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UpdatedMay 23, 2024
Considering a career in forensics? Explore this guide for an overview of different types of forensic science schools and degrees within this broad field.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
The United States reported 6.5 million property crimes and 1.3 violent crimes in 2022. Without forensic science methods such as DNA collection and data analysis, many crimes could remain unsolved.
Forensic science schools and programs prepare graduates to pursue careers in many specializations, including chemistry and accounting. Earning an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in forensic science can open career paths to work in laboratories, courts, and academia.
Examine the jobs available at each degree level, possible salaries, and scholarships for forensic science students in this in-depth guide.
What Is Forensic Science?
Forensics refers to the science used in civil and criminal cases. The principles in forensic science, including scientific analysis, can solve cyber, criminal, and public safety matters. This evidence often helps bring truth into the courts, where forensic experts testify.
Branches of Forensic Science
Forensics offers valuable practical applications outside of crime laboratories. Beyond traditional disciplines like serology, forensics provides insight and answers in other fields. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences identifies 12 subdisciplines of forensic science, including anthropology, criminalistics, engineering, and nursing.
The following sections are not exhaustive but outline some of the most popular career paths within the forensic sciences.
Criminalistics
Criminalists use scientific techniques to analyze and process physical evidence submitted to laboratories. They use their knowledge of biology, chemistry, DNA research, physics, and the identification of firearms or tool marks to assist in legal cases. These professionals work in labs at police departments, universities, and medical examiner's offices.
Justice relies on carefully interpreting physical evidence, making criminalists a key link in the chain. As Paul L. Kirk, the Father of Criminalistics, said, "Physical evidence cannot be wrong; it cannot perjure itself; it cannot be wholly absent. Only its interpretation can err."
Physiological
Physiological forensics encompasses various subfields related to human life and living matter, such as forensic odontology, anthropology, pathology, nursing, and toxicology. The findings conducted by these professionals can provide insight into legal matters.
Examples of roles include forensic anthropologists, who work in death investigations, and forensic nurses, who provide examinations and treatment for sexual assault cases. Other jobs include forensic odontologists and forensic toxicologists.
Social and Behavioral
Forensic psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers offer their expertise in criminal and civil cases. They commonly work with attorneys and judges to provide expert testimony. Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists determine a person's competency to stand trial. In family and domestic relations cases, forensic psychologists and psychiatrists may evaluate parental fitness.
Forensic psychiatrists need medical licensure to practice. They complete around 12 years of education and training. In contrast, forensic psychologists are not medical doctors, though they typically invest 6-8 years in obtaining a master's and doctoral degree in psychology.
Digital and Multimedia
When law enforcement submits digital evidence, digital forensics specialists capture and examine electronic data and physical evidence. They examine computers used in crimes, analyze networked computing technology in phones, and process audio and video evidence.
These scientists work as computer-related crime investigators, image analysts, examiners, and speech scientists. Employers hire digital and multimedia apprentices who have bachelor's degrees. Digital and computer forensics investigators may also obtain professional certifications.
Other Popular Subdisciplines
Forensics serves a valuable purpose in many other fields, such as accounting and engineering. Forensic engineers investigate aviation mishaps, contaminated sites, and mining accidents. Forensic accountants reveal instances of financial fraud by examining financial data for insurance companies and financial institutions. Forensic experts also work in the questioned document section, where they authenticate handwriting, among other duties.
Explore Related Degree Guides
Computer Forensics Degree Guide
Forensic Accounting Degree Guide
Forensic Nursing Degree Guide
Forensic Psychology Degree Guide
Associate Degrees in Forensic Science
An associate degree in forensic science requires two years of study and about 60-65 credits. You must complete general education credits and core coursework to earn an associate degree at a community college, college, or university. Admission usually requires a high school diploma or GED certificate. Associate degree-holders may find entry-level work in crime labs.
Besides obtaining a forensics degree, you can pursue related fields and specialize in forensics. For example, you can pursue an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a concentration in forensics. An ADN can qualify you for a nursing license.
Examples of associate degrees include:
- Associate of applied science in forensic science
- Associate of science in crime scene technology
- Associate of applied science in criminal justice technology
Bachelor's Degrees in Forensic Science
You can enroll in a bachelor's in forensic science program after earning a high school diploma or an associate degree. After completing general education courses, the curriculum focuses on forensic science fundamentals. Courses emphasize law, ethics, and crime scene investigation. A bachelor's program builds practical skills in crime scene processing through fieldwork and labs that include biochemistry, organic chemistry, and general physics.
