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Farheen Gani
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Forensic Science Colleges in Indiana
Forensic science technicians are often interested in science and, more specifically, how science ties into crime and the law. Whether they work in the lab or are involved in crime scene investigation, the career can keep them on their toes. Forensic science technicians’ knowledge must be varied and in-depth and they should be curious, detail-oriented, and even relentless in their search for answers.
A four-year bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences followed by a master’s degree is one common path toward a career in the field. Still, there are an increasing number of undergraduate degrees in forensic science that can lead to job opportunities in the lab. Forensic science degrees provide students with a foundational education in many of the sciences, including biology and chemistry, and often allow for exploring specific branches of forensic science, such as criminalistics or jurisprudence.
So what can aspiring forensic scientists in Indiana 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 performing scientific analysis on various types of evidence; processing and documenting evidence methodically; working closely with medical and legal personnel; providing expert testimony in court cases; and keeping abreast of methodological and technological developments in the field.
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.
Students interested in working at crime scenes and with law enforcement may also consider a career as a crime scene investigator. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) reports that a bachelor’s degree is usually needed to enter CSI, but in some cases, individuals may be able to learn on the job or even gain foundational skills through an associate degree or certificate.
Whether an applicant wants a job poring over slides in a lab or collecting evidence at a crime scene, one of the forensic science programs available to Indiana (IN) students could be a launching pad for an exciting and fulfilling career.
Read on to discover how and where to learn these crime-solving skills in Indiana, and find out more about the state’s employment outlook, the types of accredited forensics programs available, and professional certification for forensics professionals.
| Featured CSI & Forensic Science Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Forensic Science (BS) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Forensic Science - Death Investigations (BS) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Forensic Science (PSM) | Visit Site |
| Stevenson University Online | Online Master of Forensic Science (MFS) | Visit Site |
| Walden University | BSCJ - Crime and Criminal Investigation | Visit Site |
| Purdue Global | BSCJ - Crime Scene Investigation | Visit Site |
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Accredited Forensic Science Colleges in Indiana
There are several schools through which you can gain a forensic science education in Indiana. Available from the undergraduate to graduate level, these provide students with different opportunities to be engaged in forensic science in the state and to gain valuable skills to seek employment.
One way to distinguish forensic science programs from one another is by evaluating accreditation statuses. For forensic science programs in particular, the top accrediting organization is the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). In Indiana, two programs have earned FEPAC accreditation, both residing at the same school.
Indiana University, Indianapolis
Students at Indiana University, Indianapolis can pursue a FEPAC-accredited bachelor’s degree (BS) in forensic science or a master’s degree (MS) in forensic science with a thesis or a non-thesis option. These forensic and investigative sciences programs combine the best of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics, along with criminal justice and law, enabling students to settle civil disputes and solve crimes. The programs in this school are the only ones in the state accredited by FEPAC.
In the bachelor’s degree, students will be required to choose a concentration in either chemistry or biology. Students in this program can also complete an internship at approved crime laboratories or other organizations supervised by FIS faculty members. The forensic biology concentration comprises 124, while students in the forensic chemistry track complete 123 credits.
The bachelor’s degree program curriculum includes courses such as concepts of forensic science; forensic microscopy; professional issues in forensic science; forensic chemistry; forensic biology; and forensic science and the law.
Both master’s options also allow students to pursue a concentration either in forensic biology or forensic chemistry. The 30-credit master’s degree curriculum includes courses such as crime scene investigation and quality assurance; forensic microscopy; forensic science and the law; overview of forensic biology; forensic chemistry; and population genetics, among others.
- Location: Indianapolis, IN
- Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: BS (four years); MS (two years)
Prospective forensic science students should note that FEPAC accreditation is not the only indicator of a high-quality program. Indiana hosts several other forensic science programs that provide ample foundational knowledge to start a career in the field, including the following.
Ivy Tech Community College offers an associate degree in criminal justice with a forensics option at 19 of its campus sites, including in Columbus, Lafayette, and Richmond. The program prepares students to assist in criminal investigations, assess crime scenes, identify evidence, and testify in court. The classes may then be used to seek a full bachelor’s degree.
Made up of 60 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice systems; cultural awareness; introduction to criminology; introduction to law enforcement; introduction to courts; introduction to corrections; juvenile justice systems; ethics in criminal justice; and criminal law.
