The popularity of forensic science and crime scene investigation careers has surged dramatically in recent years, driven by both media representation and genuine career opportunities in the field. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 13% job growth through 2034 for forensic science technicians, which is well above the national average, students are increasingly seeking quality education programs that won’t leave them burdened with debt.
State-by-State Guide to the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Crime Scene Investigations
State-by-State Guide to the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees for Forensic Laboratory Science
If you’re serious about becoming a forensic scientist or crime scene investigator but need to balance educational quality with affordability, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your options. We’ve analyzed hundreds of accredited programs nationwide to identify the most cost-effective pathways into this fascinating field.
Key takeaway:
Affordable bachelor’s degrees in forensic science and CSI are available at accredited schools nationwide, with in-state tuition often under $10,000 per year. Understanding the differences between CSI and forensic science programs, along with careful school selection, can save you thousands while preparing you for a median salary of $67,440 nationally.
Understanding CSI vs. Forensic Science Degrees: Critical Differences That Impact Your Career
While many students use the terms interchangeably, crime scene investigation and forensic science degrees prepare you for distinctly different roles in the criminal justice system. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right program and avoiding costly mistakes in your educational journey.
Crime Scene Investigation Degrees: Field-Focused Education
CSI programs emphasize hands-on crime scene processing and evidence collection techniques. These degrees prepare you for the challenging realities of working at actual crime scenes, where you’ll need to maintain the chain of custody, prevent contamination, and document everything meticulously.
The core CSI curriculum typically includes specialized courses in crime scene management, evidence photography, fingerprint analysis, blood spatter pattern analysis, and trace evidence collection. You’ll learn to work in chaotic, often disturbing environments while maintaining scientific objectivity and legal protocols. Students spend significant time practicing scene reconstruction, learning to use specialized equipment such as alternative light sources, and mastering documentation techniques that will hold up in court.
CSI graduates typically work directly with law enforcement agencies as crime scene technicians, evidence technicians, or field investigators. According to 2024 BLS data, these positions often start at around $45,560 annually but can reach over $90,000 with experience and specialization.
Forensic Science Degrees: Laboratory-Centered Analysis
Forensic science programs focus primarily on the scientific analysis of physical evidence in controlled laboratory settings. These degrees require a stronger foundation in chemistry, biology, and physics, preparing you to become the scientist who analyzes the data collected by field technicians.
The forensic science curriculum dives deep into analytical chemistry, molecular biology, toxicology, and instrumental analysis. You’ll master sophisticated equipment like gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and DNA sequencers. Laboratory courses emphasize quality control, method validation, and the statistical interpretation of results that can withstand legal scrutiny.
Graduates typically pursue careers as forensic chemists, DNA analysts, toxicologists, or trace evidence examiners in crime laboratories. These positions often require additional specialized certifications but offer higher starting salaries, particularly in federal laboratories.
Hybrid Programs: The Best of Both Worlds
Many universities now offer hybrid programs that combine elements of both disciplines, recognizing that smaller agencies often require professionals who can work in both settings and labs. These comprehensive programs typically require 130-140 credit hours and include internships in both field and laboratory settings.
2024 Forensic Science Technician Salary Data and Career Outlook
Understanding the financial return on your educational investment is crucial when choosing an affordable degree program. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals encouraging trends for forensic science professionals across the United States.
| Career Metric | National Data (2024) | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Total Employment | 19,450 professionals | +13% through 2034 |
| Median Annual Salary | $67,440 | Above the inflation rate |
| Mean Annual Salary | $75,260 | Steady increases expected |
| Entry Level (10th percentile) | $45,560 | Rising with demand |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $107,490+ | Expanding opportunities |
Regional Salary Variations: Where Location Matters
Geographic location has a significant impact on earning potential in forensic science. Metropolitan areas and states with major crime laboratories typically offer higher salaries to offset the cost of living and compete for qualified professionals.
| State | Median Salary | Entry Level (10th %) | Top Earners (90th %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $96,850 | $61,380 | $137,020 |
| Oregon | $78,100 | $53,090 | $129,220 |
| Ohio | $73,310 | $50,720 | $118,100 |
| Indiana | $65,770 | $40,750 | $90,130 |
| Georgia | $58,500 | $39,060 | $83,600 |
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Forensic Science Technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.
Factors Affecting Salary Potential
Several key factors influence earning potential beyond geographic location. Educational level remains paramount, with bachelor’s degree holders earning approximately 25% more than those with associate degrees. Specialized certifications from organizations like the American Board of Criminalistics can add $5,000 to $15,000 to annual salaries.
Experience level has a dramatic impact on earnings, with professionals typically seeing a 40-60% salary growth over their first decade. Federal positions, while competitive, offer the highest salaries, with FBI forensic examiners earning well into six figures. Private laboratory positions, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, also command premium salaries.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Available in CSI and Forensic Science
The diversity of bachelor’s degree options in forensic science reflects the field’s interdisciplinary nature. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose a program that aligns with both your career goals and learning style.
Bachelor of Science (BS) Degrees: The Scientific Foundation
Bachelor of Science programs dominate the forensic science landscape, typically requiring 120-130 credit hours with heavy emphasis on natural sciences. These programs demand strong performance in organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physics. Laboratory courses typically account for 40-50% of the major requirements.
BS programs are best suited for students targeting laboratory careers or planning graduate studies. The rigorous scientific training prepares you for specialized roles in DNA analysis, toxicology, or trace evidence examination. Many BS programs also meet prerequisites for medical or dental school, providing alternative career paths.
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degrees: Leadership and Application
BAS programs blend scientific knowledge with management and leadership training, preparing graduates for supervisory roles. These degrees typically build upon associate degrees or professional experience, making them ideal for working professionals seeking advancement.
Curriculum includes project management, laboratory administration, quality assurance, and budget management alongside forensic coursework. Graduates often pursue laboratory director positions, consulting roles, or administrative positions within law enforcement agencies. The applied focus means more case studies, fewer theoretical courses, and emphasis on real-world problem-solving.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degrees: The Broader Perspective
BA programs in forensic science offer greater flexibility in electives and often require fewer science credits. While still providing solid forensic education, these degrees also allow for the exploration of complementary fields, such as psychology, sociology, or criminal justice.
This path suits students interested in crime scene investigation, death investigation, or roles requiring strong communication skills. The broader education proves valuable for positions requiring public interaction, such as a coroner’s investigator or a crime prevention specialist. However, some crime laboratories prefer BS degrees for technical positions.
Specialized Degree Titles and Concentrations
Universities increasingly offer specialized bachelor’s degrees tailored to specific forensic disciplines. Digital forensics programs focus on investigating cybercrime and recovering electronic evidence. Forensic anthropology degrees emphasize the identification of human remains. Forensic chemistry programs provide intensive training in drug analysis and toxicology.
When evaluating programs with unique titles, carefully examine the curriculum. A criminal justice degree with a forensic concentration may lack the scientific rigor needed for laboratory work. Conversely, a chemistry degree with a forensic emphasis might not include training in crime scene processing.
Essential Accreditation Standards: Your Quality Assurance
Accreditation serves as your guarantee that a forensic science program meets established educational standards and will be recognized by employers nationwide. Understanding accreditation levels helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your degree opens doors rather than closing them.
Regional Accreditation: The Non-Negotiable Foundation
Regional accreditation from one of six recognized bodies represents the gold standard in American higher education. These organizations evaluate entire institutions, ensuring adequate resources, qualified faculty, and sustainable operations. Federal financial aid, credit transfers, and graduate school admission typically require regional accreditation.
The six regional accrediting bodies are the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC). Each maintains rigorous standards requiring regular institutional self-assessment and peer review.
Employers in forensic science universally recognize regionally accredited degrees. Crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and federal agencies often specify regional accreditation in job requirements. Without it, your degree may be worthless for professional employment.
FEPAC Accreditation: The Forensic Gold Standard
The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) provides specialized accreditation for forensic science programs. Established in 2004, FEPAC accreditation signals that a program meets industry-specific standards developed by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
FEPAC-accredited programs must demonstrate adequate curriculum coverage across forensic disciplines, maintain qualified faculty with forensic experience, provide access to proper laboratory facilities and instrumentation, and ensure students complete substantive laboratory work and often internships. While FEPAC accreditation isn’t universally required for employment, it’s increasingly preferred by major crime laboratories and can provide competitive advantages in job markets.
Currently, approximately 50 bachelor’s programs hold FEPAC accreditation nationwide. These programs undergo rigorous evaluation every five years, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving field requirements.
ACS Approval: Excellence in Forensic Chemistry
The American Chemical Society certifies chemistry programs that meet its comprehensive standards, particularly those relevant to forensic chemistry specializations. ACS-approved programs require extensive chemistry coursework, including organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry, along with 400 hours of laboratory experience beyond introductory courses.
For students targeting careers in drug analysis, toxicology, or trace evidence examination, ACS approval signals exceptional preparation. Many federal laboratories and toxicology labs preferentially hire graduates from ACS-approved programs.
How to Find Affordable Forensic Science Programs: A Strategic Approach
Finding quality education at an affordable price requires strategic planning and understanding of higher education pricing structures. The difference between the most and least expensive programs can exceed $100,000 over a four-year period, making careful selection crucial for your financial future.
