Best Forensic Science Schools

As the field of forensic science expands, more and more students are pursuing education to become forensic science technicians. At one time, you could enter this field with just an associate’s degree, but today the vast majority of employers will only consider candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree. Still, after graduation, you may have a hard time finding a job as a forensic science technician. One of the best ways to ensure that you get a job offer in your field is to be flexible with where you intend to live and work.

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following states have the highest number of forensic science technicians in relation to population:

• Arizona
• Florida
• North Carolina
• Nevada
• Colorado

However, the states with the highest numbers aren’t necessarily the states with the highest annual wages, on average. If salary is more important to you than job availability, you should look to the following states (all average salaries are as of 2008):

• Wisconsin: $83,440
• Massachusetts: $76,560
• Kansas: $76,060
• Connecticut: $68,370
• California: $65,160

If you’re willing to live in a city, rather than in a more rural area, you’ll find both a higher number of job openings and higher salaries. In rural areas, many police forces don’t have a local forensics laboratory and instead hire consultants when they need extra help, so there are very few job openings at any given time. Some have one or two forensic science technicians on staff, but the turnover rate in this industry isn’t high, so you may not find any good opportunities if you’re committed to staying in a single rural area. In larger cities, however, you’ll find entire units working in the forensic science field. The metropolitan areas with the most forensic scientists, as of 2008, are:

• Raleigh – Cary, North Carolina
• Richmond, Virginia
• Austin – Round Rock, Texas
• Santa Rosa – Petaluma, California
• San Antonio, Texas

Looking for a high-paying job? The following metropolitan areas have the highest paid forensic science technicians, on average:

• Boston – Cambridge – Quincy, Massachusetts: $76, 470
• Santa Ana – Anaheim – Irvine, California: $74,600
• Los Angeles – Long Beach – Glendale, California: $70,690
• Oakland – Fremont – Hayward, California: $70,320
• Washington – Arlington – Alexandria, DC/Virginia/Maryland: $68,930

Keep in mind that along with those higher salaries, you’ll be paying more for rent, transportation, food, and other necessities, so the bigger paychecks don’t always leave you with the most amount of money in your savings account at the end of the day. You’re often better off applying to jobs in cities and states hiring the most forensic scientists, rather than those with the highest average salaries in this industry.

No matter where you work, you can increase both your qualifications for forensic science jobs and your salary if you specialize. Today, many students seek jobs directly after getting a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, but if you go on to specialize with a master’s degree or get certification in a specific subject area, your resume will instantly shuffle to the top of the pile.

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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