Forensics Colleges in New Hampshire

“Obtain practical, hands-on experience if possible. That experiential learning matters.”

Mary Kate Donais, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Chemistry and Forensic Science Department, Saint Anselm College

States may talk about the value of being free, but New Hampshire (NH) takes the concept seriously. The state’s official motto “Live Free or Die” echoes the words of Revolutionary War general and local hero John Stark, although it wasn’t officially adopted until the 1940s.

Of course, New Hampshire’s 1.4 million residents embrace the concept of living free; by illustration, it was the first U.S. state to create its own constitution, and there is no sales tax or income tax. There is also an abundance of wilderness, hiking trails, and many uncrowded, quaint towns. Also, crime is generally low; as of 2026, the state had the lowest violent crime rate in the country.

Some consider the Granite State “gun-friendly” not because of its crime rate, but rather because of the few restrictions on gun ownership combined with easy access to the outdoors. This means plenty of opportunities for hunting and related activities, plus a strong recreational ethic and general appreciation of firearms and firearm safety.

Even with a low crime rate, New Hampshire offers a variety of educational and career opportunities in forensics and criminology, including New Hampshire’s Medical and Forensic Services Division, which focuses on meeting the physical and behavioral needs of people incarcerated statewide. Municipal law enforcement departments can also benefit from trained individuals in the areas of investigation and analysis.

For instance, the largest cities like Manchester and Nashua have the highest reports of violent crime in the state. Although murders are infrequent anywhere, larger cities see a traditional range of felonies such as robberies, property crimes, arson, and rape, all of which require forensic services for proper evidence collection and analysis.

So what can aspiring forensic scientists in New Hampshire 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; working closely with medical and legal personnel; 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 New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire

Someone interested in forensics, criminology, or justice topics may consider becoming a forensic scientist. Prospective forensic techs in NH can follow various educational and experiential paths, though they typically pursue at least a four-year degree in natural sciences before being employed. In fact, Career One Stop (2026)—a job-planning tool sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor—reports that 32 percent of forensic science technicians have a bachelor’s degree or higher, while 14 percent have associate degrees and 20 percent have some college education.

The following is one of the most common paths to becoming a forensic scientist or technician in NH:

Step 1: High school graduation.

Some law enforcement or public safety agencies may hire volunteers without a college diploma, but rarely for specialized positions. 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: A bachelor’s degree (four years).

A two-year associate’s degree can provide basic knowledge and a step up for someone with limited time or resources eager to get into the workforce, but it may be advisable to opt for a bachelor’s degree. A four-year degree offers more opportunities to specialize and a broader range of knowledge, both of which can lead to better employment opportunities or salary prospects. The university-level environment may also provide more networking opportunities with community professionals or official internships/externship programs.

Forensic scientists usually hold four-year degrees, typically a bachelor of science program, in a subject such as biology, chemistry, engineering, psychology, or even computer science. Selecting the right degree will generally depend on the person’s intended specialization.

Step 3: Certification through a national organization (optional, timeline varies).

After getting a degree and garnering at least one year of experience, some forensic scientists and professionals seek certification. Although not required, certification can signal achievement and professional standards to employers, especially in more competitive fields. Nine professional certification organizations are currently 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: Advanced degree in forensic science or a specialty discipline (optional, timeline varies).

Although a bachelor’s degree plus extra certification or on-the-job experience may secure employment as a technician, an advanced degree may help with positions in academia or leadership/management. More credentials can also command a larger salary and distinguish someone serious about bringing the latest information and technology to the profession. According to Career One Stop, 15 percent of forensic scientists hold master’s or doctoral degrees.

Forensics Occupational Demand in New Hampshire

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 2026) anticipates that nationwide openings for this occupation will increase by 13 percent between 2025 and 2035, much faster than the average growth expected for all occupations during that period (3 percent).

In addition to the 19,120 forensic science technicians currently working nationwide, 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 (i.e., digital evidence), 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 (2025), 62 percent of forensic science technicians are employed by the government. While some work regular business hours, forensic experts may be called upon to work weekends, evenings, and holidays due to the 24-hour nature of crime scene processing.

The private and public sectors in New Hampshire can benefit from people with training and credentials in forensic sciences or related subjects. Local law enforcement agencies and the state government are both good starting places. While smaller law enforcement agencies may not have the resources for full-time laboratory staff, they still may appreciate someone trained in modern investigative and evidence-gathering methods.