Understanding True Cost: Beyond Sticker Price
Published tuition rates tell only part of the story of affordability. The true cost of your forensic science degree includes tuition and mandatory fees, room and board or living expenses, textbooks and laboratory supplies, transportation and parking, and certification exam fees. Many forensic programs require specialized equipment or software that can add thousands to your expenses.
Consider also the opportunity cost of extended programs. Some schools require 140+ credit hours for forensic degrees, adding a semester or year to the standard bachelor’s timeline. That extra time means additional expenses and delayed entry into the workforce.
Public vs. Private Institution Economics
Public universities typically offer the most affordable option for in-state residents, with average annual tuition ranging from $10,000 to $12,000. These institutions receive state funding that subsidizes educational costs. However, out-of-state tuition at public schools often rivals or exceeds the costs of private schools.
Private institutions, which carry higher sticker prices averaging $35,000 to $40,000 annually, often provide substantial financial aid packages. Some students find private schools more affordable after aid than out-of-state public options. Religion-affiliated institutions sometimes offer additional discounts for members of their faith community.
Community colleges provide an often-overlooked affordability strategy. Completing general education requirements at a community college before transferring can reduce the total degree cost by 40-50%. Many states have articulation agreements guaranteeing transfer credit acceptance, though you should verify that your intended four-year program accepts community college science courses.
Geographic Considerations and Regional Exchanges
Your state of residence significantly impacts affordability options. States with robust public university systems and forensic programs offer more affordable choices. Some states participate in regional exchange programs, which allow for reduced tuition at out-of-state schools.
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) offers 150% of in-state tuition at participating schools across 16 western states. The Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market provides in-state tuition for specialized programs not available in your home state. Similar programs exist in the Midwest and New England, potentially saving $15,000 to $20,000 annually.
State-by-State Analysis of Affordable CSI and Forensic Science Programs
Each state’s educational landscape offers unique opportunities and challenges for aspiring forensic scientists. This analysis highlights the most affordable accredited options while noting special features that add value beyond low tuition.
Northeast Region: Established Programs with Strong Networks
The Northeast hosts some of America’s oldest forensic science programs, many of which have extensive alumni networks and established relationships with regional crime laboratories. Pennsylvania State University offers one of the few FEPAC-accredited programs in the region, with in-state tuition under $20,000 annually. Their program includes guaranteed internship placement and access to a working crime laboratory on campus.
The State University of New York at Albany offers exceptional value with its nationally recognized forensic chemistry program, which costs approximately $10,000 per year in-state tuition. The program maintains partnerships with the New York State Police Crime Laboratory, offering students direct pathways to employment. John Jay College of Criminal Justice, located in New York City, despite its urban setting, remains surprisingly affordable for city residents and offers unparalleled internship opportunities with the NYPD and federal agencies.
Smaller state schools, such as Eastern Connecticut State University and the University of New Haven, offer quality programs at moderate prices, often with smaller class sizes, which allow for more personalized instruction and research opportunities.
Southeast Region: Growing Opportunities in Expanding Markets
The Southeast region has experienced significant growth in forensic science programs over the past decade, in response to increasing demand from state crime laboratories. Virginia Commonwealth University stands out with its FEPAC-accredited program and in-state tuition of around $14,000 annually. The program’s location in Richmond provides access to the state’s consolidated laboratory system.
The University of Central Florida offers one of the nation’s largest forensic science programs with highly affordable in-state tuition of $6,000 annually. Their National Center for Forensic Science provides research opportunities typically found only at more expensive institutions. Similarly, Florida International University combines low tuition with specialized tracks in forensic chemistry and forensic biology.
Marshall University in West Virginia deserves special mention for combining very low tuition, around $8,000 annually for residents, with a comprehensive forensic science program including DNA analysis capabilities. Their rural location is offset by strong job placement rates throughout Appalachia.
Midwest Region: Traditional Value with Modern Programs
Midwestern universities traditionally offer excellent educational value, and forensic science programs are no exception. Michigan State University’s forensic science program, one of the nation’s oldest, offers an exceptional education at an annual in-state tuition of approximately $15,000. Their program includes specializations in forensic chemistry, forensic biology, and forensic anthropology.
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers a hidden gem with its forensic investigation emphasis within the criminal justice program, combining low tuition with hands-on crime scene training. Ohio University and Bowling Green State University both offer comprehensive forensic programs at moderate prices, complemented by strong regional employment networks.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) merits attention for its forensic and investigative sciences program, located adjacent to the state crime laboratory, which facilitates internships and employment opportunities. Their tuition remains competitive at approximately $10,000 annually for residents.
Western Region: Innovation and Opportunity
Western states often feature newer programs with innovative approaches to forensic education. Arizona State University’s forensic science program emphasizes interdisciplinary training at reasonable in-state rates. Their online options provide flexibility for working students while maintaining laboratory requirements through intensive campus sessions.
The University of California, Davis offers a forensic science track within their chemistry program, providing access to world-class research facilities at UC system in-state rates. While California’s in-state tuition is higher than in some states, the program’s reputation and resources offer excellent value.
Smaller programs, such as those at Weber State University in Utah and the University of North Texas, provide affordable alternatives with strong regional reputations. These programs often feature smaller class sizes and more individualized attention than larger institutions.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites: Preparing for Success
Forensic science programs maintain selective admission standards reflecting the field’s technical demands and limited laboratory space. Understanding these requirements helps you prepare a competitive application while avoiding programs that might not meet your needs.
Academic Prerequisites: Building Your Foundation
Most forensic science programs require strong preparation in mathematics and science. Typical high school requirements include four years of mathematics through pre-calculus or calculus, four years of laboratory science including chemistry and biology, and strong performance in English and communication courses. Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in science demonstrate readiness for college-level work.
Competitive programs often require a minimum GPA of 3.0-3.5, with a particular emphasis on grades in science and math. Some programs use alternative admission criteria for students with lower GPAs but strong standardized test scores or relevant experience. Community college transfers typically need to maintain higher GPAs, often 3.2 or above, to gain admission to forensic programs.
Standardized Testing and Additional Requirements
While many schools have adopted test-optional policies, forensic science programs often still require SAT or ACT scores due to the technical nature of the curriculum. Competitive scores typically range from 1200 to 1400 on the SAT or 26 to 31 on the ACT, with higher math and science subscores being weighted more heavily.
Some programs require additional elements, including criminal background checks, as felony convictions can disqualify individuals from employment in crime laboratories. Drug testing may be required before internship placements. Personal statements explaining your interest in forensic science and career goals are standard, while letters of recommendation from science teachers or professionals in the field strengthen applications.
Several programs conduct interviews, particularly for scholarship candidates or limited-enrollment programs. These assessments evaluate communication skills, professional demeanor, and a genuine understanding of forensic science beyond media portrayals.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities in Forensic Science
Strategic financial aid planning can make seemingly expensive programs affordable. Beyond standard federal aid, numerous scholarships specifically target forensic science students, potentially reducing costs by thousands of dollars annually.
Federal and State Aid Programs
Federal financial aid forms the foundation of most students’ funding packages. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by priority deadlines is essential. Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395 annually for eligible undergraduates, while Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants add up to $4,000 for exceptional need.
Federal Work-Study programs offer particular value in forensic science, potentially providing paid experience in campus laboratories or research projects. These positions offer both a steady income and relevant experience to enhance your resume.
State grant programs vary significantly but can provide substantial support. Some states offer specific funding for students pursuing STEM fields or law enforcement-related careers. Research your state’s higher education assistance authority for programs you might qualify for.
Forensic Science-Specific Scholarships
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences offers multiple scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 annually. Regional forensic science associations also provide scholarships, often with less competition than national awards.
Many crime laboratories and law enforcement agencies offer scholarships with service commitments. These programs pay partial or full tuition in exchange for working at the sponsoring agency after graduation. While limiting initial career flexibility, they guarantee employment and valuable experience.
Professional organizations in specialized areas offer targeted support. The Society of Forensic Toxicologists, International Association for Identification, and Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners all provide student scholarships. These awards often include conference attendance, providing networking opportunities alongside financial support.
Institutional Aid and Strategic Selection
Many universities offer automatic merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores. Understanding these thresholds helps you target schools where you are likely to qualify for significant aid. Some institutions provide forensic science-specific scholarships funded by alumni or industry partners.
Honors programs often include substantial scholarships, providing enhanced educational opportunities. These programs might offer priority registration, smaller classes, research funding, and thesis support, adding value beyond financial assistance.
Career Paths After Graduation: Your Forensic Science Future
A bachelor’s degree in forensic science or CSI opens diverse career paths beyond traditional crime laboratory roles. Understanding these options helps you tailor your education and internship experiences toward your ultimate career goals.
Traditional Crime Laboratory Careers
Crime laboratories remain the primary employers of forensic science graduates. Entry-level positions typically involve evidence processing, initial analysis, and quality control tasks. With experience, you’ll advance to independent casework, court testimony, and method development.
