Forensic Science Colleges in South Dakota

“TV has glamourized the field so students typically have misconceptions about the amount of science required and what daily life in the lab is like. If you can shadow someone in the field, do it!”

Bethany Melroe Lehrman, PhD, Professor of Chemistry, Dakota Wesleyan University

The Mount Rushmore State is home to the Sioux Nation tribes and features nearly one hundred miles of caves with unique glittering crystal formations. It hosts free-roaming bison herds and six national parks, including the world-famous fossil beds of Badlands National Park. These natural wonders provide a beckoning backdrop for future forensic scientists.

State-level support for the field of forensics in South Dakota is strong; the South Dakota Office of the Attorney General provides support for a forensics lab that is fully accredited and provides scientific services to law enforcement officers throughout the state, including federal and tribal agencies, at no cost. Services provided in this state-run lab include biology, fingerprints, firearms and tool marks, trace evidence, and crime scene shooting incident reconstruction.

Three universities in South Dakota offer forensic science and cybersecurity degree and certificate options, although as of August 2026, none are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Please note that this is not unusual; each of those three universities has been regionally accredited by other reputable entities.

Read on to learn more about forensic science and related programs in criminal justice and information security in South Dakota.

How to Become a Forensic Scientist in South Dakota

The majority of forensic scientists begin their careers by earning a four-year degree in natural science, chemistry, biology, or forensic science. Cybersecurity analysts typically earn four-year degrees from computer information technology programs that emphasize digital forensics. Here is a step-by-step pathway for students interested in pursuing a career in forensic science or cybersecurity in South Dakota with estimated completion timelines given for each step.

Step 1: Graduate from high school or earn a GED (four years).

A solid academic background in mathematics and physical science courses is recommended for prospective forensic science technicians and computer science courses are recommended for those interested in cybersecurity. A high school degree is a prerequisite for nearly every job in forensic science. According to Career One Stop (2026), a site that sources its data from the U.S. Department of Labor, just 3 percent of forensic science technicians in South Dakota have less than a high school degree.

Step 2: Get a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, natural science, computer science, or a specialized related degree (four years).

While a bachelor’s degree is not strictly required for all forensic science careers, Career One Stop indicates that more than 32 percent of forensic science technicians have a bachelor’s degree, with an additional 14 percent having associate’s degrees. Most forensic scientists have academic backgrounds in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, and the interdisciplinary field of forensic science.

Step 3: Pursue an internship or apprenticeship in a forensic laboratory or information technology organization or firm (time varies).

Some employers prefer applicants who have prior professional experience in a forensic laboratory. Specializations in specific subfields of forensic science such as fingerprints, toxicology, controlled substances, firearms, trace evidence, DNA, or digital evidence can provide valuable on-the-job training and students can earn college credit or financial stipends through these opportunities.

Employers seeking interns for cybersecurity are looking for applicants with experience using specific information technology security platforms and programming languages.

Step 4: Apply for professional licenses or certifications through regional or national organizations (requirements and time vary by state).

Requirements for licensing and levels of certification vary by state and may or may not be necessary for employment. The Forensic Specialities Accreditation Board (FSAB) has approved several professional certification boards, offering credentials in forensic anthropology, odontology, and toxicology, among others; they also offer a computer investigative specialist certification. According to Career One Stop (2026), there is one available license for forensic scientist positions in South Dakota which is the license for polygraph examiners.

Step 5: Earn an advanced degree in forensic science or a related disciplinary field (optional; two to seven years).

Career One Stop reports that 16 percent of forensic scientists hold advanced degrees in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees provide forensics professionals in science or computer science the opportunity to pursue an area of specialization, gain exposure to theoretical frameworks, and take part in research opportunities that can position degree-holders to be eligible for leadership opportunities and higher salaries.

Occupational Demand and Salary Data for Forensic Scientists in South Dakota

The need for forensic science technicians in the United States is growing and employment statistics show a promising outlook. There is excellent news for aspiring forensics professionals in SD: forensic science is a field on the rise. As proof of point, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2026) projects that openings for forensic science technicians nationwide will increase 13 percent between 2025 and 2035, much faster than the growth rate expected for all occupations during that period (3 percent). This expected addition of 2,700 positions nationally is only one career possibility for people trained in forensic science.

Some of the best job opportunities in SD could be in its larger cities, simply because greater crime typically occurs in urban areas. These cities may also be home to universities and colleges with laboratories or other resources available to forensic science technicians.

According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, the 17,520 forensic science technicians across the nation earned an average annual salary of $79,200. The BLS lists the average annual salary for forensic science technicians in South Dakota as $54,770.

