A forensic science degree helps to prepare students for careers as forensic science technicians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these technicians earn a median annual salary of $59,150. The degree may also serve as a stepping stone to graduate study, enabling you to pursue advanced careers in forensic psychology, forensic anthropology, and other specialized areas.
If you're interested in forensic science, you can seek rewarding careers in DNA profiling, digital forensics, toxicology, handwriting analysis, or an investigative area yet to be conceived.
The following guide provides you with a detailed exploration of forensic science, including a ranked list of the top forensic science programs in the United States.
Top 10 Forensic Science Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA |
| 2 | Cedarville University | Cedarville, OH |
| 3 | Arcadia University | Glenside, PA |
| 4 | Ohio Northern University | Ada, OH |
| 5 | University of Nebraska | Lincoln, NE |
| 6 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL |
| 7 | Ashland University | Ashland, OH |
| 8 | Roger Williams University | Bristol, RI |
| 9 | York College of Pennsylvania | York, PA |
| 10 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA |
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What Is Forensic Science?
The term "forensic science" probably brings to mind images of high-tech laboratories and computers, but the origin of the field dates back as far as the 6th and 7th centuries, when the concept of using fingerprints for identification first emerged.
Early forensic scientists were self-taught, as no formal training or university courses on the subject existed. In the 1930s, universities began offering courses and degrees in police science and criminalistics. The American Academy of Forensic Science launched in Chicago in 1950.
Approximately 17,000 people work as forensic science technicians in the U.S., often specializing in certain sciences like DNA, digital forensics, toxicology, fingerprinting, or odontology. The BLS projects a faster-than-average 14% growth for forensic science technicians between 2019 and 2029.
The BLS expects these future job openings to come with strong competition. A bachelor's degree in forensic science provides a great foundational education, but applicants with a master's may receive better opportunities.
Why Get a Forensic Science Bachelor's?
Forensic science occupies just one small area within the sprawling field of criminal justice. Candidates often face stiff competition for jobs, which may leave you wondering whether earning a forensic science bachelor's degree is really worth the investment.
Fortunately, studying forensic science does not pigeonhole you into a single, narrow subfield. Forensic scientists can apply their skills to a variety of well-paying careers, both in and out of criminal justice. As a forensic science graduate, you can enjoy benefits such as:
Transferable STEM Skills The best forensic programs treat their students as scientists first. Courses provide knowledge and laboratory skills in chemistry, biology, and physics. This strong scientific foundation enables graduates to pursue additional careers outside of forensics, if desired.
Earning Potential Forensic science technicians earn a median salary far exceeding that of all occupations nationwide, according to the BLS. Closely related careers, such as coroner, fraud examiner, and criminal investigator, earn median salaries of $69,050-$81,590.
An Evolving Field Forensic science is a relatively small, highly competitive field, but it also undergoes constant evolution. As technology and criminal investigation techniques advance, new opportunities emerge for forensic science professionals.
The Best Forensic Science Bachelor's Degrees of 2021
Our guide includes a ranking of the top 15 forensic science programs for 2021. Visit the link below to learn more about the criteria we use to rank schools.
What To Expect From Bachelor's in Forensic Science Programs
Forensic science is a relatively young academic discipline. Insitutitions first began offering courses and degrees in police science in the early 1930s. The University of California at Berkeley established one of the nation's first academic departments of criminology in 1950.
Today, dozens of institutions offer bachelor's programs in forensic science. Programs focus on developing students' ethics and knowledge of science, criminal justice, and investigative techniques.
Averaging 120-134 credits, a bachelor's in forensic science takes about four years of full-time study to complete. The curriculum typically combines general education, laboratory science courses, and lecture- and discussion-based courses on criminology and the criminal justice system.
Other popular degree alternatives for aspiring forensics professionals include bachelor's programs in criminology, criminal justice, or psychology. We discuss each of these program options in greater detail in a later section.
Exact program cost varies by school type and enrollment status, but most enrollees can expect to pay $35,000-$68,000 in tuition. Financial aid awards like scholarships and grants can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Admission Requirements
Like the field of forensics itself, entry into the nation's top forensic science programs is often highly competitive. While admission to a college or university often requires just a 2.0-2.5 minimum GPA, admission to a forensic science major may require high school grades of 3.0 or better. Other schools only admit students to the forensic science major after successful completion of first-year prerequisites in chemistry and calculus.
To apply as an undergraduate, schools commonly require submission of high school transcripts, a personal essay, and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students with a certificate or associate degree should supply college transcripts. Applicants may also need to provide letters of recommendation.
Consider using Common App to streamline your college admissions process. Common App allows prospective students to apply to more than one school without needing to reupload documents, retype personal information, or write multiple personal essays.
Degree Requirements
To graduate with your bachelor's degree in forensic science, you'll typically need to earn about 120 credit hours, which takes, on average, about four years to complete. The specific credit requirements may vary from one school to the next.
In general, though, the credits required to graduate with this type of degree will be a combination of core class requirements, program requirements, and elective courses. Common courses often include organic chemistry, statistics, and crime scene investigation.
Comparing Degree Types
At the undergraduate level, you will develop a similar foundation of knowledge and skills no matter the exact type of criminal justice degree they pursue. However, popular degree options for someone looking to become a forensic scientist include:
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
This degree provides the most straightforward pathway to forensic science jobs, combining lab work, criminal justice fundamentals, and investigative techniques.