Specialized units offer focused career paths. DNA analysts work with biological evidence, requiring a strong background in molecular biology. Drug chemists identify controlled substances, requiring extensive training in chemistry. Firearms examiners compare bullets and cartridge cases, combining their knowledge of physics with pattern recognition skills. Each specialization typically requires additional training and certification beyond your bachelor’s degree.
Federal laboratories, including those of the FBI, DEA, and ATF, offer prestigious positions with excellent benefits and salary potential. However, competition is intense, often requiring graduate degrees or exceptional undergraduate performance. State and regional laboratories provide more entry-level opportunities while still offering career advancement potential.
Alternative Career Paths in Forensic Science
Private forensic laboratories serve insurance companies, law firms, and corporations, often offering higher salaries than public laboratories. These positions might involve product liability testing, patent disputes, or insurance fraud investigation. The work environment is typically less stressful than criminal casework while utilizing similar scientific skills.
Medical examiner and coroner offices employ forensic scientists as death investigators, autopsy technicians, and toxicology analysts. These positions combine forensic science with pathology, requiring comfort with deceased individuals and grieving families. Specialized career paths, such as forensic anthropology or forensic pathology, require advanced degrees but offer unique investigative opportunities.
Quality assurance and laboratory accreditation have emerged as growing career fields. Forensic scientists with attention to detail and organizational skills help laboratories maintain accreditation compliance, develop standard operating procedures, and train new analysts. These positions offer regular hours and reduced stress while maintaining a connection to forensic science.
Emerging Opportunities in Digital and Specialized Forensics
Digital forensics represents the fastest-growing forensic discipline. As cybercrime increases, demand for professionals who can recover and analyze electronic evidence skyrockets. Bachelor’s degrees combining forensic science with computer science or information technology prepare you for these lucrative positions.
Environmental forensics helps identify pollution sources and support environmental prosecutions. This field combines forensic techniques with environmental science, offering opportunities with government agencies and environmental consulting firms. Similarly, forensic engineering investigates structural failures and accidents, requiring additional engineering knowledge but offering diverse career opportunities.
Forensic nursing, forensic accounting, and forensic psychology represent hybrid careers combining forensic principles with other professional fields. While requiring additional education, these specializations offer unique career paths for students with diverse interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Forensic Science Education
What’s the real difference between a CSI degree and a forensic science degree?
CSI degrees focus on crime scene processing, evidence collection, and field investigation techniques. You’ll learn photography, sketching, evidence packaging, and scene reconstruction. Forensic science degrees emphasize laboratory analysis of evidence using scientific instruments and methods. CSI graduates typically work at crime scenes, while forensic science graduates work in laboratories. However, many programs combine elements of both, and smaller agencies often require professionals to do both roles.
Can I get a good forensic science job with an affordable degree?
Absolutely. Many state crime laboratories prefer hiring from regional public universities because these graduates are familiar with local procedures and have often interned with the agency. What matters most is program accreditation, laboratory experience, and completing an internship. An affordable, accredited program with well-equipped laboratory facilities can provide excellent preparation for a career in forensic science.
How much can I really expect to earn as a forensic scientist?
According to 2024 BLS data, the national median salary for forensic science technicians is $67,440, with entry-level positions starting around $45,560 and experienced professionals earning over $107,490. Location significantly impacts salary, with states like California offering median salaries near $96,850. Federal positions and specialized roles, such as DNA analysis or digital forensics, typically offer higher salaries.
Is FEPAC accreditation necessary for employment?
FEPAC accreditation isn’t universally required but is increasingly preferred by major crime laboratories. Some federal positions and certain state laboratories specifically request FEPAC-accredited degrees. However, many successful forensic scientists graduated from non-FEPAC programs. Regional accreditation is absolutely essential, while FEPAC accreditation provides competitive advantages.
Should I get a BA or BS in forensic science?
Choose a BS if you’re targeting laboratory positions or planning to pursue graduate school, as the heavy science coursework provides the necessary preparation. Select a BA if you’re interested in crime scene investigation, death investigation, or positions requiring more interaction with law enforcement and the public. Bachelor’s degrees offer more career flexibility, while Bachelor of Arts degrees allow for the exploration of complementary fields.
Can I complete a forensic science degree online?
While some programs offer online coursework, legitimate forensic science degrees require substantial laboratory work that can’t be completed remotely. Hybrid programs may offer lecture courses online while requiring campus attendance for laboratory sessions. Be extremely cautious of fully online programs claiming to prepare you for laboratory careers, as they are unlikely to meet employer requirements.
What if my state doesn’t have affordable forensic science programs?
Explore regional exchange agreements that might provide reduced tuition at out-of-state schools. Consider completing your general education requirements at a local community college before transferring to an out-of-state program for specialized courses. Some private universities offer generous financial aid, which can make them competitive with public school options. Also, investigate online programs from accredited institutions for lecture components while planning to complete laboratory requirements on campus.
How important are internships for getting hired?
Internships are often the deciding factor in hiring decisions. They provide real-world experience, professional references, and often lead directly to job offers. Many crime laboratories use internship programs as extended job interviews. Choose programs with strong internship relationships or requirements, even if they cost slightly more, as the career benefits far outweigh the additional expense.
What undergraduate major is best if I want to pursue graduate school in forensic science?
A bachelor’s degree in forensic science provides the most direct preparation, but degrees in chemistry, biology, or biochemistry offer excellent foundations. Some graduate programs prefer students with pure science backgrounds, believing forensic applications can be taught at the graduate level. If considering graduate school, choose programs with strong research components and opportunities for independent study.
Are there age restrictions for forensic science careers?
While no specific age restrictions exist for forensic scientists, some positions have physical requirements or mandatory retirement ages. Federal law enforcement positions often have maximum age limits for entry. However, laboratory positions typically have no age restrictions, and many successful forensic scientists begin their careers after other professions. Life experience can actually be an advantage in court testimony and death investigation roles.
Key Takeaways
Choosing an affordable bachelor’s degree in forensic science or CSI requires careful consideration of program type, accreditation status, and true costs beyond tuition. Quality education in this field is available at many price points, with public universities often providing exceptional value for in-state residents.
The distinction between CSI and forensic science programs matters for your career trajectory. CSI programs prepare you for crime scene work, while forensic science degrees focus on laboratory analysis. Many affordable programs offer both perspectives, providing career flexibility.
Regional accreditation is non-negotiable for professional employment, while FEPAC accreditation provides competitive advantages. Don’t sacrifice accreditation for lower costs, as unaccredited degrees won’t qualify you for forensic positions regardless of price.
Financial aid, scholarships, and strategic program selection can make seemingly expensive programs affordable. Federal aid, state grants, and forensic-specific scholarships can significantly reduce costs. Starting at community colleges or utilizing regional exchange agreements provides additional affordability strategies.
Career prospects remain strong with 13% projected job growth and median salaries of $67,440 nationally. Geographic location, specialization, and experience level significantly impact earning potential. Both traditional crime laboratory careers and emerging fields, such as digital forensics, offer excellent opportunities for bachelor’s degree holders.
Success in forensic science depends more on program quality, your dedication, and practical experience than on school prestige or price. Choose accredited programs with strong laboratory components, internship opportunities, and track records of graduate employment. With careful planning, you can obtain excellent forensic science education without overwhelming debt.
Ready to start your forensic science career? Research accredited programs in your state and compare their true costs, including financial aid. Start your journey toward an exciting career in forensic science today.
State-by-State Guide to the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Crime Scene Investigations
Alabama
Department of Politics, Justice, Law, & Philosophy
Florence, Alabama
Website
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Minor in Crime Scene Investigation
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $38,400
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in Alabama
Accredited by SACSCOC
- All courses are available online as well as in traditional or hybrid formats
- Some evening and weekend courses are available
- In-the-field practicum exercises and internship placements allow you to get real-world experience with partner programs
UNA delivers a broadly interdisciplinary education in criminal justice, shaping graduates for roles in both public law enforcement posts and private sector security and investigations. The Criminal Justice bachelor’s program sharpens your critical thinking skills and combines them with writing, research, and practical learning experience to prepare you for either employment or to move on to an advanced degree. The CSI minor adds experience in criminal evidence assessment and collection, including forensic lab experience, crime scene reconstruction, and bloodstain pattern analysis for a solid overview of CSI practices today.
Florida
School of Justice
Miami, Florida
Website
Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Management – Crime Scene Investigation Track
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $15,587
In-state tuition $4,784 LESS than the state average for CSI programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Courses are available fully online or in a mixed hybrid format, offering great flexibility with superlative education
- Nationally recognized for academic excellence and exceptional training opportunities
- Program is open to all students, but focused particularly on holders of AA, AS, or AAS degrees looking to extend their CSI education and skills training
This one-of-a-kind degree combines rigorous classroom study with practical hands-on experience. By pursuing the CSI track, you’ll receive an in-depth education in criminal investigations, including crime scene safety, modern fingerprinting technology, and evidence-gathering. As an applied degree, the subjects you learn will prepare you for immediate employment as a CSI technician after graduation, opening up opportunities with agencies like the FBI, DEA, ICE, the U.S. Marshals Service, and others.
