
Farheen Gani
It’s not always the big-name detectives and top-notch investigators who solve crimes and put someone behind bars. Forensic science technicians working in a crime lab and crime scene investigators inspecting and collecting potential evidence from a crime scene are also important contributors to catching criminals.
Forensic scientists typically need a graduate-level education, but forensic science technicians can often find entry-level employment with a bachelor’s degree. While it’s true that they may spend most of their day in the lab, they do need to collaborate with other individuals, discussing their findings and relaying this information back to detectives and others working on a case.
Forensic science combines biological knowledge and laboratory techniques to prevent, deal with, and solve breaches in law enforcement, criminal justice, homeland security, and other areas. Careers available to graduates with bachelor’s degrees in forensic science include positions in state or federal crime labs, medical examiner offices, private investigations firms, and homeland security agencies. Graduates with a BS in forensic sciences are prepared for graduate work in biology, chemistry, medicine, or other scientific areas.
So what can students expect from a forensics college in West Virginia? O*NET (2024)—a data group sponsored by the US Department of Labor—reports that these professionals must be trained in several skills, including liaising with law enforcement, medical, and other professionals; testifying as expert witnesses in court; collecting, analyzing, and carefully documenting evidence from crime scenes; and performing laboratory tests on various types of evidence. Notably, several forensics specialties are available, such as criminalistics, toxicology, forensic accounting, cybercrime, DNA analyses, document examination, arson investigations, ballistics, and other subfields.
Crime scene investigators, on the other hand, spend much more of their time out of the office and at the location of a crime scene. From knowing what to collect at the scene to how to photograph or even sketch what they see, they form another important cog on the team of crime solvers. A bachelor’s degree is typically needed to enter the field of crime scene investigation (CSI), but many individuals pursue the career by completing a police academy, which may have its own educational prerequisites.
Read on to discover how and where to learn these crime-solving skills in West Virginia, and find out more about the state’s employment outlook, the types of accredited forensics programs available, and professional certification for forensics professionals.
Not everyone thinks of West Virginia as a mountainous state, but that is exactly how it obtained its name. So what about attending school in a state in which eighty percent of the land is forested and the peaks of the Allegheny Mountains mark that? Individuals considering a forensic science career in West Virginia may also want to know how to pursue an education in the field.
There are various experiential and educational paths for prospective forensic techs in West Virginia, although they typically pursue at least a four-year degree in natural sciences before being employed. In fact, Career One Stop (2024)—a job-planning tool sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor—reports that 34 percent of forensic science technicians have a bachelor’s degree or higher, while 13 percent have associate degrees and 19 percent have some college education.
Following is one of the most common paths to becoming a forensic scientist or technician in WV:
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.
A four-year education in the natural sciences, such as biology or chemistry, can enable graduates to seek entry-level employment in a crime lab. Students also may be able to find a bachelor’s degree specifically in forensic science that combines an education both in biology and chemistry as well as requires lab work and offers hands-on opportunities for training.
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.
The BLS suggests that those with a master’s degree in forensic science may have some of the best advantages when it comes to looking for a job. At the master’s level, students may be able to specialize in a field, such as biology or chemistry, and become involved in research or even do a thesis. Master’s degrees can take two years or longer of full-time study to complete and the option to work on a graduate-level degree on a part-time basis may also be an option.
Students desiring top-notch jobs, such as to work as a forensic pathologist or forensic psychologist need this advanced degree. The amount of time it takes to complete this upper-level degree can vary, but full-time and part-time options may be available. A dissertation may also be required.
In addition to obtaining an education, other components are important to becoming a forensic scientist. Remaining unbiased and having intellectual curiosity are essential as is having personal integrity, according to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). Forensic scientists also need to be able to relay information to others, including investigators and those in a court of law, making effective communication important. Of course, being detail-oriented and critical thinkers are also imperative on the job.
Another career path to consider is that of a crime scene investigator. Many procedures need to be carried out accurately and comprehensively at a crime scene, from securing it to photographing it and identifying evidence that needs to be taken to the lab. Different paths are available to help people enter the CSI field, several of which are provided below.
Certificate and associate degrees are offered in CSI or crime scene technology and supply students with the fundamentals of the field. A certificate typically takes around a year to complete while an associate degree takes two. Often, credits in these programs can be transferred to upper-level degrees, but what is acceptable will vary by institution.
According to the BLS, a bachelor’s degree is foundational to finding employment in the field. It is possible that a bachelor’s, which usually takes about four years to complete, could provide opportunities for more electives, an internship, or even additional hands-on experience, and some of these programs could help prepare students to seek certification in their CSI skills, too.
