicians are employed by the government. While some work regular business hours, forensics experts may be called upon to work weekends, evenings, and holidays due to the 24-hour nature of crime scene processing.
The largest cities in Connecticut include Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford. Together, they have a total population of more than 400,000 people. These cities could be prime locations to look for jobs because there are more businesses there, but also because crime can occur more frequently in urban areas.
One place to look for a job could be with the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, which maintains responsibility for all forensic examinations within the state. The lab manages forensics related to criminalistics, such as forensic biology and trace evidence, as well as identification, including firearms/toolmarks and latent prints. Other places to seek potential employment include:
The AAFS also maintains a job board where users can search by state for opportunities. Often, many jobs posted are with law enforcement agencies, although jobs with medical examiners’ offices, state crime scene labs, and private companies may also be posted.
Salary Data in Connecticut for Forensic Science Specialists
Now ,let’s get to the important details—do forensic scientists receive good pay? According to May 2023 data from the BLS, the mean annual wages for forensic science technicians working all across the U.S. were $71,540. This compares fairly well to the BLS mean annual pay for all combined occupations in the U.S.: that of $65,470 (BLS May 2023).
That’s more than $5,000 higher for forensic scientists, but what does pay look like in Connecticut? Even higher! The BLS shows that forensic scientists earned mean annual wages of $82,620, as of May 2023 data. In fact, Connecticut is among the five highest-paying states in the country for forensic science technicians.
In more detailed terms, here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country compared with those in CT (BLS May 2023):
| United States | Connecticut | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed | 17,520 | 130 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $71,540 | $82,620 |
| 10th percentile | $41,410 | $40,120 |
| 25th percentile | $50,480 | $74,690 |
| 50th percentile | $64,940 | $85,570 |
| 75th percentile | $84,720 | $101,230 |
| 90th percentile | $107,490 | $105,440 |
The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (February 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: $34,000
- 50th percentile (median): $57,322
- 90th percentile: $78,000
It is important to note that while the wages in Connecticut are higher than national wages, so too is the cost of living. For illustration, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2024) reported that CT is the 13th most expensive state in the country. 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 Forensic Science Colleges in Connecticut
There are a few different options as far as seeking a forensic science education in Connecticut. The programs listed directly below include details on what to expect from each school.
Students looking to attend one of the forensics colleges in Connecticut will find that they have a limited number of options. In fact, there is currently just one university in Connecticut offering two programs that have been accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), although that accreditation does apply specifically to forensic science programs (as opposed to related ones), and relatively few schools nationally are FEPAC-accredited. In short, there are quality programs available that need to be FEPAC-accredited, as evidenced below.
The University of New Haven offers a FEPAC-accredited bachelor’s degree in forensic science through the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. Students in the program learn about biology, chemistry, and medicine and have the opportunity to choose upper-level electives or even a double major in biology or chemistry.
Made up of 122 to 123 credits, this STEM-designated bachelor’s degree includes courses such as introduction to forensic science; forensic chemistry with laboratory; crime scene investigation; mechanics, heat, and waves with laboratory; electromagnetism and optics with laboratory; and a forensic science internship.
The University of New Haven also has a FEPAC-accredited master’s degree program available in forensic science. In this program, students receive the practical and theoretical knowledge helpful to carrying out analysis in criminal investigations. In addition, the program is four semesters in length, offers flexible class times and offerings, and is taught by faculty with professional expertise.
Made up of 42 credits, the master’s degree in forensic science includes courses such as advanced criminalistics; physical analysis in forensic science; forensic DNA analysis; survey of forensic science; forensic expert testimony; advanced crime scene investigation; wildlife forensics; forensic microscopy; and forensic toxicology, among others.
Apart from these FEPAC-accredited programs, the University of New Haven also offers a bachelor of arts program in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology, a bachelor of science program in criminal justice, a master of science program in criminal justice, as well as a master of science program in forensic technology.
Moreover, students at the University of New Haven can also learn through the $14 million Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science which houses a forensic archive and working crime scene labs.
Graduate certificates in digital forensic investigation, forensic investigative genetic genealogy, and several other areas related to forensic science are also available at the school.
- Location: West Haven, CT
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Forensic Science Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Bachelor (four years); master (two years); certificate (one year)
Connecticut State Community College
CT State Community College offers an extensive associate program in criminal justice, designed to cater to students interested in pursuing careers in investigations, public safety, and law enforcement. This program provides a variety of specialized concentrations, including computer crime investigations, homeland security, criminal investigations, corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and law and legal, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career goals.
Available in hybrid and on-ground formats, the program is offered at multiple campuses across Connecticut, such as Asnuntuck, Tunxis, Manchester, and Norwalk, among others.
This 60 to 61-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice; criminal law; evidence and criminal procedure; criminology; diversity and multiculturalism in criminal justice; fair and impartial policing; ethical issues in criminal justice; and contemporary issues in criminal justice.
