Forensic Science Degrees Online

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Online Forensic Science Degree

Many online schools now offer forensic science degrees as the industry booms. Forensic scientists are more than crime lab techs. They play a key role in the criminal justice system. If you like detective work, find out how an online program may ready you for this very fast growing field.

What is an Online Forensic Science Degree?

A forensic science degree studies physical evidence. What it is, how to collect, sort as well as record clues left behind at crime scenes. FS is also an applied science. So it also looks at how to use findings for court that prove innocence or guilt of a suspect. This makes it a crucial area of criminal justice.

Bachelor’s programs explore the pillars of forensic science. Law enforcement, natural science and investigation. Once you graduate, you may qualify for entry level jobs. Master’s programs may offer a path to forge new skills. Some scientific and others tactical. Grads may leave ready to step into a managerial or supervisory role in a forensic lab. PhDs are research focused. Some grads pursue this path to teach, consult, direct and set policy. To earn a PhD one must input new theory or add value to the field through discovery.

Some schools may also offer cert programs. These are short term and take about one year (3 to 4 courses). The courses provide college credit and may add expertise to a resume. When looking for a program match, make sure to check the school’s accreditation. Only accredited institutions allow you to go for financial aid (like a Pell Grant). These schools often honor qualifying transfer credits too. That is another way to make a degree more affordable. Especially if you have an associate degree already.

In some cases you may find accredited programs. The agency who sets the standards is FEPAC of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. These may follow a certain set of classes and skills may set them apart from others. 

Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science

An online bachelor’s in forensics is an entry level degree. Most programs cover intro topics in about 120 credit hours which takes about 4 years full time. There are two paths to choose. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). Either is the least education many entry level jobs ask for.

Of the two, the BS is more technical. So, you are likely to study biology and computer based methods. BA programs may go into more liberal arts, psychology and statistics instead. A typical BS frames the tools, theories and tactics used to gather physical evidence. Hairs, fibers, forensic DNA, blood, semen, glass, soil, finger prints, documents, etc.

You also study what to do with these clues through hands on labs. Even in 100% online programs this practical side may bring you to campus or a local lab. Knowing about the human mind is also important. Especially how the abnormal criminal mind thinks and acts. These topics often shed light on disorders and their impact. By the end of your program you complete a capstone to make sense of the course work.

Deciding on online schools you may find tuition rates vary. If you choose a public school, it was about $17,797 per year in 2017/18. Private schools do cost more. Figure about $46,014 at private nonprofit or $26,261 at private for profit per year. When ready to apply, you need a high school diploma or GED (plus transcripts). Certain online programs also check for a minimum GPA. Plus fluency in English and certain skills in math.

Master’s Degree in Forensic Science

An online master’s is a grad degree. Many forensic techs go for one to advance their career and refine skills. An avg. program covers 36 credits in about two years full time. But some schools offer credit for work experience which may speed up the time line. A typical master’s gears to forensic courses. As a result, you may study botany, DNA and other sciences. 

At the same time, students often learn how to apply leadership tactics in forensic settings. As a result, you make take virtual classes with law enforcers, medical and legal pros. Many programs cap with an applied project. When so, you may study bio statistics and ways to manage and use data. These classes might grow your ability to research and make informed decisions.

To gain admission you must already have a bachelor’s degree in hand. Some online schools accept biology, chemistry or physics majors for science focused programs. Applicants may also need a min. GPA of 3.0 but this is going to vary. Another factor is tuition. The avg. graduate tuition and required fees at a public college is $11,617. You may find programs that are more affordable as well as ones that cost even more.

PhD in Forensic Science

A PhD is a research degree. It is the highest award in forensics one might achieve. Many who go for it plan to pursue a career in academia. Or lead a research team in either gov’t labs or private industry. Most programs focus on a core of advanced forensic topics. Like chemistry, biology and pattern evidence.  Your faculty may direct you to take other ones if deemed important.

Through them you also assess the current body of knowledge in the field. Then add to it by solving one of its more complex issues. This is the work of your dissertation. Apart from your classes (which may be fully online), there may be some on site visits. Either lab rotations, student teaching or a dissertation residency.

When ready to apply, you are likely to need both a bachelor’s and master’s. You may need a background related to the PhD and GRE scores. The course plans are rigorous so many online schools look beyond transcripts. They may ask for a resume of past work, a writing sample, your research goals and references. Keep in mind that most PhDs in this field are on campus. You might access some material online but others are hands on and require presence.

What can I do with an Online Forensic Science Degree?

Forensic science education may be a gateway to careers of all kinds. That’s thanks to new tech and a rise in case loads. Since the field has many faces, there may be jobs for all levels of education. As a rule, for science focused roles one needs a bachelor’s to qualify for an entry job. Having a master’s and work experience may then drive a career forward.

1. FORENSIC SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

A forensic science tech helps criminal investigators in one of two ways. Crime scene investigation or crime laboratory analysis. At a crime scene, they gather clues, take photos and catalog what they find. In labs, they run DNA and other tests to come up with objective findings. Many enter the field with a bachelor’s degree. But for managerial roles having a master’s degree is preferable.

2. CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR

A CSI sleuths to find information in all kinds of cases. Financial, legal, corporate, and personal. As a result they help find missing persons, track insurance fraud and more. If the role is complex, a two or four year degree in criminal justice (CJ) is the common pathway to entry level jobs. Most states also have rules about licensure, so make sure to check. 

3. FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST

A forensic psychologist is a licensed professional. Usually one with a PhD or Doctor of Psychology. Their role is to dig into abnormal and criminal behavior. These skills help to create profiles that law enforcers pros can use. As experts, they also know how the criminal justice system runs. This makes them useful as witnesses and to help judges and attorneys make sense of their cases.

4. COMPUTER FORENSICS ANALYST

A computer forensics analyst looks for digital clues to solve cyber crimes. In so doing, they track down electronic fraud, scams and identity theft. If this interests you, you are likely to need a degree in IT for most careers. Some employers may prefer MBA prepped applicants too. 

5. INTELLIGENCE ANALYST

Also known as crime analysts. These pros gather and assess information from many sources. Police databases, law enforcement agencies, surveillance, intel networks and GIS systems. Then use this data to thwart criminal activities. Like threats related to terrorist attacks and organized crime. A bachelor’s may suffice for entry roles but managerial ones might need a master’s.

6. MEDICAL EXAMINER

Also known as coroners these pros look into how a person died. Was it an accident? Murder? To answer these questions they perform autopsies. Then run forensic tests to tie a death to a criminal suspect. If going this route, the majority of workers have a bachelor’s. Though the duties and setting may impact the training needed.

7. FORENSIC CHEMIST

A forensic chemist analyzes trace evidence. They do this to isolate and identify drugs, poisons and toxic substances. And, to look for clues that can help solve crimes. Often, these are the experts that test and report on DNA (human and animal). Depending on the level of research called for one may need a master’s or PhD.

Is an Online Degree in Forensic Science worth it?

Expertise in forensics may yield useful skills, prospects and above average earning potential. Jobs in this area of the life sciences are growing at a much faster rate than others. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics if you know forensic chemistry, the future is bright. Through 2029, the field expects 14% more jobs compared to the norm of 5%. As a niche area having a master’s degree may give you an edge over the stiff competition. If you prefer not to work in the lab there are other options also fast growing. Lawsuits, frauds and other crimes are creating more work for investigators. While a smaller field, it should see 8% growth through 2029. Here having computer and interviewing skills here may help.

Salaries in all these areas vary. The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $59,150 in May 2019. Salaries tend to be highest for jobs in state and local gov’ts. Also common is to look for a research focused science job. Chemists (including those in the forensics industry) held about 86,700 jobs in 2019. They report avg. annual wages of $77,630 in that year. Avg. salaries were highest in research ($90,290) and federal gov’t jobs ($111,240)

Online Forensic Science Degree Jobs & Salary

Top States for Jobs as a Forensic Science Technician

What classes will I take with an Online Forensic Science Degree?

Online learning in forensics goes from general to detailed depending on the degree level. Many programs are not going to be full online if science (not CJ) focused as there are labs. That said, basic classes look at the lab disciplines of forensics such as:

• Molecular biology (DNA)
• Chemistry
• Trace evidence (E.g. hairs and fibers, paint)
• Fingerprints
• Firearms and tool marks
• Fire and explosives
• Toxicology
• Handwriting analysis
• Digital evidence

You may study many of these topics when you are going for a forensic degree online. But each level of degree is likely to do this in a unique way. Below are some of the classes you may find at the bachelors, masters and PhD levels.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE COURSES

Many BS programs cover three broad groups of classes. The first are general education if not completed. These look into humanities, natural science and college math. Second are core topics related to the criminal justice system.

Through them, you may learn about the Constitution, American court system and criminal law. Plus the rules and DOJ policies surrounding evidence and how to use it. A third set of courses relate to your major in forensic science. These often explore the following types of classes when part of a CJ program. 

GRADUATE PROGRAM CLASSES

One of the note worthy parts of graduate forensic course plans is the research aspect. For PhDs more so than master’s. These classes may help you conduct an experiment, gather and present data. You may use the data to come up with a new theory (PhD) or make data driven decisions (master’s). 

Also important at this level is the niche you choose. Whereas an undergrad program tends to be general, not so at this level. Most enable one to focus on a niche. Like forensic DNA, drug chemistry, serology or drug metabolism. Here are a few sample topics to give you an idea. 

How long does it take to get a Forensic Science Degree online?

The time it takes to earn an online degree in forensics varies by level. As a rule a bachelor’s is a four year degree unless you have qualifying transfer credits. From there a master’s may take about two years. More if you study part time. If both these degrees are under your belt you may need about five to complete a PhD and some schools give up to 8. 

15 Schools with Online Forensic Science Degree Programs 

Many online schools offer forensics degree programs. We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.

1. American Intercontinental U
2. Southern New Hampshire U
3. Azusa Pacific 
4. Strayer U
5. Columbia College 
6. U of Maryland Global Campus
7. Arizona State U
8. Florida State U 
9. Stevenson U 
10. National U
11. Walden U
12. Northcentral U 
13. West Virginia U 
14. Syracuse U 
15. U of North Dakota

FIND AN ONLINE FORENSIC SCIENCE DEGREE

Let’s take a closer look at the online forensics degrees that these 15 schools have to offer.