Many individuals pursue a career in CSI by completing law enforcement training and starting a career as a peace officer. During their career, they may be able to advance into specific fields or receive training in CSI. Of course, some academies do have educational requirements, and a degree in CSI (or even criminal justice or any field at all) may be helpful during the application process.
Like forensic scientists and forensic science technicians, those entering CSI need to be superb communicators. With those skills, they can let others around them know what is going on as they work. They also need to transport and provide evidence and samples to those in the lab and might need to be able to lift significant weight at various crime scenes, suggests Forensic Enterprises, Inc.
In West Virginia, 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). This could lead to 2,500 new opportunities becoming available during this time. However, some of the best opportunities could be available to those who have a master’s degree, reports the BLS. So, while this graduate-level degree is not required, it certainly could make graduates more competitive when it comes to seeking a job. Other factors that could give students an edge include knowledge about DNA analysis or digital forensics, according to the BLS.
However, the outlook is slower for WV residents. Projections Central (2024) found that demand for forensic science technicians in West Virginia is expected to grow 10 percent between 2022 and 2032.
In addition to the forensic science technicians field, 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 (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.
Nearly two million people live in West Virginia, providing ample competition for jobs. Actually, as with many other places around the country, the unemployment rate has been dropping since the Great Recession and is at just 4.2 percent in the state, as of July 2024, according to the BLS. Some of the larger cities in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown, but smaller cities too, like Clarksburg or Fairmont, could provide opportunities for jobs. Graduates of recent forensic science schools in West Virginia could look for employment opportunities with the:
Of course, many people entering forensic science careers are employed by governmental agencies, whether at the state or regional level. In fact, nine out of 10 forensic science technicians find employment there, but others may be employed by federal organizations or even work for a private college or university in teaching or be a self-employed expert or consultant.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reported that there were 100 forensic science technicians in the state.
The nationwide mean annual wages for the occupation, as of May 2023, were $71,540, which is higher than the mean annual wages of $65,470 for all occupations combined. Unfortunately, in West Virginia (WV), forensic science technicians did not earn quite as much ($57,310) as of May 2023 BLS data. Of course, forensic science technicians pursuing an education in the state could always go on to look for employment elsewhere. It is also important to note that the mean annual wage for all occupations in West Virginia was $52,200 in May 2023.
In more detailed terms, here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country compared with those in WV (BLS May 2023):
United States | Virginia | |
---|---|---|
Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed | 17,520 | 100 |
Annual Mean Wage | $71,540 | $57,310 |
10th percentile | $41,410 | $36,880 |
25th percentile | $50,480 | $40,410 |
50th percentile | $64,940 | $58,030 |
75th percentile | $84,720 | $69,220 |
90th percentile | $107,490 | $80,020 |
The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (November 2024), which relies on self-reported salaries. Among the forensic science techs reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found these percentiles for the US:
While the figures for West Virginia are lower than the national salary ranges found by the BLS (May 2023), it’s important to note that the cost of living is also substantially lower than in many other US states. For illustration, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2024) found that WV ranked 1st in affordability, making it the most affordable state in the country. Prospective forensic science technicians should keep this in mind.
West Virginia was part of Virginia until 1861. It became its own state in 1863 but had been providing educational opportunities even before it entered the Union. Those opportunities continue today, and there are many programs available in the state to help train people for careers in forensic science and CSI.
There is an abundance of forensics colleges in West Virginia. Prospective students are urged to seek out programs accredited by either the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) or the regional Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The former focuses on programmatic accreditation, particularly interdisciplinary bachelor’s and master’s programs offered through hard sciences departments (e.g., biology, chemistry). There are currently four programs in West Virginia that have been accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). The latter is an institutional accreditation body recognized by the US Department of Education. Please see the accreditation section below for more information.
For West Virginia’s associate degree programs in forensics, admissions requirements generally include submitting official secondary school (i.e., high school) transcripts; sending TOEFL test scores (for non-native speakers of English); and paying an application fee.
For West Virginia’s bachelor’s degree programs in forensics, typical admissions requirements include sending official high school transcripts with a competitive GPA (e.g., >3.0); writing a personal statement; getting letters of recommendation; submitting official scores from the SAT or ACT tests (and TOEFL for non-native English speakers); passing a background check; and paying an application fee.
For West Virginia master’s programs in forensics, admissions requirements generally include sending official post-secondary transcripts in a relevant major with a competitive GPA (e.g., >3.25); completing prerequisite courses (e.g., forensic science, organic chemistry, biology, genetics, DNA analysis, etc); writing a personal statement; submitting letters of recommendation; sending official scores from the GRE or MCAT tests (and TOEFL for non-native English speakers); passing a background check; having an interview; and paying an application fee.