Indiana
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Indianapolis, Indiana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation Concentration
Semester Credits: 180
Estimated Program Cost: $39,600
The only public bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in Indiana
Accredited by HLC
- 100 percent online program allows attendance from anywhere, fitting into your own schedule and personal life
- 97 percent of faculty members hold advanced degrees and have demonstrated a commitment to continual improvement by logging more than 50,000 professional development hours in the past year
- Current law enforcement officers may receive credits on the basis of POST certification
- An accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s option can put you on a fast path to earning your master’s degree in less time than if pursued separately
- In addition to selecting this concentration, the university’s unique ExcelTrack personalized learning experience allows you to customize your course plan
As a comprehensive criminal justice program, the Purdue Global BSCJ delivers a broad liberal arts education with an interdisciplinary skillset in current criminal justice practices. You’ll find yourself graduating with advanced skills in criminological theory, law, research methods, leadership, operations, and technology. The CSI track builds on that basic, solid foundation to teach you how to locate, collect, and analyze physical evidence at crime scenes. Forensic psychology and criminology coursework round out the training, giving you a head start on modern challenges in forensic investigation.
Kansas
College of Arts & Sciences
Topeka, Kansas
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Emphasis in Forensic Investigation
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,000
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in Kansas
Accredited by HLC
- Real-world training takes place in the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory, located right on-campus
- Lab facilities constructed in 2015 are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology
- Internship opportunities are available with KBI, the Kansas Highway Patrol, BATF, FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service, among other major investigative agencies
An active and in-depth partnership with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation makes this affordable program one that also offers some of the most realistic training environments and real-world exposure in the country. With the state crime lab located on campus, you’ll have significant exposure not only to real-world cases and the latest technology, but you’ll also be learning from professionals who are actively working in the field, ensuring that your lessons reflect actual trends in crime scene investigations. Simulated scenes are constructed to accurately reflect some of those actual cases, and you’ll be studying in a brand-new facility with luxuries like a crime scene reconstruction room and dedicated vehicle bay for learning the ins and outs of processing vehicles used in crimes.
Missouri
School of Arts & Sciences
Joplin, Missouri
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration – Crime Scene Investigation Minor
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $29,160
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in Missouri
Accredited by HLC
- Learn procedures and skills for photographing, diagramming, and collecting physical evidence
- Program teaches the practical aspects of both writing CSI reports and presenting evidence in court
Building on top of an already impressive course of instruction in criminal justice administration, you can specialize in crime scene investigation at MSSU with this inexpensive minor in CSI. The minor adds courses in photography, crime analysis, and homicide investigation, together with electives available in criminal law and criminal procedure. You’ll learn how to apply constitutional and criminal law to real world issues and problems and how to document and present your findings.
Nebraska
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Lincoln, Nebraska
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – Crime Scene Investigation Option
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,240
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in Nebraska
Accredited by HLC
- Unique courses in highly specialized areas like taphonomy and insect-based remains analysis make this bachelor-level degree feel like an advanced program in forensic science
- Current faculty maintain close ties to law enforcement and investigative agencies, exposing you to the most current techniques and thinking in the field
- Small class sizes offer the opportunity to develop close relationships with both instructors and fellow students
The CSI option of the highly-respected and affordably-priced Forensic Science program at UNL emphasizes the applications of scientific principles to the acquisition, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of evidence. If that seems like a tall order to fill for a bachelor’s program, get ready to be amazed… with course requirements ranging from insect biology/identification to organic chemistry to human remains, you’ll get all the scientific education you need and more. Special electives go even further, bringing in esoteric analytical methods like pollen analysis and forensic taphonomy to expand your skills. On top of that, courses in crime scene management, forensic photography, and comparative analysis techniques teach you how to document and present your findings in reports and in court.
New York
School of Science, Health, & Criminal Justice
Canton, New York
Website
Bachelor of Technology in Criminal Investigation
Semester Credits: 121
Estimated Program Cost: $28,280
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited public school in New York
Accredited by MSCHE
- Hybrid program offers many courses in an online format
- Unique Bachelor of Technology degree focuses in on the latest developments in field detection and collection instrumentation
- Upper-level core courses are offered exclusively in a face-to-face, total-immersion style that maximizes your instructor contact
- An optional 600-hour internship is available to hone your investigative skills with real-world agencies, including BATF or the RCMP
- Faculty have tremendous experience and maintain active roles in organizations such as the IAI, IACP, INEOA, and American Criminal Justice Association
A unique degree at a low cost, the BTCI from SUNY Canton offers advanced training in criminal investigations. The program places a strong focus on hands-on, technology-based techniques for detecting forensic evidence, preserving and analyzing crime scenes, and collecting and processing evidence for further investigation and presentation. With a series of upper-level courses that are conducted entirely face-to-face and hands-on, you get the most important parts of your education with the undivided attention of highly experienced instructors, many of whom continue to work in consulting roles with local, regional, and national law enforcement agencies.
North Carolina
Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice
Greensboro, North Carolina
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Certificate in Forensic Science – Crime Scene Investigation
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $26,627
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in North Carolina
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Program adheres to the directives and recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences and National Institute of Justice for crime scene investigation education
- Student-organized groups such as the Judge E.A. Ralston Criminal Justice Society and the Mock Trial Team offer outside-the-classroom learning and networking experiences
This certificate program is squarely focused on preparing you for in-the-field crime scene examination and processing. Understanding the professional ethics, safety protocols, and evidence collection and preservation protocols is the focus, with a strong component in effective written and verbal communication skills to help you document and describe your findings. Courses in abnormal psychology and juvenile delinquency help you understand the mindset of perpetrators, while technical classes in investigative photography and statistical methods boost your trace evidence identification and documentation skills.
North Dakota
College of Arts & Sciences
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – Evidence Technician Track
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $32,847
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in North Dakota
Accredited by HLC
- The Summer Field School allows students to practice hands-on forensic anthropology studies in the field
- Active campus groups, including the Forensic Science Club, allow additional learning and networking opportunities
- Attend annual meetings of the industry group American Academy of Forensic Sciences
- Graduates have gone on to jobs with law enforcement nationwide
The natural and physical sciences that underly forensic examination are emphasized in this affordable program. It’s the only forensic science bachelor degree available in North Dakota, but it’s a stellar example of excellence in CSI training when compared to any other program in the country. The underpinnings of the field are layered with all the special considerations for the legal use of evidence, taught in a dedicated forensic laboratory setting where you will learn about security, chain of custody, and forensic report writing. The lab work is backed up by field experience, exploring aspects of human osteology and anthropology in simulated scenes that expose you to the same challenges you will find as a real-world evidence technician.
Ohio
Department of Justice and Community Studies
Miami, Ohio
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $22,674
In-state tuition $11,888 LESS than the state average for CSI programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Strong scientific core courses in organic and molecular chemistry, microbiology, and physics prepare you with a strong understanding of the analytical process for physical evidence
- Required courses in GIS, IT assurance and security, and personal computers gives you a strong preparation for digital forensics work
- Degree can be completed at regional university locations in addition to the main campus
The Miami U BSFI goes beyond the crime scene and into the courtroom with courses in criminal defense and adjudication and evidence law and expert testimony, preparing you to assess and collect evidence with a view toward making it stick in court. The strong scientific basis for that analysis includes courses in forensic chemistry, archeological theories and methods, GIS, and aerial photographic analysis… advanced applications that most programs don’t offer.
Pennsylvania
Department of Criminal Justice
California, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Investigation Concentration
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Cyber Forensics Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited public school in Pennsylvania
Accredited by MSCHE
- Instructors have illustrious backgrounds in both law enforcement and academia, including the architect of the first professional Doctor of Criminal Justice Degree in the U.S.
- Hybrid program involves both on-site courses, for hands-on, realistic training, and flexible online offerings to allow you to adjust your schedule to fit your life
- Cyber Forensics concentration partners with CompTIA to allow you to earn security credentials before you graduate
When your instructors have been formally recognized by the Virginia state Senate, received the United Nations Medal, or have been called in as consultants in high-profile investigations like the Smiley Face Killer case, you can be sure you’re getting high caliber instruction in forensic investigations. That’s exactly what you can expect at California University, where dual bachelor’s concentrations give equal coverage to both the eternal challenges of physical crime scene investigation and the new world of cyber forensics. With a solid grounding in a nationally-respected core criminal justice curriculum that gives you a complete perspective on the criminal detection, investigation, and prosecutorial processes, you’ll be well-equipped to find, analyze, and present supporting evidence to close any kind of case.
Utah
Department of Criminal Justice
Ogden, Utah
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $19,960
In-state tuition $364 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by NWCCU
- Weber State faculty are highly respected, regularly publish books and research in the field, and serve in consulting roles in active investigations
- Some courses may be available at remote campuses in Davis and Salt Lake City for greater flexibility
- A number of recommended minors are available in subjects like computer science, art, anthropology, and photography to strengthen your skills as a forensic investigator
With the Weber BS in Criminal Justice – CSI concentration, criminal justice theory and the ethical and legal aspects of investigations and prosecutions will all come into focus as you study the science, methods and protocols behind crime scene investigations. Photographic theory and methods, the laws of evidence, friction ridge analysis, and courses in human anatomy and physiology take you deep into the theoretical aspects of forensic investigation, while a professional practice course shows you how to put that theory to good use.
