Best Online Forensic Science Degrees 2024
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Forensic science plays a critical role in the legal system. Forensic scientists analyze and examine data to help law enforcement, lawyers, and investigators. Forensic professionals also testify in court, explaining scientific findings and collection methodologies. They also work in labs that process biological evidence or examine tool markings and/or handwriting.
Forensic science offers practical applications in a wide variety of fields beyond the crime scene. Forensic science blends biology, computer science, physics, and chemistry, making it applicable to many other industries. Fields such as nursing, computer science, accounting, and engineering incorporate forensics in civil and criminal cases.
Find out more about what you can do with an online forensic science degree and common forensics coursework, and learn about the best online forensic science degrees.
Popular Online Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2024 Best Online Forensic Science Degrees
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Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $6,455
Out-of-State | $6,455
Credits to Graduate: 120
In ASU's online BS in forensic science, you'll learn the techniques and practices used by forensic scientists in various fields. While most of your classes run asynchronously online in 7.5-week blocks, the program does have a culminating experience and several labs that require in-person attendance. Accelerated versions of the labs run at the Tempe and West campuses.
You typically need a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission, but ASU offers an earned admission pathway for applicants with a 2.75 GPA that requires the completion of online courses.
Columbia College
Columbia, MO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $375
Out-of-State | $375
Credits to Graduate: 120
In CC's online BS in forensic science, you can choose to emphasize biology or chemistry. The biology emphasis explores DNA analysis, while the chemistry emphasis looks at instrumental and quantitative analysis. Both tracks provide experienced-based learning via internships and hands-on labs.
The program runs throughout the day at the Columbia, Missouri campus as well as online. Online sessions start every eight-weeks and run asynchronously throughout the accelerated session.
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $270
Out-of-State | $270
Credits to Graduate: 120
CSU's online BS in forensic investigation features a combination of theoretical and experiential training, teaching you how to investigate crimes and collect and analyze evidence. The program's courses cover topics like fire investigation and analysis, criminal investigation, and pathology of death.
The online programs at CSU begin 11 times each year, and the classes run asynchronously. Not only does CSU offer the same low tuition rate for all online students, but the rate includes textbooks.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Credits to Graduate: 120
As a student in FIU's online BS in crime science, you'll approach your criminal justice and criminology studies from a computer science standpoint. Along with traditional criminology courses, you'll study cybersecurity and ethical hacking. You can also acquire credit for participation in the Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program (LEAP).
FIU's online classes typically run asynchronously, though synchronous components may be included. Online classes also start regularly throughout the year to help you start — and finish — sooner.
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $485
Out-of-State | $485
Credits to Graduate: 120
GCU's online BS in psychology with an emphasis in forensic psychology equips you with the skills to assist investigations and legal evaluations. Included in the program's core requirements are psychology and law courses, plus a senior capstone project.
Your online classes run asynchronously through accelerated seven-week courses. While most students take about four years to complete the program, you can determine your own course load and pace. For admission, you need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
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What Can I Expect From an Online Forensic Science Program?
During an online forensic science degree, you will attend lectures, complete laboratory exercises, and analyze case studies on crime scenes, forensic investigations, and the legal system. You will focus your studies on chemistry to learn about analyzing physical evidence, such as drugs and gunshot residue. You will also take courses to understand the psychological and biological underpinnings of crimes.
You might take courses in forensic pattern evidence, professional practices and ethics, and statistical methods. Depending on your program, you may be able to specialize in specific areas of forensics, such as criminal justice, toxicology, or body fluid and DNA analysis.
Benefits of an Online Forensic Science Degree
Online degrees may offer synchronous learning, where you attend live lectures at a set time, or asynchronous learning, where you watch pre-recorded lectures at your own time. Either way, when you earn an online forensic science degree, you do not need to travel routinely to campus.
This flexibility enables students to balance earning a college degree with work or family responsibilities. However, in an online forensic science program, you may need to travel to campus for in-person labs.
The coursework in an online degree mirrors what traditional students learn on campus, with few differences other than the lack of in-person contact. If you need more personal interactions, this could pose a problem, but research shows that distance education can provide as effective an outcome as in-person learning.
During an online course, you can usually schedule office hours with professors to help when you have areas you're struggling with, and you'll get to enjoy the same access to library resources, student organizations, and counseling services as in-person students.
What Can I Do With a Forensic Science Degree?
Entry-level careers in forensic science welcome bachelor's degree holders. Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field with practical applications in a variety of different industries. Employers hire arson investigators, financial examiners, forensic science technicians, forensic accountants and auditors, and information security analysts who hold online forensic science degrees.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects solid job growth for forensic science careers. Employment is projected to increase by 5% and 13% from 2022-2032 for arson investigators and forensic science technicians, respectively.