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College offers an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice preparing students for diverse positions across the criminal justice system such as corrections officers, law enforcement officers, and in industrial security, healthcare security, juvenile detention, home confinement, or military careers.
Concentration options are available in criminology, community corrections management, and social justice. Students will learn about the foundations of the American criminal justice system and the concepts of abnormal psychology and crisis intervention.
Designed to be completed on-campus or online, this 60-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice systems, interrogation and report writing, criminal investigation, juvenile justice system, victim advocacy, forensic interviewing, sexual abuse identification, and criminal law and procedure.
American Public University offers several online programs related to forensic science.
First is an online graduate certificate in digital forensics that offers an advanced understanding of innovative tools and leading industry methods for analyzing and collecting digital devices and data associated with cybercrime. This 18-credit program includes courses such as computer forensics; advanced cybercrime analysis; telecommunications and network security; advanced digital forensics; and information security management.
Their online bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice explores the causes of crime, criminal investigation, criminal behavior, juvenile issues, stress management, and corrections and incarceration. In addition to the general program, this program has concentration options in entrepreneurship; organizational law enforcement leadership; and maritime law enforcement. The program comprises 120 credits and includes courses such as criminology; criminal investigation; ethics in criminal justice; corrections and incarceration; criminal law; and criminal legal process.
The online bachelor of science degree in criminal justice closely examines digital forensic science by applying scientific methods and analyzing scientific data to support the law. This 120-credit program includes courses such as computer forensics, cybercrime, digital forensics: investigation procedures and response, digital forensics: investigating wireless networks and devices, digital forensics: investigating data and image files, and criminal profiling.
Finally, their online master of arts program in criminal justice focuses particularly on developing professional skills needed for leadership positions in the field. This 30-credit program includes courses such as criminal justice ethics, criminology, police administration, forensic accounting, forensics, organized crime, crime and mental disorders, and international terrorism.
The Department of Forensic and Investigative Science at West Virginia University’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences prides itself on being the only institution in the United States to offer a bachelor, master, and doctoral degree in forensic science.
Their FEPAC-accredited forensic and investigative science majors stand above all universities nationally with the largest forensic science and crime scene training complex in the country. Undergraduate students at West Virginia University can choose to major in forensic examiner, forensic biology, or forensic chemistry or minor in forensic and investigative science. All majors provide a solid background in the fundamental science and applied practice associated with forensic science.
The 120-credit bachelor’s degree program includes courses in forensic identification, crime scene investigation, microscopy, forensic quality assurance, law and evidence, professional ethics in forensic science, forensic photography, and trace evidence examination.
In addition to the bachelor’s degree, West Virginia University’s master of science program in forensic and investigative science is also FEPAC-accredited. Focusing on advanced science courses such as trace evidence, microscopy, laboratory management, and pattern evidence, this 40 to 42-credit program prepares students for employment in state, federal, and local forensic science laboratories in several forensic disciplines.
Courses in this master’s degree include foundations of criminalistics; forensic laboratory management; forensic informatics; trace evidence examination; advanced forensic biology; arson and explosives analysis; analysis of seized drugs; and analytical forensic toxicology.
Moreover, WVU also has several other forensic science-related programs on topics such as criminology, criminal justice, and forensic accounting and fraud examination.
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
While the Institute of Technology at WVU is a division of West Virginia University, it offers some programs that are separate and distinct from WVU’s main campus in Morgantown. One such program is a bachelor of science program in forensic investigation (FRNX).
Emphasizing the use of scientific methods to reconstruct the recent past and the historical evolution of investigative techniques and terminology, this program’s primary focus is on investigation. This program is ideal for those planning a career as investigators, as well as, current practitioners. Combining hands-on laboratory, practical field applications, and class instruction, the program’s curriculum features a course in research methods, a capstone practicum internship, and a senior thesis.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice; principles of criminal law; courts and judicial systems; introduction to forensic investigation; fingerprint evidence analysis; investigative photography; death investigation; and crime scenes, among others.
Notably, West Virginia University Institute of Technology also has a bachelor of science program in criminal justice.
Fairmont State University, in Fairmont offers a bachelor’s degree in forensic science. While not accredited through FEPAC, the curriculum is meant to align with many accreditation requirements and even surpasses them in some areas. Students take a substantial core in natural science classes, followed by specialized science courses and forensic science instruction.