- Location: Several locations across Indiana
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Trine University in Angola provides a bachelor’s degree in forensic science that builds knowledge upon both classroom and laboratory training. The major allows for a concentration in either biology or chemistry and includes the opportunity for an internship.
This 120-credit program includes principles of forensic science; forensic chemistry; biochemistry; toxicology; forensic biology; microbiology; genetics; criminalistics and crime scene investigation; forensic comparative science; and expert testimony in forensic science.
Past program graduates have become arson investigators, latent print examiners, drug chemists, and DNA specialists.
- Location: Angola, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Indiana Institute of Technology
Indiana Tech’s College of Arts and Sciences offers a bachelor of science program in forensic science preparing graduates for a range of advanced forensic science and laboratory-based careers. Students in this program will be immersed in CSI and forensic science content areas such as DNA analysis and forensic serology. Graduates will receive experience-based, cutting-edge learning, using the latest state-of-the-art equipment and modern forensic testing techniques.
The program’s 121-credit curriculum includes courses such as introduction to forensic science; forensic ID of body fluids; forensic DNA analysis; forensic science research; introduction to the criminal justice systems; substantive criminal law; laws of evidence; crime scene investigation; and bioinformatics.
- Location: Fort Wayne, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Ball State University offers an associate’s degree in criminal justice and criminology where students will master the ability to apply criminal justice theories to the real world. Graduates will experience conducting themselves professionally as they interact with educators, community members, peers, and criminal justice professionals.
This 60-credit associate’s degree includes courses such as introduction to the American criminal justice system; introduction to criminology; decision-making and ethics in criminal justice; criminal law; and race, gender, and crime.
Ball State University also has a BA or BS program in criminal justice and criminology providing students with immersive learning opportunities, in-class education, and internships in a professional environment. This 120-credit bachelor’s degree includes coursework in criminal law; decision-making and ethics in criminal justice; research methods in criminal justice; race, gender, and justice; introduction to criminology; and introduction to criminal justice. This bachelor’s degree can also be completed online (profiled in the online section below).
- Location: Muncie, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Associate’s degree (two years); Bachelor’s degree (four years)
Calumet College of St. Joseph’s baccalaureate degree in forensic science prepares graduates with the forensic and biotechnology skills necessary for work in state, federal, private, or local criminal investigation laboratories, as well as graduate school opportunities.
Building upon a foundation in chemistry and biology, this bachelor’s degree provides additional training in forensic biology, criminal investigation, serology, forensic DNA analysis, and human pathology. Graduates learn about collecting and analyzing biological evidence in both field and lab settings, handling biological evidence from mock crime scenes and presenting it in court.
Comprising 126 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to forensics; criminal procedure; scientific criminal investigation; criminology; forensic psychology; forensic biology; forensic molecular biology; and introduction to criminal justice.
- Location: Whiting, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Indiana Wesleyan University’s bachelor of science program in criminal justice is a residential program designed to provide positions of leadership and opportunities to those who desire to serve their communities with truth and love. This program serves students interested in court services, law enforcement, military, corrections, the private sector, or intelligence services, and those seeking tracks in NGO, law, and other public service and advocacy sectors.
Designed to offer students a Christ-centered approach, this criminal justice major includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice; forensic science; corrections; criminology; crisis intervention; and a practicum in criminal justice.
Graduates can take up roles such as police officers, criminal investigators, corrections officers, intelligence analysts, criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, probation/parole officers, or judicial law clerks.
- Location: Marion, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
For potential applicants who are looking for something different from the programs listed above, either programmatically or geographically speaking, there are more options. Online forensic science programs can be an important component in providing other options, a few of which we explore in the next section.
Hybrid & Online Forensics Programs
Many of the online forensic science programs are based in criminal justice and offer a concentration in forensic science, particularly at the undergraduate level. Ultimately, students will find more choices in online education regarding master’s level programs.
Indiana State University has both an online bachelor’s and an online master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice. The BS degree includes courses such as criminology; introduction to corrections; victimology; criminal law and procedure; juvenile delinquency; ethics in criminal justice; and criminal and delinquent behavior dynamics.
The 36-credit master of science program is available to those who intend to take this program as their terminal degree or for those who plan to attend law school. The curriculum of this MS program includes courses such as correctional counseling; criminal justice organization and management; advanced criminal procedure; advanced criminal investigations; and ethics in criminal justice. Indiana State University’s School of Criminology and Security Studies also offers an online 39-credit MA in criminology and criminal justice for students who intend to continue their graduate studies toward a doctorate in criminal justice, criminology, or other related fields.
