Best Forensic Science Schools

As a forensic science tech, you’ll help solve crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence. With the rise in popularity of television shows such as CSI and NCSI, many students are considering careers in forensics. There are currently over 30 colleges that offer forensic science programs, which prepare you for the job with classes in math, sciences, and more. But how long does it take to get your degree, and is this time worth the payout in terms of salary and employment lookout?

Most forensic science jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. This type of degree typically takes four years to complete, but it depends on your program and the amount of time you spend on your classes. If you load your schedule with work and take classes during the summers, you could finish in just three years, saving an entire year of time and tuition costs. At the same time, other students find it easier to spread the work of a bachelor’s degree out over more years, going to school only part time. This allows you to keep a job as you study to be a forensic science tech, or to concentrate on raising a family. It also means that it will take you five or six years to complete your training, rather than just four.

Your education shouldn’t stop when you graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Many forensic science tech educational programs offer master’s degrees in the field, which will take an extra 12 to 24 months of your time if you go to school full-time. However, that advanced degree can help you find a job in a tightening job market. Some forensic science tech programs also offer specialized classes for students to receive certain certifications. These classes can add extra months to your education, but you increase your marketability if you’re an expert in blood splatter or DNA analysis. You can also go on to get your PhD in this field, further specializing in one aspect of forensics or going into teaching.

Once you get a job, chances are that your employer will require continuing education. The world of forensics is constantly changing, with new technology to help scientists understand a crime scene. Currently, there are no national licensing, certification, or registration requirements for forensic science techs, but many employers will more readily hire those who are certified by the American Board of Criminalists, the American College of Forensic Examiners, or the International Association for Identification.

You’ll also receive training from your employer and superiors. When you’re new in forensics, you’ll most likely get hired to work in a lab or under close supervision in the field. To work in the field alone, you need to gain experience from those around you. Many employers sponsor company-wide classes on specific topics relating to certain aspects of forensics, and almost all will require training before you appear in a courtroom situation as an expert witness. Becoming a forensic science tech means continual education for as long as you work in this field, but as an experienced professional, you can expect to make between $40,000 and $85,000 per year. Lab directors make even more, often breaking six figures. This field is also growing, meaning that there are more and more jobs available for graduating students, especially those who specialize in growing fields, like DNA analysis, so the time spent to get your bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree is worth the payoff.

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.

BS in Forensic Psychology BS in Crime Scene Investigation Crime Scene Tech Certificate	Kaplan University — At Kaplan University, students can get a forensic science degree in three different concentrations: forensic psychology, crime scene investigation, and crime scene tech. No matter which program you choose, Kaplan will quickly prepare you for a career in forensic science.
BS in Justice & Forensic Science	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.
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.
AS in Crime Scene Evidence	Rasmussen College — Rasmussen offers an associate's degree in crime scene evidence that will teach its students investigative skills such as fingerprint analysis, technology used at crime scenes to solve crimes, and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BS in Forensic Investigation	Ellis University Online — The bachelor's degree in forensic investigation from Ellis University will empower students with the skills they need to be able to reconstruct crime scenes using special investigating technology and techniques.
BA in Social Science/Criminal Justice	Ashford University — The social and criminal justice bachelor's degree program at Ashford University is designed to enhance a student's understanding of the criminal justice system and is worth looking into for anyone interested in advancing a career in law enforcement, criminal justice, or forensics.
BSPS in Forensic Science	Duquesne University — Duquesne's forensic science degree program is entirely online, allowing flexibility for students who may not be available for class during normal hours. Despite being wholly online, graduates of this program will still be just as prepared for a career in criminology or forensic science.
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