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
This degree offers a broader examination of crime and criminals through historical, social, and other lenses. Schools commonly offer forensics as a concentration.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
his degree explores all areas of the criminal justice field, including law enforcement, corrections, investigation, and administration. Students may select forensics as a concentration.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Forensic Psychology Concentration)
Ideal if you plan to pursue additional education, this degree provides a narrow focus on clinical psychology and investigation.
The best degree for you depends largely on your interests and career goals. A degree in criminal justice offers the greatest flexibility of employment options, while a criminology or forensic science degree provides the narrowest study of criminal investigation and forensics.
Common Classes in Forensic Science
To complete a forensic science bachelor's degree, you'll need to complete general education, major core, and elective course requirements. You'll commonly take a combination of lecture, discussion, and laboratory courses, enabling an interdisciplinary approach to skill development.
The following list describes five common courses found in a forensic science bachelor's degree. You should note, however, that course requirements vary by degree type or specialization. A digital forensics major can expect fewer laboratory courses than a forensic chemistry major, for example.
Introduction to Forensic Science This survey course introduces you to the major scientific disciplines found within forensic science. Coursework discusses the role of each discipline in the handling and analysis of crime scene evidence. You'll learn about evidence collection, preservation, and examination techniques, and prepare to study forensics at an advanced level.
Organic Chemistry This course builds on your fundamental knowledge of chemistry. Coursework introduces the basic principles of organic chemistry, including aliphatic and aromatic chemistry reactions and the preparation of organic compounds. Skills in organic chemistry allow forensic scientists to conduct toxicology screenings and DNA analysis on blood or other body samples.
Courtroom Proceedings and Testimony This skills-intensive course provides you with a strong understanding of how courts introduce and present forensic evidence. Course discussions cover court procedure, issues of admissibility, and creation and presentation of exhibits. You'll read actual forensic court case transcripts, discuss evidence presentations, and participate in mock proceedings.
Crime Scene Investigation This course covers the basic methods and techniques used in scientific crime scene investigation, with a major focus on the recovery and processing of evidence. Key topics include scene assessment and management; recognizing, documenting, and collecting physical evidence; and the importance of crime scene reconstruction.
Internship Typically undertaken in the junior or senior year, a professional internship allows you to gain real-world experience in forensic, research, or law enforcement settings. This supervised field opportunity allows learners to apply classroom knowledge and develop important professional and networking skills. Completing an internship improves graduates' future employment prospects.
How Much Will a Bachelor's in Forensics Cost?
According to U.S. News & World Report, the tuition cost for a forensic science bachelor's degree totals $35,000-$68,000. Several factors can make a significant impact on the price of your education, including whether you study online or in person, whether you study at a public or private institution, and whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition rates.
Beyond tuition, degree-seekers also incur costs for facilities fees, housing, meals, transportation, books, and supplies.
College is a major investment, but students can take advantage of various financing options to help lower their out-of-pocket expenses. Every first-time freshman should fill out the FAFSA, which provides need-based aid in the form of grants and low-interest loans. Other great sources of aid include private scholarships and grants from organizations, corporations, individuals, and your prospective school.
If you need to take out loans, carefully review and compare loan terms and repayment options before signing.
Jobs for Bachelor's in Forensic Science Graduates
A bachelor's in forensic science prepares you for a variety of job opportunities in criminal investigation. Most professionals in this field work at crime scenes and in laboratories, with job titles like crime lab analyst, crime scene investigator, or forensic chemist.
Although the BLS does not provide specific salary data for specialized careers within forensic science, technicians across the field can expect to earn a median annual salary of $59,150. Exact income potential varies by employer, years of experience, certification, and geographic location.
Advanced forensic science careers, like forensic anthropology or forensic psychology, require master's or doctoral degrees. Professionals in these positions tend to earn annual salaries of $63,670-$80,370.
Choosing the Best Forensic Science College
Our ranked lists provide a great resource to start searching, but selecting the best forensic science college requires you to consider other factors as well. Things to keep in mind include:
Accreditation Make sure any prospective institution you consider holds either regional or national accreditation from a recognized agency. Some forensic science programs hold an additional layer of accreditation from the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission.
Faculty Background and Credentials Look for schools with experienced forensic scientists on staff. Individuals with work experience in criminal investigation can provide both quality instruction and unique insights into the forensic science field.
University Resources Hands-on experience and networking are invaluable for the forensic science major. Aim for a school with advanced laboratory facilities, local forensic internship opportunities, and robust career services.
Prestige/Reputation When researching colleges, look for forensic science degrees with top reputations that list employers of recent program alumni. You want to earn a degree respected for its professional results.
Future Education Opportunities An advanced degree can improve your employment prospects in the competitive forensic science field. Consider selecting a university that offers a master's program in forensics. Some schools even provide dual degree options that allow learners to earn a bachelor's and master's simultaneously.
Should You Get Your Degree Online?
Once a common target of negative stigma, the modern online college continues to grow rapidly in popularity. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 20% of undergraduates enrolled in at least one distance education course in fall 2018. Fourteen percent studied exclusively through remote learning formats.
Some of the best forensic science colleges in the nation offer online degree options designed to make learning more accessible for the busy, working student. Top benefits of studying online include flexible scheduling, the ability to learn at home or on the go, and the potential to save hundreds on campus-based fees.
Learning at a distance also requires you to make a few sacrifices, like giving up the social aspects of in-person classes and on-campus living. Before you commit to a remote forensic science degree, ask yourself whether the online experience best fits your needs. Things to consider when weighing your options include:
- Program technology requirements
- Your at-home learning environment
- Your preferred learning style
- Your comfort level with communicating digitally
