Top Online Forensic Tech Degree Programs

Forensic science, or forensics, is a rapidly growing field of criminal investigation whereby forensic technicians employ their technical skills in the field. To become a forensic scientist, students must obtain at least an associate's degree in fields such as criminal investigation, forensic psychology, criminal justice, and more.

You can use the form below to search over 1,000 accredited online degrees.
Subject:    Degree Level:    
Kaplan University
BS in Forensic Psychology
BS in CSI
 Kaplan University — At Kaplan University, students can get a forensic science bachelor's degree in two different concentrations: forensic psychology and crime scene investigation. No matter which program you choose, Kaplan will quickly prepare you for a career in forensic science.
Click Here
American InterContinental University
BS in Justice & Forensic Sci.
 American InterContinental University — AICU's justice and forensic science program is designed to be a fast-track course that will help anyone segue into a job as a crime scene forensic science analyst after only one year of schooling.
Click Here
Everest University Online
AS in Criminal Investigations
 Everest University Online — The criminal investigations degree from Everest University is offered online for busy adults who may already have other commitments that keep them out of class during normal hours. The flexible program will give students the skills they need to begin a criminal investigative career after graduation.
Click Here
University of Liverpool
MS in Forensic Psychology
 University of Liverpool — The University of Liverpool MS in forensic psychology and criminal investigation program features a curriculum that explores research and academic knowledge, ethical issues, and practical communication skills of forensic psychology and criminal investigation. The program is one year in duration.
Click Here
Liberty University
AA in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
 Liberty University — Liberty University offers two accredited degrees in the field of Forensic Science online in addition to their campus counterparts. Both the Associates and Bachelors programs in Criminal Justice offer an in-depth guide through the investigative process of the justice system. Students will come away with skills, knowledge, and resources they can apply to real-world problems and situations upon graduation.
Click Here
University of Phoenix
AA in Criminal Justice
 University of Phoenix — The nation's top online university now offers an associate's degree in criminal justice, providing an affordable option to students seeking quality education in the field of forensic science.
Click Here
Walden University
MS in Forensic Psychology
 Walden University — Walden University offers their master's in forensic psychology degree program fully online. Students of this program will gain insights into how forensic psychologists work with the legal system on reducing criminal behavior within a community. A graduate of this program is well-equipped to become a psychologist in a correctional institution, mental health center, psychiatric facility, child welfare agency, and more.
Click Here
DeVry University
BCIS in Computer Forensics
 DeVry University — DeVry University's online BCIS degree in computer forensics guides students through computer forensic software training, multi-level data recovery, encryption, and ethics. Those enrolled will maintain access to DeVry's virtual library and interactive study tools, with practical coursework focusing on evidence procedures, computer ethics, and more.
Click Here
Strayer University
BS/CJ - Computer Forensics
 Strayer University — With the Strayer University BS in criminal justice degree with a concentration in computer security & forensics, students are awakened to the fascinating world of criminal justice. The curriculum focuses on the human reasonings behind adult and juvenile crimes. Classes cover core topics in information systems and security issues related to operating systems, networks, databases, and software programs.
Click Here
South University
BS in Crime Scene Investigation
 South University — South University offers a bachelor's degree in crime scene investigation that allows students to study at their own pace as they work their way toward becoming a criminologist or forensic scientist.
Click Here
Argosy University
MA in Forensic Psychology
 Argosy University — For those looking for a quick and affordable way to further a career in forensics, the master's degree in forensic psychology offered by Argosy University is worth looking into. With flexible class hours over an online platform, Argosy is suited for ambitious professionals.
Click Here
See more online forensic science degrees...

Find a Forensic Science school near you

Fill out the short form below and we'll help match you with a school that suits your needs.

To begin, enter your ZIP code:

Introduction to Forensic Science

Forensic science is a field many are interested thanks to the crime dramas they see on television. While it isn’t all about nice suits and cases that are easily solved by a strategically placed strand of hair, it is an exciting and rewarding field that regularly brings new experience. Forensic scientists can work in many areas. Best of all, you can earn a forensic science certificate through an online program. This means you’re able to utilize your schools sooner and find full time work, even if you do not have the time or money to obtain a four year degree. Look for a school with an accredited forensics program. The school should be accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS).

Crime continues to grow in most parts of the United States, so the outlook for forensic scientists, whether working as a criminalist or forensic science investigator, are good. The majority of forensic science technicians and scientists are employed by the government.

Types of Forensic Science Programs

Forensic Science is an exciting field with several specializations that require different skills. You could find yourself picking apart a crime scene for clues, sifting through company data and records, or recovering deleted and damaged files from a computer hard drive. Common majors include:

Forensic Science Career Options

There are many specialized area of working as a forensic scientist. Below you will find the most popular and in-demand positions. There are also career options for someone with a background in forensic science such as crime lab analyst, forensic toxicologist, forensic psychologist, forensic document or computer examiner and forensic pathologist.

Forensic science technician

A forensic science technician deals with samples on a daily basis. This might be hair samples, blood samples, urine or other bodily fluids. As a forensic science tech, you collect, categorize and analyze forensic information and conduct tests on weapons. The goal is to see where they fit into the investigation. This can be a very demanding job where you’re working against the clock to get the job done. Forensic science techs also do extensive work with impressions, such as finger prints or footprints. For the most part, forensic science techs work a 9-5 position at a lab. Labs are sanitary and the forensic science tech also has a desk to work at when he or she is not conducting tests. Forensic science techs average about $54,000 per year, but that number goes down depending on where you’re working. California, Arizona, Florida, Texas and Illinois have the highest paid forensic science techs.

Forensic scientist

A forensic scientist works the crime scene and brings samples and impressions back to the lab for a forensic science technician to analyze. It’s important to have great communication skills and be open to all walks of life as a forensic scientist. Crime scene investigations will throw you into the mix with several types of people and you should be able to adapt to any situation with ease. Forensic scientists are often called out to investigations in the middle of the night, so do not expect a 9-5 work day. This is a high pressure job where the police and investigators are depending on you to piece together a puzzle. Forensic scientists are employed by police departments, but they are also employed by morgues, hospitals and third party laboratories. Forensic scientists earn about $60,000 per year.

Engineering scientist

This position revolves around the math and science in a case. An engineering scientist may have a background in mathematics in addition to their training in forensic science. An engineering scientist deals with patterns and statistics on a daily basis. Engineering scientists do not deal with elaborate criminal cases, but more often civil lawsuits. Occasionally, an engineering scientist may deal with a criminal case. There are junior and senior engineering scientist positions. In both cases, you work in a lab or office assessing information from a case. Some engineering scientists have their PhD in forensic science. Engineering scientists earn an average of $98,000 per year.

 

Criminalist

A forensic scientist who enjoys working on crime scenes and dealing exclusively with physical evidence should explore a career as a criminalist. A criminalist deals only with physical evidence during an investigation and uses scientific methods to come to a conclusion on what its purpose is to the case. A criminalist comes to conclusions not necessarily reached in the lab and can sometimes testify in court for a case. Criminalists are most often employed by the government. States like California and Texas are experiencing a rise in demand for criminalists whom specialize in one field. There are various criminalist positions such as senior criminalist or a criminalist who deals specifically with DNA. Having extensive experience in one area can increase your salary. Criminalists earn about $67,000 per year.

Find a Forensic Science school near you

Fill out the short form below and we'll help match you with a school that suits your needs.

To begin, enter your ZIP code:

Latest Articles from our Blog