Notably, Indiana State University also offers an online bachelor of science program in cyber criminology and security studies equipping students with a solid understanding of 21st-century crimes. In addition to core criminology and criminal justice coursework, this program allows students to choose a concentration in either cybercrime or physical security.
All these programs can also be completed in an on-campus format.
- Location: Terre Haute, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Bachelor’s (four years); Master’s (two years)
In addition to the on-campus bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology, Ball State University also offers an online bachelor of science program in criminal justice and criminology.
Comprising 120 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to the American criminal justice system; introduction to criminology; race, gender, and crime; research methods in criminal justice; decision-making and ethics in criminal justice; criminal law; and evaluation research in criminal justice.
- Location: Muncie, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
In addition to the on-campus bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Indiana Wesleyan University also has a fully online BS in criminal justice. This bachelor’s degree prepares students for a range of careers. From law enforcement and corrections to victim’s advocate positions, the program provides students with the tactics, principles, and theories needed for advancing in their desired career paths. Indiana Wesleyan University’s online associate of science degree in criminal justice can act as an ideal entry point for this bachelor’s program.
Courses include introduction to criminal justice; youth and crime; diversity in criminal justice; criminal law; court procedures; ethics in criminal justice; forensics; research methods and analysis in criminal justice; probation and parole; and victimology.
- Location: Marion, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years
The AAFS website can substantially help search for online forensic science programs with its listing of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
Forensics Program Accreditation & Certification
Accreditation through FEPAC is valuable, but cannot always be expected since there are relatively few FEPAC-accredited programs in any given state. But, while not every student has the opportunity to graduate from a FEPAC-accredited forensic science program, accreditation can help obtain a job, and demonstrate a proven rigor of a program. When FEPAC accreditation is not available, students will want to be sure that a school has institutional accreditation instead. In Indiana, regional institutional accreditation is granted by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This accreditation shows that the school has been found to provide a high level of education.
Another way to show you gained high-level skills is by seeking board certification. Although this isn’t available in every field of forensic science, it is in some, such as forensic anthropology and crime scene investigation. Program graduates can seek membership in various organizations that provide opportunities for networking, finding jobs, answering questions, and accessing up-to-date research and articles.
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 pages.
The AAFS can also be a strong resource, and membership gives students and working professionals access to the Journal of Forensic Science, an online job board, conferences, and webcasts. There are also statewide and regional associations, such as the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS), that can be valuable to its members, including those in Indiana.
How to Become a Forensic Scientist in Indiana
The truth is that you can enter the forensic science field in several different ways, but education is nearly always a necessity unless you are pursuing CSI and can learn on the job. This is because science is a significant part of learning and you need to know how to apply scientific rules and understand chemical compositions and properties as well as the tissue and cellular makeup of plants and animals. Listed below are various degrees useful to the forensic science field.
Step 1: High school graduation.
Since specialists in this field often have degrees in physical or natural sciences, having solid grades in subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and statistics may prepare them for postsecondary work.
Step 2: Complete a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences or in forensic science (four years).
An undergraduate degree in biology or chemistry can take four years to complete, but you can also find an undergraduate degree specifically offered in forensic science. You should gain lab experience and may be able to complete an externship. Of note, Career One Stop (2025) reports that 34 percent of forensic science technicians across the U.S. hold a bachelor’s degree.
Step 3: Consider a master’s degree or graduate-level certificate (optional, timeline varies).
Since those with a master’s degree may find some of the best job opportunities, according to the BLS, it may be worth it to pursue a graduate-level degree. Some master’s degrees may allow students to pursue special coursework, such as DNA analysis, fire and arson investigation, or stable isotope techniques. A master’s may also be required for some fields, but many programs allow full-time and part-time opportunities, meaning students can retain employment while learning. Master’s degrees can take two years or longer to finish depending on whether the program is full or part-time.
Step 4: Advance to a doctoral degree (optional, timeline varies).
Why complete a doctoral degree? Not only can it give those already in the field opportunities for research, but it is also an option to obtain forensic science education for those with a master’s degree in another field. Only 4 percent of forensic science technicians have a PhD or professional degree, according to Career One Stop, but it could be helpful for those looking to distinguish themselves and build a reputation through publication in journals like the Journal of Forensic Sciences or Journal of Forensic Identification.
Step 5: Seek board certification (timeline varies).