A transfer student can graduate in two years, completing 60 or more credits, while each first-year enrollee must earn 120 credits over four years.
Examples of bachelor's degrees include:
- Bachelor of science in forensic science
- Bachelor of science in forensic chemistry
- Bachelor of applied science in crime scene investigation
- Bachelor of applied science in computer forensics
- Bachelor of business administration in forensic accounting
Master's Degrees in Forensic Science
A master's degree in forensic science takes about two years to complete, requiring 30-40 credits. Master's programs may offer specialized tracks in forensic DNA or forensic chemistry analysis. Related majors other than forensic science can prepare you to work in labs or other fields that incorporate the principles of scientific inquiry.
Internships in forensic laboratories provide practical experience. The thesis, or final research paper, allows students to dive into subjects of their interest, such as drug or DNA analysis.
A master's degree in nursing or a master's degree in social work prepares graduates to pursue forensic careers in these fields.
Examples of master's degrees include:
- Master of science in forensic science
- Master of science in criminalistics
- Master of science in nursing in forensic nursing
- Master of science in biomedical forensic sciences
- Master of social work in forensic social work
Doctoral Degrees in Forensic Science
Doctoral programs provide the necessary foundation for careers in academia, such as professorship and research, or specialized fields like anthropology and psychology. Doctoral degrees are also required for many medical occupations. The following section explores various types of doctorates.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Earning a Ph.D. usually takes at least four years of study, culminating in a dissertation on an advanced forensic science research topic. This degree can open career paths in areas like forensic psychology, forensic anthropology, and forensic science.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
A Psy.D. requires 4-6 years of clinical and theoretical study, comprising about 115 credits. A fundamental characteristic of a Psy.D. program is the clinical practicum and externships that train graduates to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist. Programs may focus on specific therapy intervention models, including cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Doctor of Science (Sc.D.)
A Sc.D. is a less common doctoral degree, though some schools offer them with forensic science concentrations. These programs require about 6-8 years of study and provide advancement opportunities for practicing healthcare professionals and scientists.
Doctor of Forensic Sciences (DFS)
A doctor of forensic sciences, a professional degree offered at only a few schools, allows master's degree-holders to take doctorate courses in forensics without having to write dissertations. Instead of a research-heavy program, this degree allows forensic science professionals to advance their practical skills.
Related Doctorates
Forensic science practitioners in medicine, nursing, and psychiatry can choose from two medical degrees. Forensics pathologists and psychiatrists can earn a doctor of medicine (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). Both paths include internships and residencies after college and require licensing exams. DOs adhere to a holistic health approach, while MDs practice traditional medicine.
Forensic practitioners also pursue other doctoral degrees. Forensic dentists may hold a doctor of dental surgery or a doctor of medicine in dentistry. Forensic veterinarians earn doctor of veterinary medicine or veterinariae medicinae doctoris degrees.
Forensic Science Certifications
Potential employers may require graduates to become certified. Students complete forensic science certifications after all degree types, though most certifications require a bachelor's or master's degree. Certification demonstrates that an individual has mastered certain concepts. Earning a certification can increase employability, even when not required.
These are professional organizations that offer certifications for forensic science:
- American Board of Criminalistics
- American Board of Forensic Accounting
- American Board of Forensic Anthropology
- American Board of Forensic Documentation Examiners
- American Board of Forensic Odontology
- American Board of Forensic Toxicology
- American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators
- Forensic Nursing Certification Board
- Global Information Assurance Certification
- International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists
- Board of Forensic Document Examiners
- International Association of Identification
- International Association of Forensic Nurses
- International Board of Forensic Engineering Sciences
- International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium - (ISC)2
- National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies
Career and Salary Outlook for Forensic Science Graduates
The employment outlook for forensic science professionals appears strong, especially for particular roles that require a bachelor's degree. The BLS estimates forensic science technician employment to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 13% from 2022-2032. Forensic engineers only need bachelor's-level education to qualify for employment and, according to Payscale data from May 2024, earn an annual average of $93,260.
However, the highest-paying roles in the profession require a medical doctorate degree. For example, BLS data reveals that psychologists (which includes forensic psychologists) earn a median salary of $117,750 as of May 2023. Psychiatrists, including in forensic roles, take home a median income of more than $239,200.
| Job | Median Annual Wage | Job Growth (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic science technicians | $64,940 | +13% |
| Registered nurses (including forensic) | $86,070 | +6% |
| Psychologists (including forensic) | $117,750 | +5% |
| Social workers (including forensic) | $63,770 | +7% |
| Psychiatrists (including forensic) | $239,200 and up | +7% |
| Materials engineers (including forensic) | $104,100 | +5% |
| Accountants (including forensic) | $79,880 | +4% |
Popular Forensic Science Courses
Forensic science encompasses many subject areas, with courses and delivery formats varying depending on the school, degree level, and specialization. Degrees usually consist of general education, core, and elective courses. Bachelor's and master's degrees may also require capstone, thesis, or final projects, while doctoral programs typically include dissertations.