The New Hampshire State Police operates a certified Forensic Laboratory that analyzes evidence from 220 city, state, county, and federal law enforcement and fire agencies. The lab can process DNA, fingerprinting, ballistics, controlled substances, and other submitted evidence, all of which require specially trained forensic personnel.

Forensics Salaries in New Hampshire

According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics (May 2025), the 19,120 forensic science technicians across the nation earned an average annual salary of $79,200. The BLS does not have salary details for forensic science techs in New Hampshire as of September 2026:

	United States
Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed	19,120
Annual Mean Wage	$79,200
10th percentile	$48,250
25th percentile	$57,830
50th percentile	$72,060
75th percentile	$94,520
90th percentile	$117,250

The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (September 2026), 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): $59,556
• 90th percentile: $79,000

Featured Forensics Programs in New Hampshire

Students looking to attend one of the forensics colleges in New Hampshire will find that they have a limited number of options. In fact, there are currently no programs in New Hampshire 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.

Part of the value of formal training in forensics is that students receive a foundation in a variety of subjects. Rather than drilling deep into one scientific discipline, university-level forensics and justice programs offer broader inquiry, covering topics such as sociology, philosophy, political science, and psychology. This interdisciplinary insight can make a job candidate more marketable and easier to adapt their skills to different career areas, rather than basic lab tech work.

Here are some outstanding schools offering forensics programs in NH:

University of New Hampshire – College of Liberal Arts

In addition to the justice studies major and forensics minor, the University of New Hampshire also offers a standalone bachelor of science in forensic science through its College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. The program is built around both the scientific and legal sides of the field, combining laboratory-based coursework with training in evidence handling, courtroom procedure, and the legal standards that govern how forensic findings are used in criminal cases.

Students in the program build a strong foundation in chemistry and biology alongside dedicated forensic coursework, preparing them for laboratory roles such as forensic scientist, forensic science examiner, or digital forensics specialist. Many graduates go on to work directly with law enforcement agencies, providing both lab analysis and expert testimony.

For students looking to continue their education, UNH also offers a master’s program in justice studies, building on the undergraduate major rather than the BS in Forensic Science specifically. The graduate program deepens the same interdisciplinary approach found at the undergraduate level, preparing students for advanced roles in the justice system or further study in law and related fields.

• Location: Durham, NH
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Franklin Pierce University

Franklin Pierce University of Rindge also provides a minor in forensic psychology with training in how psychological principles apply to law and criminal investigations. The 24-credit minor can supplement the knowledge of someone pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree in psychology. It can benefit those interested in careers in counseling, law enforcement, or law-related fields.

The minor covers courses such as introduction to psychology; forensic psychology; statistics for behavioral science; research methods; violence and aggression; criminology; psychology of terrorism; child abuse and neglect; crisis intervention; and family and intimate partner violence.

Franklin Pierce University also offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice that explores the interdisciplinary study of crime, alongside the function of the criminal justice system. Students in this program will study core concepts of justice and learn about all facets of the justice system. Coursework in corrections, criminal theory, investigations, court procedures, and issues of gender and racial justice will prepare students for a wide variety of careers in security, law enforcement, corrections, criminal courts, social services, and crime prevention.

• Location: Rindge, NH
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University of Manchester has a bachelor of arts program in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology which focuses on research, mental health, criminal behavior, the legal system, and rehabilitation methods. This concentration prepares graduates for careers within the criminal justice field, in areas such as investigative research, crime analytics, and psychological assessment.

This 120-credit program includes courses such as fundamentals of forensic psychology; criminal minds; evaluation of special populations; seminar in forensic psychology; abnormal psychology; scientific investigations; and theories of social psychology.

• Location: Manchester, NH
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Manchester Community College

Manchester Community College offers an associate of science degree in cybersecurity investigations providing foundation-level expertise and preparation common to all computer forensics and intrusion investigations. In the second year of this program, students will use real work tools to investigate cybercrime and network intrusions, including tools used in mobile forensics, network intrusions, and desktop forensics. While enrolled in this program, students will study for Comp TIA certification exams for A+, Network+, and Security+.

This program will prepare students for the digital forensics world and will provide them with a foundation in digital investigations allowing them to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Made up of 63 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to cybersecurity; investigations and evidence recovery; operating system artifacts; digital forensics; ethics; mobile and emerging device analysis; and network intrusions.

