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Jocelyn Blore
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Forensic Science Colleges in South Dakota
The Mount Rushmore State is home to the Sioux Nation tribes and features nearly one hundred miles of caves with unique glittering crystal formations. South Dakota is also home to state parks with 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.
Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field that blends criminal justice, science, law, and cybersecurity forensics, computer and information technology. 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 June 2024, none are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Please note that this is not necessarily reflective of program quality at universities in South Dakota since all have been regionally accredited by other reputable entities.
For a detailed description of how to pursue employment in forensic science or cybersecurity in South Dakota, read on to learn more about career pathways and educational programs.
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, a site that sources its data from the U.S. Department of Labor, just 4 percent of forensic science technicians 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 35 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. A list of cybersecurity internships can be found at Indeed.com.
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. According to Career One Stop (2024), there is one available license for forensic scientist positions in South Dakota which is the license for polygraph examiners. Also, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (in partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology) has developed 31 unique cyber specialties and the FSAB offers a computer investigative specialist certification.
Step 5: Earn an advanced degree in forensic science or a related disciplinary field (optional; two to seven years).
Career One Stop reports that 14 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 (2024) projects that openings for forensic science technicians nationwide will increase 13 percent between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the growth rate expected for all occupations during that period (3 percent). This expected addition of 2,300 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 (May 2023), the 17,520 forensic science technicians across the nation earned an average annual salary of $71,540. The BLS does not have salary details for forensic science techs in South Dakota.
Here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country (BLS May 2023):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed | 17,520 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $71,540 |
| 10th percentile | $41,410 |
| 25th percentile | $50,480 |
| 50th percentile | $64,940 |
| 75th percentile | $84,720 |
| 90th percentile | $107,490 |
The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (June 2024), which relies on self-reported salaries. Among the forensic science techs reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found these percentiles for the US:
- 10th percentile: $30,000
- 50th percentile (median): $55,654
- 90th percentile: $73,000
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 2024), SD ranked 17th in affordability, making it 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 2024, they are in good standing with their institutional and regional accrediting organizations.
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
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; introduction to criminal justice; criminal law; criminal evidence; criminology; and corrections. 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.
- Location: Mitchell, SD
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: One to four years
The University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota offers a minor and bachelor of arts and science degrees in criminal justice. The bachelor’s programs include courses in criminology and law as well as 12 credits of electives which can be fulfilled through internship opportunities.
Students wanting to double major in criminal justice and another discipline may do so by completing 36 semester hours of criminal justice courses in addition to their second discipline. A common double major combination is a degree in criminal justice combined with one in political science. Students wishing to pursue the 18-credit minor degree option must take one required class and fifteen credit hours of electives in criminal justice studies.
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 ten 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 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)
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 page.
Jocelyn Blore is the chief content officer of Sechel Ventures and the co-author of the Women Breaking Barriers series. She graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and traveled the world for five years. She also worked as an addiction specialist for two years in San Francisco. She’s interested in how culture shapes individuals and systems within societies—one of the many themes she writes about in her blog, Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). She has served as managing editor for several healthcare websites since 2015.