West Virginia
Department of Forensic and Investigative Science
Morgantown, West Virginia
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Investigative Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $39,264
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited public school in West Virginia
Accredited by HLC
- Head start progression available through High School ACCESS program that allows high school students to take online, on-campus, or dual credit courses in forensic studies for college credit
- Hybrid program, with some courses available online for maximum flexibility in attendance
- The WVU Forensic and Investigative Science Club opens up networking and extended learning opportunities to students, while focused residence hall communities keep you in contact with fellow forensics students
- School boasts the largest forensic science and crime scene training complex in the U.S., including four separate mock crime scene houses and a vehicle processing garage
- Students have full access to ForensicsNETBase, providing the latest research in the field
It’s hard to know where to start talking about the superlative WVU forensic examiner program; the rigorous junior year internship that places students anywhere from the Texas DPS to the FBI? The available two-year J. Edgar Hoover Foundation scholarships? Extensive fingerprint and trace evidence investigative labs? The included AFIS terminals and the more than 20 compound and stereomicroscopes? Access to professional-grade blood stain pattern analysis software from Hemospat? Wherever you look, WVU has best-in-class facilities, instructors, and curriculum, with extensive partnerships in the law enforcement community. Add in some of the lowest tuition costs in the nation, and you can’t go wrong with this superlative CSI degree.
Department of Criminal Justice
Salem, West Virginia
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $64,600
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited private school in West Virginia
Accredited by HLC
- Courses available both on-campus and online or in a hybrid approach that mixes both
- Unique monthly course format offers focused presentation of material that ensures you absorb and retain the lessons
With the Salem University BS in Criminal Justice – CSI concentration, you’ll find a comprehensive program in criminal justice, with strong courses in criminal evidence and the constitutional aspects of conducting searches, along with constitutional law, and criminal justice research. You’ll build on those core CJ courses with additional instruction in crime scene photography, latent fingerprint lifts and analysis, blood pattern analysis, ballistics and firearms identification, and general crime scene processing and documentation instruction. A dedicated course in digital evidence also builds your skills with respect to the newest frontier in crime, sure to be in great demand among law enforcement and private employers alike.
Wisconsin
Department of Criminal Justice
Platteville, Wisconsin
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation – Crime Scene Area of Emphasis
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $31,688
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited public school in Wisconsin
Accredited by HLC
- The first school in Wisconsin to offer a baccalaureate in criminal justice, demonstrating a commitment to leadership in the field
- Learn your skills both in the classroom and in simulated crime scenes constructed by expert faculty members to reflect real-world conditions
- Criminal Justice Association offers speakers, field trips, and social events throughout the year for networking and additional learning opportunities
- Learning environment includes a new Forensic Investigation Laboratory with AFIS terminals and down flow workstations, along with other high-tech evidence-handling equipment
- The Forensic Investigation Research Facility offers outdoor CSI training on mock crime scenes, the first of its kind in the Northern U.S.
Get ready to get your hands dirty in the UW-Platteville Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House, where instructors concoct simulated crime scenes in a space that can mimic the look and feel of either a home or a commercial structure. Equipped with advanced closed circuit digital video, your every move through the scene can be monitored and dissected to help improve your processing and analytical techniques. But it’s not just interior scenes that get the hands-on treatment here; the 1.5 acre Forensic Investigation Research Facility provides a space for training in search methods, clandestine gravesite detection and investigation, and multiple-scene training that blows away the facilities that most schools can offer. Backed by significant theoretical training in pattern analysis, photography, and cybercrime investigation, you will be better prepared for any CSI scenario after earning your bachelor’s here.
State-by-State Guide to the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Programs in Forensic Laboratory Science
Alabama
College of Arts and Sciences
Athens, Alabama
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Minor in Forensics and Investigation
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $25,544
In-state tuition $13,245 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Chapter of the Criminal Justice Students Association offers networking and learning opportunities outside the classroom
- Courses in government, ethics, and public administration broaden your perspective on forensics
The Athens State BS in Criminal Justice lets you add a minor in forensic investigations, building upon a solid, well-established bachelor’s program with lab skills focused on deriving useful information from evidence collected at crime scenes. Courses in crime scene management, criminalistics lab skills, and cyber-crime round out the program. Mock court events help hone your testimonial skills so you can present your findings with devastating effect when it matters most.
Department of Physics, Chemistry, & Mathematics
Huntsville, Alabama
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Minor in Forensic Chemistry
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $34,440
In-state tuition $4,349 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Degree offered by a diverse department with strong academic programs
- Learn in state-of-the-art laboratories and computational facilities for access to the latest instrumentation
Add the forensic chemistry minor to your BS in Chemistry at Alabama A&M and you’ll be learning how to develop admissible evidence in a department that has acquired the most advanced lab equipment through major grants from the NSA, DoD, DEA, and National Science Foundation. As a bachelor’s student here you’ll receive an education with heavy exposure to innovative research that prepares you to work in crime labs, serving local or federal law enforcement agencies.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Livingston, Alabama
Website
Bachelor of Chemistry – Forensic Track
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,400
In-state tuition $2,389 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Extracurricular opportunities available through the campus student affiliates of the American Chemical Society and an Undergraduate Research Symposium
With an introduction to criminology and extensive training in genetics, cellular biology, instrumental analysis, and forensic chemistry, with the University of West Alabama Bachelor of Chemistry – Forensic Track you’ll get the kind of education and practical laboratory training you need to succeed in any criminal forensics laboratory. Additional courses in anatomy and physiology give you expertise outside the narrow focus of chemistry to provide a footing in other important topics relevant to conducting effective forensic investigations.
Alaska
Department of Chemistry and Biology
Fairbanks, Alaska
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $37,032
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in Alaska
Accredited by NWCCU
- American Chemistry Society-approved curriculum shows how serious this program is about general chemistry knowledge
- Learn problem-solving, laboratory, and safety skills through hands-on experience with modern chemical instrumentation
- Emphasis on communication and presentation skills develop your report-writing and courtroom testimonial abilities
A solid, well-respected, ACS-approved bachelor of chemistry from the University of Alaska gets turned into a comprehensive, lab-intensive education in forensics with the addition of courses in criminology, ethics and justice, and procedural law. An additional course in research methods where you’ll work under the guidance of award-winning faculty members with extensive publication history gives you even more analytical skills in the area of forensic investigations.
Arizona
Department of Biology and Chemistry
Prescott, Arizona
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology
Semester Credits: 123
Estimated Program Cost: $52,767
$6,322 LESS than the state average for forensic programs available at accredited private schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Students are encouraged to travel to the annual AAFS conference with faculty for networking and learning opportunities on the national stage
- Four brand new laboratories are stocked with professional equipment and instructors who are experts in their fields
- Undergraduate research is encouraged in specialized subject areas
- Study abroad options include visits to internationally recognized crime labs and scenes of famous crimes
- Close connections with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office leads to fieldwork opportunities in their lab and internship options with the VIP program working on actual local criminal cases
Embry-Riddle is careful to recruit faculty from science, law enforcement, and judicial backgrounds to ensure that undergraduates in the BS in Forensic Biology program get the benefit of both their professional experience and a broad perspective on forensic applications. State-of-the-art laboratory facilities include the Forensic Biology Lab and the Forensic Crime Science Investigation Lab, which are stocked with the right equipment to analyze any sort of evidence, from fingerprints to DNA. Tissue sample and biological specimen analysis help you hone your trace evidence examination and identification skills. Graduates have taken those skills and gone on to employment with the FBI, Armed Forces DNA Identification Lab, and local and state crime labs among other prestigious employers.
School of Criminal Justice
Chandler, Arizona
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science Specialization
Quarter Credits: 180
Estimated Program Cost: $58,500
$589 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by ACCJC
- Program is offered entirely online for maximum flexibility in your scheduling and study options
- Mobile-friendly courses further expand your ability to consume course content while on the go
- A senior capstone project helps tie together all the threads of knowledge the program offers, ensuring you graduate with a complete understanding of forensic science work
A well-rounded program with a significant general education component ensures that you have all bases covered regardless of what specialization or career goals you come to AIU with. Their highly-flexible online program will take you through criminal theory, the U.S. legal system, victim studies, and constitutional procedure. You’ll be learning from experienced industry professionals who are tied in with a high-tech learning management system that gives you 24/7 access to e-mail and message boards for direct answers to your important questions. Everything from cybercrime to medicolegal death investigation is covered and then tied together with a senior capstone project, ensuring you have a strong command of every element of forensic science by the time you graduate.
Arkansas
Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry
Magnolia, Arkansas
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science Option
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $25,680
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in Arkansas
Accredited by HLC
- Dedicated faculty have received numerous awards for teaching, research, and service, and go the extra mile with additional review sessions and individualized attention
- Affiliation with the SAU Natural Resource Research Center provides additional opportunities for investigation in water and soil chemical analysis
As a student of the SAU BS in Chemistry – Forensic Science Option, your stellar preparation in forensic science starts on day one. You’ll start working with specialized lab equipment early as you begin to explore courses in physical chemistry, thermodynamics, and genetics to develop your knowledge. This lays the foundation for learning all the practical aspects of the field in courses in forensic chemistry and criminal evidence and procedure.