Housed in the Department of Natural Sciences, this program includes chemistry, forensic science, physics, biology, and math courses designed to help students achieve the program’s goals and objectives.
This bachelor of science program includes courses such as introduction to forensic science, genetics, foundational biochemistry, forensic biology, trace evidence and microscopy, research in forensic science, and a forensic science internship.
Notably, Fairmont State University also offers a bachelor of science program in criminal justice and a master of science program in criminal justice.
Marshall University in Huntington offers a master of science (MS) degree in forensic science with options in DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, digital forensics, and crime scene investigation. An internship is completed in the summer between the first and second year of this full-time, two-year program, and thesis and non-thesis options are also offered. Marshall’s master of forensic science degree with an emphasis in digital evidence and its master of science in forensic science degree have both earned full FEPAC accreditation.
The program’s core curriculum includes courses such as genetics and DNA technologies, crime scene and death investigation, forensic microscopy, forensic comparative sciences, forensic statistics, forensic analytical chemistry, foundations and fundamentals in digital forensics, and legal issues in forensic science.
The FEPAC-accredited emphasis on digital evidence includes courses such as forensic digital imaging, network forensics, advanced digital evidence detection and recovery, and digital evidence search and seizure.
Notably, Marshall University also offers a bachelor of science degree program in forensic chemistry, a bachelor of science degree program in cyber forensics and security, a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice, and a master of science degree in criminal justice.
Glenville State University offers a master of science program in criminal justice preparing students for leadership roles in corrections, law enforcement, and private security professions. The program helps students develop leadership and administrative skills, while also advancing their knowledge base in leadership and managerial skills, constitutional law, enhanced developmental training, policy analysis, and social justice practices.
The curriculum includes courses such as constitutional law in criminal justice; leadership and management; critical infrastructure; contemporary issues and trends in criminal justice; class, cultures, crime and justice; comparative criminal justice systems; and training and development in criminal justice.
The university also has an associate of science degree in criminal justice as well as a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with majors in administration of justice and field forensics.
West Virginia offers a wider variety of options for forensic science education than many other states. However, students may still be interested in alternatives that they can pursue online and through distance learning, some of which are explored below.
Online courses and degrees can offer students more choices when it comes to pursuing an education, particularly if they have other commitments such as a full-time job or a family to care for. A few online education programs in forensic science are listed below, but of course, others could meet students’ requirements.
Liberty University Online offers a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with a focus on crime scene investigation. The program is 120 credits in total and at least 50 percent of major coursework hours must be taken through the school. The degree can prepare students for a career as a crime scene technician, crime scene investigator, criminalist, or other career.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as introduction to forensics; crime scene photography; crime scene management; court and expert witness testimony; terrorism; criminal justice ethics; criminal justice research and writing; criminology; and criminal investigations.
American InterContinental University
American InterContinental University has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with a focus on forensic science. The program can be completed in as little as three years. This online program helps students develop knowledge of the operations of constitutional principles, crime theory, and the criminal justice system with a special focus on forensic science and crime scene investigation concepts.
This 180-credit program includes courses such as criminalistics; criminal investigation; psychopathology and criminality; medicolegal death investigation; constitutional issues in criminal procedures; foundations of corrections; crime victim studies; introduction to criminology; introduction to criminal law; introduction to law enforcement; and evidence.
The University of Florida offers online students a graduate certificate in forensic science, which can be completed in one year, or a master’s degree in forensic science that is 32 credits in length through its College of Pharmacy. Areas of focus for the master’s degree include forensic science, forensic drug chemistry, forensic DNA and serology, and forensic toxicology.
The forensic science master of science program includes courses such as principles of forensic science, forensic toxicology, special topics in forensic science, advanced criminalistics, crime scene investigation, forensic genetics, forensic immunology, forensic anthropology, and forensic ethics.
Due to the nature of online programs, the host institutions need not be located in West Virginia. For more information on distance-based education at all levels and specialties, please visit the online forensic science degrees page.
Although professional certification is not always necessary to secure employment in forensics in West Virginia, 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:
Those who wish to have detailed information on credentialing within each subfield of forensics can visit our programs or careers pages.
As mentioned above, aspiring forensics students in West Virginia 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 November 2024, two schools in West Virginia offer 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.
Institutional accrediting agencies take into account a school’s facilities, faculty, curricula, and student outcomes in determining its accredited status. In West Virginia, the most common regional institutional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission. Students should verify a school’s accreditation status prior to applying to any program.
Finally, professionals may wish to join the AAFS for networking, conferences, continuing education, and advocacy. The organization offers opportunities for students, trainees, affiliates, members, and fellows.
Farheen Gani
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).