It may be desirable to seek board certification for your skills following graduation and workplace experience, but this option is not available in all forensic science fields, nor does it necessarily require an advanced degree. 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.
Pursuing a Crime Scene Investigation Career in Indiana
CSIs need to carry out many different tasks on the job. Not only do they need to be able to identify evidence, but they also need to be able to handle it properly and then store it for future analysis. These are not skills readily available to learn unless you can work with another CSI, which is why an academic program may be necessary. You can pursue CSI through several different paths listed below.
Option 1: Work on a certificate or associate degree in CSI.
Some CSI programs take a year to complete and lead to a certification, but others that are more extensive can take up to two years, resulting in an associate degree. Students in AA or AAS programs can gain photography, videography, and even fingerprint analysis skills and learn about reconstructing a scene.
Option 2: Complete a bachelor’s degree.
The four-year bachelor’s also can be an entry point into CSI. In this case, programs aim to help students gain many forensic examiner skills, become more engaged in the sciences, and have the option to pursue specific electives. For example, courses may include lessons on sketching a scene or even allow for the attending and recording of autopsies.
Option 3: Learn on the job.
Many CSI skills are gained on the job, particularly for existing members of law enforcement. By expressing an interest in CSI, law enforcement professionals may be able to work with specialists in the field or receive specific academy or advanced training.
In CSI, certification can again be a valuable way to demonstrate skills. The International Association for Identification (IAI) offers three different related certifications: Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Analyst, and Senior Crime Scene Analyst.
Occupational Demand for Forensics Professionals in Indiana
Many people know about forensic science through shows such as “Dexter” and “Cold Case Files,” but unsurprisingly television shows do not offer a particularly detailed or realistic view of the career, and they certainly do not tend to include details about whether the career is financially rewarding.
Details from the BLS suggest that working as a forensic science technician can be a financially stable career. In fact, May 2023 BLS data shows that forensic science technicians working across the country earned a mean annual salary of $71,540. This beat out the mean wages reported for all occupations nationwide: $65,470 (BLS May 2023).
Another question to ask is whether there will be jobs upon completion of a forensic science program. The BLS suggests that there will be a demand for forensic scientists that will grow by 14 percent across the country, potentially leading to 2,500 new positions from 2023 to 2033 (BLS 2024). In Indiana, job growth is expected to be 10.3 percent between 2022 and 2032, as shown by Projections Central, a data analysis site sponsored by the US Department of Labor. Those with specialized skills in DNA or computer forensics may have some of the best opportunities, for example, as well as those with a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences followed by a master’s degree in forensic science, according to the BLS.
Indianapolis is a city of 876,665 people and Fort Wayne has 271,865 people. Large cities like these can be opportune locations to look for jobs, simply because the need for professionals can be greater and because there is often more crime committed in larger cities.
The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency may be one of the places to look for employment. This full-service forensic laboratory is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and employs forensic scientists, crime scene specialists, and other forensic support personnel. Other places to look could include:
- City of Noblesville Criminal Investigation Division
- The Indiana State Police Laboratory Division
- The University of Indianapolis Bioarchaeology Laboratory
Potential jobs are also listed on the AAFS job board, through various forensic science organizations, or simply by networking. Governmental organizations employ many people in forensic science, reports the BLS, with about 87 percent working for state or local government agencies, such as crime labs, morgues or police departments, or law enforcement agencies.
Salary Data for Forensics Professionals in Indiana
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reported 350 forensic science technicians in the state.
Furthermore, BLS found that the salary figures are somewhat lower than the national salary ranges. As proof of point, the United States employs 17,520 forensic science technicians with an average annual salary (mean annual wage) of $71,540. In Indiana, the average salary in this field is $61,970.
In more detailed terms, here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country compared with those in IN (BLS May 2023)—the latest data available as of January 2025:
| United States | Indiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed | 17,520 | 350 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $71,540 | $61,970 |
| 10th percentile | $41,410 | $39,850 |
| 25th percentile | $50,480 | $49,980 |
| 50th percentile | $64,940 | $60,260 |
| 75th percentile | $84,720 | $78,080 |
| 90th percentile | $107,490 | $84,510 |
The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (January 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
When considering earning potential, the cost of living is a key piece of the puzzle. While the figures for Pennsylvania are somewhat lower than the national salary ranges found by both the BLS (May 2023), this salary point is particularly interesting because Indiana is one of the cheaper states to live in across the country. The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2025) found that IN was the 10th most affordable state, with below-average costs for everything except for transportation.
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).