California
College of Health and Human Services
Sacramento, California
Website
Bachelor of Science/Arts in Chemistry/Biological Science with Minor in Forensic Investigations
Bachelor of Science in Biological Science – Forensic Biology Concentration
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,968
In-state tuition $3,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by WSCUC
- Students have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and unique facilities for both coursework and independent research projects
- Strong academic programs emphasize hands-on experience and direct interaction with highly experienced professors
- Department of Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society; students in a Chemistry major with graduate with a certificate from ACS
With the flexibility of adopting either a core education in chemistry or in biological sciences, a forensic science education at Sacramento State sets you up for specialization in both of the major roles in forensic investigation. On either path, you can expect to be involved in basic or applied research under the watchful eyes of experienced professors, honing your lab skills in toxicology, pharmaceuticals, molecular biology, and more. Offering dedicated concentrations in forensic biology/chemistry, the minor in forensic investigations is available to students on either degree plan, and offers a more broadly structured approach to forensic science that prepares you for generalist roles in any crime lab.
School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, & Emergency Management
Long Beach, California
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Minor in Forensic Studies
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,968
In-state tuition $3,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by WSCUC
- First-rate faculty is built of teacher-scholars with national reputations in their areas of expertise
- A comprehensive internship program allows students to integrate classroom knowledge with in-the-field experiential learning
- The Criminal Justice Student Association offers memberships to students interested in further learning and networking opportunities outside the classroom
Interdisciplinary studies are a watchword at CSU Long Beach, so you can expect a strong program in criminology that draws on the latest research in the fields of psychology, political science, philosophy, and public health as well as criminology and criminal justice. Life-long learning is stressed for every student, and the bachelor’s program here not only offers direct knowledge in forensic science, but also trains you in the tools and techniques to continue to stay on top of the field for the rest of your career. That includes learning in forensic psychology, forensic pathology, and digital crimes, offering you avenues to advance in almost any aspect of forensic science available today.
Department of Justice Studies
San Jose, California
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
- Biology Concentration
- Chemistry Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,968
In-state tuition $3,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by WSCUC
- Interdisciplinary research funded by agencies such as the Keck Foundation, NSF, and the California Association of Criminalists
- An active Forensic Science Student group runs a seminar series and volunteers at local events and conferences for extra networking and study options
- Curriculum meets the AAFS Forensic Education Program Accreditation standards
- Students have the opportunity to present at local, regional, national, and international science meetings and conferences as well as publishing in major journals
A focused course of study with an AAFS approved curriculum and active, involved faculty and fellow students is always a winner in forensic science degree programs, and finding one at an affordable price like this BS at SJSU makes it a no-brainer regardless of what aspect of the field you hope to enter. With concentrations in biology or chemistry, you can tailor your coursework to the type of sciences that will be most effective in your career path, while receiving a grounded education in ethical applications, communications, and general criminal theory to improve your professional effectiveness.
College of Science
Hayward, California
Website
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Forensic Science Option
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Bioanalytical and Forensics Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,968
In-state tuition $3,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by WSCUC
- Development of a new Applied Sciences Center is underway, offering two floors and 20,000 square feet of brand new classroom and laboratory space on campus
- High-tech laboratory equipment such as NMR spectrometers, capillary gas chromatographs, and fast protein liquid chromatographs ensure you gain experience on the latest lab technology available
- ACS-affiliated Alchemist Club is available to students majoring in Chemistry for networking and learning opportunities outside the classroom
The CSU-East Bay College of Science fosters an environment where students, faculty, and staff all work collaboratively to expand knowledge in their respective disciplines. Whether you pick the biological sciences or chemistry undergraduate degrees with their respective forensics concentrations, you benefit from that environment as well as the diverse, well-equipped laboratory spaces that abound on the university campus and further afield. While the BS in Biological Sciences forensics option adds criminal investigation and forensic research options, the Chemistry bioanalytical and forensics concentration is unique in diving heavily into genetic analysis and organismal biology, offering a strong crossover point between biological and chemical forensic sciences.
Department of Criminology
Fresno, California
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Behavioral Sciences
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,968
In-state tuition $3,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by WSCUC
- An elective directed policing internship offers direct field experience with a sponsoring agency for up to 480 hours of on-the-ground work
- Annual Criminology Career Day puts you in direct contact with potential employers and offers networking opportunities
- A Mock Trail program offers not only the opportunity to practice your prosecutorial or testimonial skills, but also results in course credits
The BS in Forensic Behavioral Sciences at CSU Fresno offers a unique approach to forensics education that brings topics in the behavioral sciences (psychology, anthropology, and linguistics) to bear on criminal investigations. The affordable CSU Fresno bachelor’s prepares students for both traditional criminal justice careers and forensic science roles. Your skills in the psychological analysis of crimes and crime scenes will help put you in a rare category of forensic scientist who can look beyond the purely physical evidence to help solve crimes through profiling criminal behaviors.
Colorado
School of Arts & Sciences
Durango, Colorado
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minor in Forensic Studies
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $28,224
In-state tuition $13,565 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Campus chapters of the American Chemical Society and the Biochemical Society open up extracurricular networking and learning opportunities
- The Colorado Commission on Higher Education named the Chemistry Department a Program of Excellence, and the department ranks in the top 20 percent of schools whose graduates go on to the PhD level according to the NSF
- Chemistry degree is ACS-certified
- Small class sizes allow a high degree of professor/student interaction and individualized instruction
- Participate in a mock trial in class to prepare for a career presenting evidence effectively in courtrooms
A small school with a big forensic studies minor, Fort Lewis offers you the complete range of skills you’ll need to succeed in a forensic laboratory, medical examiner’s office, or even as an independent consultant. Small class sizes mean more in-depth studies under the careful supervision of experienced instructors. Hands-on case studies in forensic anthropology and molecular biology extend your training far beyond the solid base of chemistry you receive in the main degree track, while instruction in courtroom testimony and legal procedure and effective evidence-handling and documentation prepare you for the realities of work as a forensic scientist.
Security Studies
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Investigation Concentration
Quarter Credits: 182
Estimated Program Cost: $55,510
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited private school in Colorado
Accredited by HLC
- Many courses available online for a hybrid degree program that maximizes your flexibility; choice of Colorado Springs or Aurora campuses for on campus courses offers further attendance options
- Trademarked CTU Fast Track exams allow you to test out of courses where you already have command of subject matter, giving you credit for past experience
With a solid theoretical foundation in law enforcement and court systems under your belt, the forensic investigation concentration delivers additional training in aspects of criminalistics and evidence analysis such as medicolegal death investigations and criminal profiling that go above and beyond the training most forensic scientists receive. Advanced courses in ridgeology hone your fingerprint identification techniques, while the gritty details you’ll pick up in the Bones, Bugs, & Teeth course will give you invaluable training in the recovery and identification of human remains.
Connecticut
Department of Anthropology
New Haven, Connecticut
Website
Bachelor of Science in Anthropology with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $41,112
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in Connecticut
Accredited by NECHE
- A 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio offers tremendous opportunity for individualized instruction from experienced professors
- University commitment to a mission of social justice offers a unique learning environment for forensic science professionals committed to ethics and justice
- An active Office of Career and Professional Development can help you land the job you are dreaming of after graduation
- Anthropology Department field experiences courses offer either U.S. or international options for on-the-ground study
An interdisciplinary minor backed by the biology, chemistry, psychology, and sociology departments in conjunction with the Department of Anthropology gives this degree plan a broad basis in all of the components of forensic science that you will draw upon in the lab after graduates. Crime scene documentation and reconstruction, DNA analysis, criminalistics, and other general skills courses complement the advanced study in forensic anthropology and biology that you receive as part of your major.
Delaware
Department of Biological Sciences
Dover, Delaware
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology
Semester Credits: 123
Estimated Program Cost: $33,032
In-state tuition $9,792 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Cross-campus partnerships bring in courses in criminal justice, chemistry, mathematics, and psychology to offer a broad perspective on forensic investigations
- Faculty members are accessible, offering individual attention to each student in the program
- Outside forensic experts are brought in for special courses that reflect both basic science and the latest analysis techniques being used in the field
- Partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, Dover Air Force Base, and other organizations allow first-hand experience and interaction with professionals in the field
DSU goes the extra mile to ensure that students here are exposed to conditions they will face in actual crime labs by bringing in outside forensic experts and maintaining strong partnerships with local labs and investigative agencies. The program includes a particular emphasis on DNA analysis, a hot-spot in forensic science today that ensures you will have skills that are in great demand after graduation. A capstone course cements and integrates your learning, with options to pursue either independent research in ground-breaking forensics work, or to take part in an internship for additional on-the-ground experience.
College of Arts and Sciences
Wilmington, Delaware
Website
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Forensic Science Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $45,720
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited private school in Delaware
Accredited by MSCHE
- State-of-the-art laboratory facilities at the Brandywine and New Castle locations include laminar flow hoods, biosafety cabinets, and cryogenic freezers among other modern equipment
- Cooperative learning through affiliations with INBRE, NASA, and dozens of other labs through the state offers networking and internship skills
A well-rounded, skills-based program in biological sciences builds on success by delivering a forensic science concentration that develops laboratory, qualitative analysis and reasoning skills with a biological basis, and adds in the right mix of criminal justice, investigation, and anatomy and physiology. This combination will make you a formidable addition to any crime lab. You’ll graduate with the ability to perform fundamental biological sample analysis, use core laboratory techniques, and effectively communicate both in writing and in person to deliver your findings with authority.