• Location: Manchester, NH
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years

Saint Anselm College

Saint Anselm College offers both a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science in forensic science, based on a core of content in the sciences, specifically chemistry, computer science, and mathematics, with additional options in biology and physics. Additional content within the major includes criminal justice, archaeology, psychology, sociology, and fine arts.

The program’s curriculum includes courses such as forensic chemistry, forensic analysis, introduction to the criminal justice system, evidence, digital forensics, darkroom photography, digital photography, criminal procedure, forensic physics, and theories of crime.

The college also offers a forensic science minor that fosters a student’s understanding and appreciation of chemical, biological, and image production concepts in the context of the criminal justice system.

For students who want to continue their education, Saint Anselm also offers a master of arts in criminology and criminal justice, available to current criminal justice and forensic science majors as well as alumni. The program offers two paths.

The accelerated 4+1 option lets students complete their bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years, taking two graduate courses during their senior year before finishing the master’s the following spring. A traditional standalone master’s program is also available for those not coming through the accelerated track. The 40-credit program covers law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and victimization, with students able to choose between a thesis track and a professional track.

• Location: Manchester, NH
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Plymouth State University

Plymouth State University offers a bachelor of science in forensic science designed for both science-minded students and those drawn more to investigation and problem-solving. The program centers on criminal justice and chemistry as its core disciplines, with additional specialized coursework available from psychology, computer science, biology, and anthropology.

The curriculum is STEM-oriented, building a solid theoretical foundation alongside hands-on laboratory skills, while cultivating the kind of detail-oriented thinking the field demands. Students can layer one or two interdisciplinary specialties onto the degree, and many use their remaining electives to complete a minor in chemistry, psychology, criminal justice, or biology with only a few additional courses.

Graduates pursue a range of paths beyond the traditional crime lab, including cybersecurity analyst, information security specialist, insurance officer, and private investigator, in addition to more conventional forensic science roles.

• Location: Plymouth, NH
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

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

Online Forensics Programs Based in NH

For residents of rural NH or aspiring forensics students with professional, familial, or other types of commitments, attending an on-campus degree program can be difficult. Luckily, there are various distance-based programs available.

Southern New Hampshire University

In addition to offering traditional academic programs at its Manchester campus, Southern New Hampshire University has online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in forensic fields, including forensic accounting and forensic psychology.

The bachelor of science program in accounting with a concentration in forensic accounting and fraud examination teaches students how to trace money and other financial information that may be moved or concealed. These skills can benefit law enforcement, insurance companies, municipalities, attorneys, and private parties. This 120-credit program includes courses such as auditing and forensic accounting; detection/prevention of fraudulent financial statements; interview techniques/legal aspects of fraud; and investigating with computers.

The bachelor of arts program in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology gives an overview of mental health, sociology, political science, deviancy, and aging. Courses include fundamentals of forensic psychology; criminal minds; assessment and testing; evaluation of special populations; and a seminar in forensic psychology.

Southern New Hampshire University also has an online bachelor of science program in criminal justice that exposes students to criminology theories, national and global trends, and effective communication strategies. In addition to the general track, this online program has eight concentration options in corrections; cybercrime; human services & advocacy; security management; criminology & crime analysis; homeland security & counterterrorism; police administration & operations; and substance abuse.

• Location: Manchester, NH
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Franklin Pierce University

Finally, Franklin Pierce University also features both online and on-campus bachelor’s and associate degrees in criminal justice. The online programs are designed to be flexible and customized, especially for people already working in these fields. Someone with professional experience or currently employed in law enforcement, corrections, or the court system can receive up to 45 transfer credits toward their degree depending on their general knowledge and any professional credentialing.

The programs offer in-depth looks at the modern justice system, including research, gender roles, investigation and evidence, white-collar crime, and race/ethnic relations. The associate program requires 60 credits, which could be used to enter the workforce or continue into the bachelor’s program.

Courses include introduction to criminal justice; police work; courts and criminal procedure; corrections; criminology; criminal investigation and evidence; community corrections; criminal law; rehabilitation of the offender; juvenile justice; and special topics in criminal justice.

• Location: Rindge, NH
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Professional Certification in Forensic Science

Although professional certification is not always necessary to secure employment in forensics in New Hampshire, 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.

Forensics Program Accreditation

Aspiring forensics students in New Hampshire 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.

Forensics programs in New Hampshire are generally accredited by the regional New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the country’s oldest accrediting association. NECHE currently accredits over 200 institutions across the globe. Some forensics programs nationwide are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), including on-campus programs in nearby Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. As of September 2026, there were no FEPAC-accredited programs in NH.