Here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country (BLS May 2025)—the latest data available as of September 2026:

	United States	South Dakota
Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed	19,120	30
Annual Mean Wage	$79,200	$54,770
10th percentile	$48,250	$26,450
25th percentile	$57,830	$43,680
50th percentile	$72,060	$51,690
75th percentile	$94,520	$62,310
90th percentile	$117,250	$72,510

When reviewing any state or local salary data, it is important to consider the cost of living in that area. For instance, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2026), SD ranked 23rd affordability, making it slightly more affordable than the majority of states.

Featured Forensic Science Programs in South Dakota

Three universities in South Dakota offer forensic science and cybersecurity information degree programs. While these programs are not accredited by FEPAC, as of 2026, they are in good standing with their institutional and regional accrediting organizations.

Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University, located in Mitchell, South Dakota, offers a minor in forensic science and investigation. Combining social and physical sciences, this degree program focuses on exploring the connection between scientific inquiry and the criminal justice system.

Coursework in this program includes an introduction to criminal justice; criminal investigation; criminal law; business and technical writing; and statistical methods. The program features three faculty members and boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio emphasizing one-on-one interaction between students and professors. Graduates of this minor degree program typically go on to pursue careers in criminal investigation, forensic anthropology, and detective work.

Notably, Dakota Wesleyan University also offers a criminal justice degree at either the bachelor’s or associate level, providing students with the confidence and tools they need to enter a law-related occupation or further their education; related bachelor’s degrees are also available in chemistry, biochemistry, and psychology.

• Location: Mitchell, SD
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: One to four years

Dakota State University

Dakota State University’s College of Arts & Sciences offers a bachelor of science program in cyber leadership and intelligence: digital forensics which can be completed on campus or online.

This interdisciplinary program will allow students to gain knowledge and skills in world affairs while specializing in digital forensics. Graduates will be able to examine the roles of operating systems in computer operations and learn about fundamental networking issues. They will develop an understanding of the foundation of private and public computer forensic investigations and analyze the impact portable devices have in digital forensic investigations.

The digital forensics specialization includes courses such as operating environments; networking; computer forensics fundamentals; advanced computer forensics; and advanced windows forensics. Upon successful completion, graduates will be able to take up roles such as digital forensics investigators, information security analysts, and network and computer systems administrators.

Other related associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs offered at Dakota State University include a bachelor of science degree program in network and security administration and an associate’s degree program in network and security administration. Students in this degree program learn in virtual and physical laboratories and are taught through simulations using enterprise-level hardware, defensive hacking techniques, and network forensics. There are numerous on-campus networking opportunities and clubs, including a CybHER chapter and network defense competitions.

Other online degree program offerings are numerous at Dakota State University Online and include the following: an undergraduate certificate in cybersecurity, bachelor of science degrees in cyber operations and cyber leadership and intelligence, a graduate certificate in ethical hacking, and master’s and doctoral degree programs in cyber defense. These degree programs provide theoretical frameworks and practical hands-on training relevant to the field of digital forensic science and information security. Degree program availability depends on the applicant’s state of residence.

• Location: Madison, SD
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: One to four years

University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota offers both a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice studies. The programs include core courses such as: policing in a free society; corrections; information literacy; ethics in criminal justice; criminology; criminal procedure; and criminal law.

These programs feature faculty from a variety of criminal justice disciplinary areas and many have previous experience as probation or correction officers, prosecutors, and police officers. Students are encouraged to pursue specialization through advanced courses related to the historical, international, social, and legal aspects of criminal justice.

The University of South Dakota also offers an undergraduate forensic anthropology certificate which can be completed on campus or online. This nine to ten-credit program will provide a beneficial credential for students who wish to pursue careers in law enforcement or criminal investigation. Courses include introduction to forensic anthropology; introduction to forensic science; and bioarchaeology.

• Location: Vermillion, SD
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: One to four years

Program Accreditation and Certification

When deciding which forensic science program to pursue, accreditation is a key factor to consider. Accreditation can be offered by a discipline-specific, regional, or national organization.

Although the three universities offering forensic science programs in South Dakota are not accredited by the discipline-specific Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), all three institutions are in good standing with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

As a final note, forensic science and cybersecurity professionals in South Dakota who have academic and on-the-job experience can pursue a number of certifications and licenses as proof of professional competency. Certifications and licenses vary by discipline and job position. The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) features a list of nine organizations that award professional certification to individuals in forensic science. The specialty boards approved by FSAB include:

• American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA)
• American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
• American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI)
• Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
• International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
• International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
• International Board of Forensic Engineering Sciences (IBFES)

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

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