District of Columbia – Washington, D.C.
College of Arts & Sciences
Washington, D.C.
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $96,800
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in Washington D.C.
Accredited by MSCHE
- Learn from experienced professors with diverse interests and strong publication track records
- Institution has a strong commitment to the education of women and a grounding in the Catholic tradition
From the basic grounding in ethics you get from a traditional Catholic university to the high-tech education offered here in chemistry and biology, Trinity fires on all cylinders when it comes to preparing students for a career in the crime lab. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, critical thinking, and data analysis, while also teaching you how to effectively communicate with other members of investigative teams and provide accurate, comprehensive courtroom testimony. Whether you are angling for a position in a crime lab or preparing to go on to a more advanced degree after graduation, Trinity will prepare the way for you.
Florida
College of Arts & Sciences
Fort Meyers, Florida
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Studies
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $12,608
In-state tuition $5,898 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Forensic Studies degree is offered in a hybrid distance-learning format, with all upper division courses available online
- Undergraduate research opportunities available
- Internship placement at federal, state, and private crime labs are available
Florida Gulf Coast should get double-billing for offering not just one, but two, superlative science-based forensic investigation programs at one of the lowest prices in the entire country. With options to earn a BS in either forensic science or forensic studies, you can opt for the hard science approach, diving into the essential organic chemistry and biology studies that in-depth laboratory analysis requires… or go with a broader, multi-disciplinary approach that combines basic lab work with a more intensive study of criminal investigation, legal and ethical aspects of forensics, and behavioral analysis of criminal activity. Either way, your knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills will all have the polish it takes to be effective in a forensic lab setting at any level of practice.
Department of Society, Culture, and Language
St. Petersburg, Florida
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Studies and Justice
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $12,608
In-state tuition $5,898 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- College maintains relationships with major forensic centers in the Tampa Bay area including the National Forensic Science Technology Center, Special Operations Command, and local, county, and state law enforcement
- Access to the Student Success Center means individualized tutoring is available at any point in your studies for an added boost
- Flexible degree program can serve as a foundation for employment in law enforcement, private investigations, or further academic pursuits
There’s a strong belief at USF that there is a huge potential for science to improve the function and administration of the criminal justice system. The BS in Forensic Studies and Justice is exemplary of that belief, taking scientific knowledge and analytical structure and combining them to avoid bias in investigations and reduce wrongful convictions, while increasing clearance rates and putting away the real criminals. That strong emphasis in ethics and systematic analysis teaches you to avoid cognitive biases and make case-based assessments to assist investigations, while honing your critical thinking and lab skills to give you the tools to be effective in both the lab and the courtroom.
Department of Criminal Justice
Jacksonville, Florida
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $54,100
$57,548 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- On-campus clubs for students include the American Criminal Justice Association, Sheriff’s Advisory Council, and the Criminal Justice Leadership Club
- A required internship course puts you into the thick of actual forensic science in the field during the course of your studies
Education, research, and service are all fundamental goals of the Edward Waters Criminal Justice program. Those goals are achieved through an unerring drive to help students improve critical thinking and communication skills, and to help them achieve the personal and social growth required to meet their career goals. Strong critical thinking and technology skills are combined with an awareness of cultural and economic diversity through courses in juvenile delinquency, criminal procedure, and criminology. Digital forensic analysis and molecular diagnostics round out the program, leaving you with a well-rounded education in both investigations and lab work.
Department of Criminal Justice/Homeland Security
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigations
- Investigations
- Science
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Forensics Concentration
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics/Information Security
Semester Credits: 126/121
Estimated Program Cost: $79,232
$32,416 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- S. News & World Report ranks Keiser among the top schools nationally for 2020
- Programs are available at multiple campus locations and some elements are offered online
- Capstone courses help integrate knowledge from a broad base of technical, scientific, and legal education delivered throughout each program
An affordable private school that offers this many forensic science degree options is a rare find, but Keiser hits all the marks whether you are looking for an emphasis in scientific skills, a broad-based investigative education, or a cutting-edge exploration of cybercrime forensic studies. If your career goals involve spending your days in the lab, using the most high-tech equipment and latest scientific techniques, the science concentration is for you. For lab work with a more general investigative focus, either the BSFI Investigations concentration or the BACJ forensics concentration will deliver both legal and scientific training for a well-rounded approach to forensics. The BS in Cyber Forensics is designed as a transfer completion degree, allowing students with an associate’s in a computer science field to focus on security and digital forensics skills and earn a degree in one of the most highly-paid and in-demand areas in forensics today.
Georgia
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Morrow, Georgia
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $20,320
In-state tuition $1,711 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Chemistry lab is equipped with advanced instrumentation including spectrophotometers and centrifuges
- Internship and research practicum courses are available
Adding a forensics minor to your BS in Chemistry at Clayton State adds a deeper appreciation of the use of scientific methods of investigation in law enforcement. The core chemistry degree gives you all the in-depth lab experience you need, spread across organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry, with a rigorous background in physics and mathematics. The additional courses required in the Forensics minor build on that with by covering trace chemistry analysis, toxicology, serology, and firearms and tool marks, together with documentation and general jurisprudence instruction.
College of Arts and Sciences
Fort Valley, Georgia
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science Concentration
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Forensic Science Concentration
Semester Credits: 125
Estimated Program Cost: $20,320
In-state tuition $1,711 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Ranked as the #1 Historically Black College in Georgia for both 2019 and 2020 by U.S. News & World Reports
- School is #1 in STEM Research funding from the NSF
- Criminal Justice Club on campus offers additional networking and learning opportunities outside the classroom
A forensic science degree from a well-respected, STEM-focused university is a great way to ensure that your lab skills are up-to-date, and FVSU fits the bill with extensive research funding and in-depth programs available in both biology and chemistry. The Forensic Science concentration for each degree is offered in conjunction with the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, which maintains active connections with local police departments courts, business, and other government agencies.
Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science
Albany, Georgia
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $20,997
In-state tuition $1,054 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Program is accredited by FEPAC
- Interdisciplinary program equips graduates to launch careers as criminalists, trace evidence specialists, serologists, DNA analysts, toxicologists among others
- Elective courses in rare specializations like bioterrorism and evidence protection and collection for medical professionals offer paths to careers in high-demand forensics fields
Albany State hits all the high points of a basic lab-focused education in the forensic sciences while heaping on added benefits such as dedicated courses in analyzing and protecting trace evidence, mock trial participation as an expert witness, and bioterrorism. You’ll learn how to use high-tech equipment like electron microscopes and digital cameras in the course of documenting and analyzing such evidence, and you’ll bring it all together in a senior capstone seminar near the end of the program.
College of Sciences and Technology
Savannah, Georgia
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
Semester Credits: 125
Estimated Program Cost: $21,166
In-state tuition $865 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Unique 3-D virtual reality crime scene investigation technology opens up a whole new avenue in forensic studies and courtroom presentation options
- Cutting-edge program offers access to the latest technological advances in laboratory instruments and equipment as well as forensic analysis processes
With specialization tracks in either biology or chemistry, you have the option at SSU to focus your education on the identification and analysis of either human remains and trace serological and DNA evidence, or on the chemical analysis of drugs, toxins, explosives, or other elements that might lead to the identification and conviction of suspects. With a groundbreaking investment in VR technology, the SSU program is one of the few in the nation where you can use 3-D technology as a learning tool to explore virtualized crime scenes, and learn how it can be used to reconstruct and represent real-life scenes for both analysis and judicial proceedings.
Michael Sattler School of Public Service
Cleveland, Georgia
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Forensic Science Biology
- Anatomy/Physiology
- Environmental/Ecological
- Forensic Science Chemistry
- Forensic Science Psychology
Semester Credits: 124/5
Estimated Program Cost: $80,448
$8,206 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Teachings are presented from a Christian worldview that emphasizes ethics and justice in forensic proceedings
- Unusual environmental/ecological biology sub-specialization opens up career opportunities investigating the growing number of environmental crimes
- Forensic psychology specialization expands job opportunities beyond the lab by equipping you to work with victims and first responders to both analyze crime scenes and cope with the stresses of processing them
Leadership and managerial skills are taught in this interdisciplinary program to help build your career potential beyond routine forensic lab work. A broad selection of concentrations let you specialize in various aspects of forensic sciences, including rare options in anatomy and physiology or environmental and ecological biology. You could also choose the forensic psychology track as a student of the Truitt BS in Criminal Justice, which will help you get inside the mind of criminals as you analyze the evidence they leave behind.