Careers
- DNA Analyst: A solid background in molecular biology can prepare you to become a DNA analyst. These forensic professionals work to process biological reference samples. DNA analysts serve a critical role in a laboratory, often identifying human remains in various stages of decomposition. They also testify in court as a DNA expert.
- Fingerprint Specialist: In criminal cases, fingerprinting specialists collect evidence and report their findings to allow investigators to use this information during legal proceedings. They work for police departments and government agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). At the ATF, fingerprinting specialists serve crucial roles in the field, lab, and classrooms, where they analyze fingerprints, footprints, and other physical evidence.
- Firearm and Toolmark Examiner: Forensic labs hire chemists, biologists, and firearm and toolmark examiners. Examiners analyze firearms and other tools recovered at crime scenes, checking for tampered serial numbers or marks made in the processing of reloading ammunition. Toolmark identification involves looking for any damages that show how criminals used tools in a crime.
- Forensic Document Examiner: Forensic document examiners are experts in analyzing and comparing handwriting and identifying altered documents. State and federal agencies hire forensic document examiners to work on death investigations, threats, arson, and fraud and forgery cases.
- Forensic Engineers: Forensic engineers can provide scientific explanations of product failures, fatal accidents, fires or explosions, and structural and building failures. They also investigate insurance claims and damages caused by natural disasters. Forensic engineers often serve as expert witnesses in mediation or depositions.
- Forensic Medical Examiner: Forensic medical examiners are physicians trained in pathology who perform autopsies to reveal information about the cause of death. Even in cases of severe body decomposition, they must feel comfortable with the postmortem process to complete their job. Their toxicology reports and expert testimonies help in criminal cases.
- Forensic Nurse: Forensic nurses go beyond traditional roles to provide medical exams and treatment for cases involving domestic violence, neglect, and sexual assault. They incorporate forensic evidence collection into their nursing care. This job also requires a solid understanding of nursing and the legal system.
- Forensic Odontology: Forensic odontologists use their dental expertise and forensic knowledge to identify human remains, analyze bite marks, and provide insight into dental malpractice cases. Dental records help forensic odontologists in legal proceedings, where they often testify in malpractice or workers' compensation cases. They may serve as a consultant or on appointment for the coroner's office, insurance companies, or police departments.
- Forensic Pathologist: Forensic pathologists determine the cause of death through autopsies and recover evidence for court. This may require visiting the scene of a crime. In cases of physical trauma, they explain marks on human remains. The job often requires certification, such as the anatomic pathology credential. They often coordinate with law enforcement and prosecutors.
- Handwriting Examiners: Handwriting examiners analyze handwriting and signatures for unique marks like pen lifts and other microscopic identifiers. In depositions and court cases, handwriting examiners provide testimony. They work in cases of malpractice, fraud, or fraudulent wills.
| Jobs | Median Annual Wage (May 2023) | Projected Outlook (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Arson Investigator | $74,160 | 5% |
| Certified Fraud Examiner | $84,300 | 20% |
| Criminalist, Crime Scene Investigator, or Forensic Science Technician | $64,940 | 13% |
| Forensic Accounting or Auditor | $79,890 | 4% |
| Forensic Psychologist | $117,750 | 6% |
| Information Security Analyst | $120,360 | 32% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Science
How hard is a forensic science degree?
Forensic science degrees require science-heavy course loads, especially if you want to work in a laboratory. You'll need to take challenging courses in organic chemistry, molecular biology, osteology, and laboratories. This multidisciplinary degree requires students to study a wide variety of subjects, with specializations available in nursing, odontology, toxicology, and ballistics.
Is forensic science a hard field to get into?
There are plenty of job opportunities for aspiring forensic scientists. You can get an entry-level forensic science technician job with a bachelor's degree. The BLS projects that jobs for forensics science technicians will grow by 13% from 2022-2032.
How long does it take to become a forensic scientist?
It takes at least four years to become a forensic scientist. Employers hire forensic science technicians, fingerprint technicians, crime lab analysts, and DNA analysts who hold bachelor's degrees. Becoming a forensic chemist usually requires a master's degree.
Can you make a lot of money in forensic science?
Your earning potential in forensic science often increases with more experience, a higher degree, and more specialized knowledge. The lowest 10% of forensic science technicians earned a median annual salary of $41,410 as of May 2023, while the top 10% made more than $107,490.
Is a forensic science degree good for the FBI?
The FBI's Special Agent Selection System doesn't have a specific major requirement. In order to qualify as a special agent, you must meet physical requirements and hold a bachelor's degree with two years of full-time experience or a graduate degree.
Forensic careers at the FBI, such as digital forensic examiners and evidence technicians, require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, digital forensics, information technology, or a similar field.