Generalist forensic science programs typically offer or require courses similar to the following:
- Psychology of Criminal Behavior: Students analyze the motivations and emotions of criminals to create hypotheses. Some programs offer this course with a focus on either adult or juvenile criminals.
- Cybercrime and Security: While not always required for forensic science majors, this course covers various national and corporate security best practices and theories. A focus in this course material could lead to a career in cybersecurity.
- Criminalistics: Criminalistics teaches students to approach crime scenes, preserve clues, and collect evidence. Enrollees also learn about crime labs, analyzing evidence, and the implementation of theories to assist with analysis.
- Toxicology: Toxicology covers the human body's response to toxins, drugs, and other substances. This course, which may appear in bachelor's and master's degrees, builds off material learned in previous chemistry and biology courses.
- Internship: Forensic science internships vary depending on concentration, level of education, experience, and region. Some internships involve working with local, state, or federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Students can gain college credit and experience from internships.
How to Choose the Best Forensic Science School
There are many factors to consider before enrolling at a forensic science school. As a broad field with so many available programs, you'll want to choose a school that best supports your career goals and learning style.
Before selecting a forensic science program, you should consider the following:
Accreditation of Forensic Science Schools and Programs
Accredited colleges meet academic standards to ensure that students receive a quality education. When you attend an unaccredited college or university, you cannot receive federal financial aid. Also, college credits at an unaccredited college may not transfer to accredited schools.
Forensic science programs can also hold programmatic accreditation. The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) accredits bachelor's and master's programs. However, attending a FEPAC-accredited program is generally not required.
For forensic specializations that require licensure, such as nursing, social work, and psychology, you may be required to graduate from an accredited program. Examples of relevant programmatic accrediting agencies for these fields include:
- American Psychological Association
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Social Work Education
Scholarships for Forensic Science Students
Scholarships can offset the rising cost of college tuition. Scholarships offer "free money" by requiring no repayment. Forensic science majors can receive thousands of dollars in national and regional scholarships.
In addition to major requirements, applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify. Applying for a scholarship requires that you meet the GPA requirements and submit any additional material, such as an essay.
Named in honor of the late Senator Barry Goldwater, this award goes to sophom*ores and juniors to fund research in subjects related to forensic science, including engineering, mathematics, and natural sciences. This fund awards $7,500 per year. Each applicant must hold at least a 3.0 GPA for eligibility.
The Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners awards nonrenewable $2,000 scholarships each year to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing forensic science. Applications must be submitted by April 1. A candidate needs at least a 3.0 GPA to qualify.
Created in memory of one of the charter members of the Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists, this award provides $1,000 to students pursuing careers in forensic science. The scholarship goes to biology, chemistry, and natural science majors in their junior or senior year and requires a 3.0 GPA.
Qualified undergraduates pursuing careers in anti-fraud occupations can apply for this scholarship. The award includes a one-year membership to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Each candidate must be enrolled in accounting, business administration, criminal justice, finance, or a major similar to fraud to qualify.
This fund recognizes undergraduate and graduate students pursuing forensic science or criminal justice. Apply by Aug. 31 to the Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification. The fund awards $1,000 each year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Science Schools
What school is best for forensic science?
Colleges such as George Mason University, Penn State University, and John Jay College of Criminal Justice offer top-tier forensic science programs. However, these programs may not align with your interests and needs. The best school for forensic science offers tuition within your budget, courses that meet your interests and career goals, and a format that fits your lifestyle.
How do I become a forensic scientist?
A forensic scientist needs a minimum of a bachelor's degree, though many hold master's and doctoral degrees in forensic science, along with related majors like biology and chemistry. After earning bachelor's degrees, aspiring forensic scientists get training as technicians. Many forensic scientists also obtain certification.
Are forensic degrees worth it?
If you have an interest in the field, a forensic degree offers a pathway toward a career that plays an integral role in the justice system. Forensic careers such as forensic accountant and forensic nurse blend two disciplines. They also earn salaries above the national annual mean wage of $65,470.
Is a forensic science degree easy?
Forensic science degrees can push students academically. These programs require science coursework, which can be challenging. You'll complete lectures and labs in math, chemistry, and biology.
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