- Location: Enfield, CT; Hartford, CT; New Haven, CT; Bridgeport, CT; Manchester, CT; Middletown, CT; Waterbury, CT; Winsted, CT; Norwalk, CT; Danielson, CT; Norwich, CT; Farmington, CT
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Southern Connecticut State University
Southern Connecticut State University offers a minor in forensic science which is jointly sponsored by the Biology, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, and Chemistry Departments. This interdisciplinary minor provides students with an introduction to the forensic science field and is meant to present an integrated view of its various sub-disciplines. This minor addresses topics such as criminalistics, DNA analysis, and crime scene documentation and reconstruction.
Consisting of 18 credits, this program includes courses such as forensic anthropology; crime scene investigation; forensic science in famous cases; advanced forensic anthropology; forensic biology; crime scene chemistry; psychology and law; and introduction to criminology.
Students benefit from this interdisciplinary approach and draw connections among the diverse course offerings to gain a comprehensive introduction to the forensic sciences. This interdisciplinary minor helps students prepare themselves for careers in criminal justice, law, government, and academia, among other areas. Students considering the forensic science minor should consult with the minor coordinator and complete a declaration form.
- Location: New Haven, CT
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Less than a year
As a matter of fact, if you cannot find the forensic science program that you desire at your school, you may want to consider an undergraduate degree in the natural sciences and then pursue a master’s degree in forensic sciences, of which many are available online. We’ll explore some of those more in the next section.
Hybrid & Online Programs
There are a number of forensic science degrees and programs online. Some of these may include forensic science as a specialization while others may provide education solely focused on forensic science. Below are just a few of the many CSI or forensic science-related programs offered online.
At Ashworth College, you can pursue a diploma-based program in forensic science that includes fully illustrated textbooks and study guides, career guidance, and the ability to work at your own pace, with the possibility to complete the program in as little as four months.
This diploma program is designed to help students enhance their knowledge of the law while providing them with practical skills to pursue a career that can make a real difference in a growing field.
Designed by practicing professionals, this forensics curriculum provides students with an understanding of how to collect, analyze, and identify forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, trace elements, and more.
- Location: Norcross, GA
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four months
Liberty University offers a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with a specialization in crime scene investigation that will help you learn about the analytical and scientific practices of the law as well as forensics. Through this program, students can learn the essential knowledge and skills needed to conduct criminal investigations as well as record and protect vital evidence to ensure that it can be accurately analyzed.
Made up of 120 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice; criminal justice report writing; juvenile justice; corrections; criminology; criminal law; criminal investigations; introduction to forensics; crime scene photography; crime scene management; and court and expert witness testimony.
Graduates will be able to take up roles such as Crime scene investigators, Crime scene technicians, Criminalists, Forensic analysts, and Forensic project coordinators.
- Location: Lynchburg, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Saint Leo University provides a master’s degree in criminal justice with a forensic science specialization. Students learn about criminalistics, the history of forensic science, analyzing physical evidence, and what new forensic technologies are being accepted in the courtroom.
This 36-credit program includes courses such as ethical issues in criminal justice administration; leadership applications in criminal justice; public policy making in criminal justice; introduction to forensic science; advanced forensic science; forensic and medicolegal death investigation; and crime scene investigation and management.
- Location: St. Leo, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
The University of Florida offers a master’s degree in forensic science online with four possible concentrations: forensic science, forensic DNA and serology, forensic drug chemistry, and forensic toxicology. A graduate certificate in nearly the same specializations is also available.
Made up of 32 credits, the master’s degree in forensic science includes courses such as biological evidence and serology; principles of forensic science; forensic toxicology; advanced criminalistics; bloodstain pattern analysis; biosecurity and microbial forensics; crime scene investigation; forensic genetics; forensic immunology; and environmental forensics.
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Students can also find a number of other programs that are available online and listed on the AAFS website, but you can begin your search by visiting our online forensic science programs page.
Professional Certification in Forensic Science
Although professional certification is not always necessary to secure employment in forensics in Connecticut, it may be advisable for several reasons. First, certification can indicate a job applicant’s knowledge in a particular area and improve one’s resume. Second, it can enhance a person’s earning potential, opportunities for advancement, and leadership responsibilities. Lastly, a national certification can be transferable to other states across the country.
Requirements for common professional certifications in forensics vary, but they generally include having at least a bachelor’s degree in forensics, biology, chemistry, or another relevant field; having several years of verifiable experience; sending professional references; and passing an exam. There are currently nine professional certifications recognized by the 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)
Those who wish to have detailed information on credentialing within each subfield of forensics can visit our programs or careers page.
Forensic Program Accreditation
As mentioned above, aspiring forensics students in Connecticut are strongly encouraged to verify the accreditation status of their programs and educational institutions. Recognized accreditation agencies serve to gauge educational effectiveness by evaluating program faculty, student outcomes, school finances, quality of curricula, and other variables.
The Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is the gold standard for programmatic accreditation. As of February 2025, only one school in Connecticut offers FEPAC-accredited programs. Program applicants should note that several reputable forensic sciences, criminal justice, and crime scene investigation programs do not have FEPAC accreditation. In this case, the institutional accreditation of a particular school should carry more weight in the decision process.
For institutional accreditation, six regional agencies are recognized by the US Department of Labor. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is the main accreditation body, offering program approvals across Connecticut.
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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).