Best Online Master’s in Forensic Science Programs 2024
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Editor & Writer
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
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The field of forensic science is vast and multidisciplinary, with applications beyond traditional crime scene investigation. A master's degree in forensic science can lead to a number of specialized, high-paying careers.
Demand for forensic science professionals is on the rise, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting employment of forensic science technicians alone to grow by 13% over the next decade — a much faster pace than the average for all jobs.
If you're already a forensic scientist looking for career advancement or hoping to apply your existing degree to the forensic field, these top-rated programs can lead to new opportunities.
Featured Online Master's in Forensic Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2024 Best Online Master's in Forensic Science Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $442
Out-of-State | $442
Credits to Graduate: 54 quarter credits
Consider applying to NU's master of forensic sciences program if you want to concentrate in criminalistics or investigation. Courses are delivered in four-week terms and help you master topics related to forensic pathology and digital evidence fundamentals.
Application requirements include a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants with a lower GPA may apply but must submit standardized test scores. Transfer students can bring in up to 13.5 quarter credits. You may qualify for one of four institutional scholarships or grants exclusive to graduate degree-seekers.
Stevenson University
Stevenson, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $705
Out-of-State | $705
Credits to Graduate: 36
An asynchronous, fully online curriculum attracts learners to Stevenson's master's in forensic science program. The degree offers concentrations in forensic biology and forensic chemistry. Core classes include a survey of forensic science, physical evidence at the crime scene, and thesis development in forensic science.
To qualify, you must hold a bachelor's degree in a natural science field. Stevenson also requires applicants to have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $327
Out-of-State | $1,152
Credits to Graduate: 32-34
UCF's online MS in forensic science degree may be appealing if you want to work as a forensic biochemist, physicist, or statistician. You can prepare for these and other careers by taking classes like forensic analysis of ignitable liquids and forensic analysis of biological materials.
A UCF success coach helps applicants complete their application portfolio. Admission requirements include official undergraduate transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores. The university's online portal lets you apply to dozens of scholarships with just one application.
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To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Forensic Science Program?
A master's degree in forensic science typically requires a bachelor's degree, and some require standardized testing such as the GRE. Some programs also request essays and letters of recommendation.
Most master's degree programs cost more than $57,000, but costs vary by school and program format. Online master's programs at public universities, for example, tend to cost less than in-person programs at private schools. Many programs offer scholarship opportunities based on your financial need or merit.
You can also specialize in a number of areas: If you specialize in forensic accounting, for instance, you will take additional coursework in that field. Some programs also offer transferable credit options based on past coursework, depending on your specialization.
Online master's of forensic science degrees come in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, meaning you can either log in for specific class times or work through the coursework at your own pace. Many programs mix those formats into a hybrid approach, allowing you to work at your own pace in addition to regularly meeting for discussions.
Forensic Science Specializations
Forensic science is a broad field with applications far beyond traditional criminal investigations. Accounting, psychology, engineering, and other specialized skill sets all have applications within the vast discipline of forensic science — and many programs offer specializations to allow you to delve deeper into those fields. Here is a small sample:
- Psychology: Forensic psychologists work within the legal system, including both civil and criminal cases. They consult with witnesses and suspects, construct psychological profiles for law enforcement, and even testify in court.
- Engineering: Forensic engineers use their expertise to reconstruct accidents, structural and machine failures, and more. Forensic engineering is critical to understanding why a failure occurred.
- Accounting: Forensic accountants are financial experts who look at transactions and analyze finances. Forensic accountants help detect and trace fraud and financial crimes.
- Biology: Forensic biologists examine organic samples like blood, bodily fluids, hair, and bones. Their work can help identify bodies and match DNA to suspects, a critical component of criminal investigations.
- Digital Forensics: Digital forensics, or computer forensics, uncovers data and evidence from digital devices like computers and cell phones. As businesses and law enforcement agencies deal with an ever-increasing amount of data to sift through, digital forensics experts are key to unlocking and tracing information and digital evidence.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Forensic Science?
A master's degree in forensic science can lead to a number of high-paying, specialized jobs in fast-growing fields. That can include traditional forensic science jobs like crime scene investigation or areas like accounting and engineering.
A master's degree can also lead to leadership roles in the field of forensic science and higher pay than a bachelor's degree alone. If you're looking to break into a niche, specialized field or take on a leadership role at a lab, a master's degree in forensic science can help you stand out from the competition.
| Jobs | Median Salary (2023) | Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technician | $63,940 | 13% |
| Forensic Accountant | $79,890 | 4% |
| Forensic Chemist | $84,860 | 6% |
| Forensic Nurse | $86,070 | 6% |
| Forensic Engineer | $99,510 | 10% |
| Forensic Toxicologist | $100,890 | 10% |
| Forensic Computer Analyst | $103,800 | 10% |
| Forensic Psychologist | $117,750 | 6% |
| Medical Examiner | $236,000 | 3% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Forensic Science
How long does it take to finish an online master's in forensic science program?
A full-time forensic science master's degree program typically takes about two years. If you're studying part time or at your own pace, a program can take longer to complete.
Do you need a master's degree to be a forensic scientist?
A master's degree isn't a requirement to work in the field of forensic science, but it can lead to leadership roles and more specialized positions within the field. A bachelor's degree is usually the minimum requirement for forensic science jobs.
Is a graduate degree in forensic science worth it?
A number of high-paying, specialized jobs within the forensic science field can open up with a master's degree in forensic science. Forensic accountants, chemists, engineers, and toxicologists are all in high demand — these are lucrative jobs that could become available with a forensic science master's degree.
What degree is best for forensic science?
The degree in forensic science you pursue depends on your interests. If you want a stable job as a technician, a bachelor's degree may be all that's required. If you want to work as a forensic psychologist, a specialized master's degree in forensic psychology may be needed.
Do you need medical school for forensic science?
Medical school isn't a requirement to work in forensic science as a whole, but some jobs require medical training. A forensic pathologist who examines bodies to determine the cause of death, for instance, typically is a medical doctor.