Hawaii
Division of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Honolulu, Hawaii
Website
Estimated Program Cost: $104,536
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $104,536
$1,732 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by WSCUC
- 86 percent of graduates have secured science-related positions as forensic investigators or laboratory scientists
- All students are required to complete a rigorous 135-hour internship to acquire hands-on skills in the field with placements at facilities like the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner, police departments in Hawaii and Guam, or the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command’s Central Identification Laboratory
- Study in high-tech laboratories that include advanced imaging systems, molecular scanners, and extensive tissue-processing facilities
A disciplined focus on real-world cases and techniques in the Chaminade BS in Forensic Science helps pave your way to a position with 5-O. The mission and goals of the program are supported by key partnerships with big-name forensics labs like the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, recognized as global experts in searching for and identifying human remains. Students also benefit from Chaminade’s commitment to stocking labs with the most up-to-date equipment being used in the field today. A tough, but eye-opening internship requirement allows you to put your training into practice in a live setting working on real-world cases. Together, it results in a program with a high placement rate for graduates in the industry.
Idaho
Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division
Lewiston, Idaho
Website
Bachelor of Science/Arts in Chemistry/Biology with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $27,928
In-state tuition $3,211 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by NWCCU
- Lewis-Clark State College boasts the lowest tuition rate among all public four-year institutions
- 95 percent of graduates find jobs or go on to advanced degrees
- Options to participate in undergraduate research projects or complete internships are available
The core curriculum at LC State is built around a solid science education in either chemistry or biology, with all the attendant laboratory skills and critical thinking skills that go along with them. This broad base allows students to take their careers in a variety of different directions. Adding on the Forensic Science minor further develops your skills in quantitative analysis and forensics applications to enable you to pursue a position in a forensic laboratory after graduation.
Illinois
College of Arts & Sciences
Edwardsville, Illinois
Website
Bachelor of Science/Arts in Criminal Justice Studies with Minor in Forensic Sciences
Bachelor of Science/Arts in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Specialization
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,492
In-state tuition $928 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Chemistry degree program is ACS-certified
- Full access to well-equipped laboratory environments include those from anthropology, biological sciences, chemistry, and environmental science departments
- State-of-the-art technology includes a 3-D laser scanner for full, accurate crime-scene reconstructions, and Raman and IR microscopes funded through an NSF grant
- Faculty frequently publish in prestigious industry journals such as Forensic Science Communications, the Journal of Forensic Science, and the American Journal of Physical Anthropology
Undergraduates at SIU-Edwardsville have two great options for pursuing a career in forensic sciences. For students with a strong inclination toward the basic sciences, a degree in forensic chemistry takes you through the ins and outs of toxicology, biochemistry, and instrumental analysis in a well-equipped lab environment overseen by accomplished and attentive instructors. For a broader footing in investigative forensics, the BS in Criminal Justice Studies with a minor in Forensic Science offers additional training in anthropology and archaeology, biology, criminal procedures and the judicial process.
Department of Chemistry
Macomb, Illinois
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
Semester Credits: 125
Estimated Program Cost: $37,013
In-state tuition $407 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Among the first forensic chemistry degrees offered in the country
- Hands-on research experience available to every student, including some funded trips to state and national scientific conferences for networking and learning opportunities
- Graduates have gone on to jobs in such prestigious labs as the Monsanto Company, ISP’s Morton Forensic Science Center, and the FBI Crime Lab
- ACS Certification available with a specific required course sequence
Excellent student-teacher ratios foster meaningful undergraduate participation in faculty research in this old and prestigious program in forensic chemistry. A comprehensive degree program that covers everything from trace physical evidence analysis to delivering expert witness testimony in court, it’s no surprise that WIU has sent graduates on to the FBI Crime Lab in Quantico. Although forensic chemistry is the major knowledge base you’ll explore, fingerprinting, firearms and tool marks, and the analysis of various biological tissue and fluid sample are also covered in depth. With cutting-edge laboratory skills backing the scientific knowledge you’ll learn, you’ll be a top recruit for any crime lab with this degree behind you.
Indiana
Department of Chemistry and Physics
Hammond, Indiana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Physical Science – Forensic Science Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $28,189
In-state tuition $9,164 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Study under doctorate-level faculty members with diverse research and practical experience, including in international postings
- Unique courses in areas like laboratory quality systems theory differentiates this forensics degree from the pack
As a multidisciplinary program covering the various elements of forensic science, the Purdue BSPS ensures that you are learning from instructors with expertise in all those different aspects of the field. Whether you are studying ethics, organic chemistry, criminalistics, evidence handling, or any of the other detailed, technical courses on offer at Purdue, you’ll be engaged by active, research-focused, supportive professors with in-depth expertise in that field. Professionalism is also heavily stressed in this program, with courses in professional practice and courtroom demeanor included in the concentration.
School of Criminology and Security Studies
Terre Haute, Indiana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Investigations
Bachelor of Science in Cybercriminology and Security Studies with Minor in Forensic Investigations
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,144
In-state tuition $1,290 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Traditional on-campus and online options are available to allow you to build the program around your day-to-day personal and professional obligations
- School has well-equipped laboratories for both traditional forensics and cyber-forensics and intelligence investigations
- Participate in activities and conferences sponsored by the school that allow interaction with both other students and professionals already working in the field
- Other opportunities available with partnerships at other agencies, universities, and organizations both in Indiana and worldwide
- Annual career fair allows students to attract attention and line up jobs with military, nonprofit, private sector, and criminal justice agencies nationwide
A two-pronged approach puts ISU at the forefront of forensic technology in both the traditional, lab-based investigation and analysis of physical crimes, and also the new and fast-growing cyber-forensics aspect of the field. Emphasizing their capabilities in digital forensics, the forensic investigation minor is available entirely online. Coursework covers important elements of forensics that occur inside and outside the lab, including criminalistics, interviewing, laws of evidence, and criminal law and procedure.
Biophysical Chemistry and Mathematics Department/Public Safety and Criminal Justice Department
Whiting, Indiana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Forensic Criminology Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $77,600
$34,595 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- Study in biology, chemistry, and physics labs equipped with the latest in high-tech analytical equipment
- Ethics and professional standards of behavior are taught alongside the theoretical and practical elements of forensic investigations
An affordable private school program in forensic science can be hard to find… so to find not only one, but two, at a reputable institution like the Calumet College of Saint Joseph opens up a gold mine of opportunity. With options to focus on the investigative elements of forensic science, through the BSCJ with a forensic criminology concentration, or to dive into the science side of the game with a BSFS, Calumet offers solid foundations in bioscience, criminalistics, and psychology delivered by expert professors in well-equipped laboratory facilities. In either case, you’ll be developing the kind of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills required to succeed in forensic investigations.
School of Arts and Sciences
Oakland City, Indiana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Investigative Forensics Option
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $99,960
$12,235 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- A diversity of interests and specializations available in the criminal justice program encourages cross-training and broad perspectives leading to excellence in leadership, service, research, and innovation
- Oakland City emphasizes hands-on experiences in the classroom and on field trips
- A crime scene house and vehicle processing garage provide 1,200 square feet of realistic, well-equipped space for ballistics training and vehicle processing
- With classes typically ranging between 10 and 15 students, intensive instructor interaction is guaranteed
Not only will you be exposed to important concepts in criminal investigation and forensic processing here at Oakland, but you’ll also have a chance to explore a variety of other criminal justice specializations, including corrections, criminal law, and juvenile justice. That diversity builds resilience and perspective into the investigative forensics program here, combining classical theories with the cross-pollination that leads to developing contemporary ideas and approaches to forensic science. You’ll become proficient in both the basic techniques of forensic investigation as well as more advanced analysis through exposure to realistic lab environments and cutting-edge research.
Kansas
Department of Chemistry
Fort Hays, Kansas
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science Emphasis
Semester Credits: 129
Estimated Program Cost: $22,678
In-state tuition $8,000 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Curriculum approved by the American Chemical Society
- Students have the opportunity to conduct their own research and present at the Wichita and Midwest Regional American Chemical Society Meetings and during FHSU’s Research and Creative Activities Week
- Summer internship opportunities are available for real-world forensic lab experience
Learning by doing is a central tenet of the Fort Hays Chemistry program, which means you can expect to spend plenty of time with hands-on projects both inside and outside the lab while you earn this degree. Extensive training in state-of-the-art lab facilities is supplemented by opportunities to participate in faculty research projects and take on summer internships, accumulating valuable industry experience and making connections to help boost your career prospects. Courses in administration of justice and criminal law and procedure add knowledge of practical investigate processes to the lab skills you’ll develop.
School of Criminal Justice
Wichita, Kansas
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $26,834
In-state tuition $3,844 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Founded in 1934, the Criminal Justice program at WSU is the second-oldest program of its kind in the United States, bringing tremendous institutional knowledge to your education
- Dedicated faculty members assist you in developing the professional judgement and behavior to become a skilled forensic investigator
- Unique course in 3D laser scanning offers special skills in high-tech crime scene reconstruction and measurement
Chemistry, biology, and anthropology form the triad of science on which this comprehensive degree in forensic science is build. You’ll get a grounding in elementary statistics to help inform your investigations, and surprisingly deep explorations of forensic toxicology and serology to understand the effects of alcohol and illicit drugs. A course in arson analysis equips you for studies into conflagrations and fires set to destroy evidence.
Kentucky
Department of Chemistry
Murray, Kentucky
Website
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Chemistry – Forensics Track
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,672
In-state tuition $3,398 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- The Chemical Services Laboratory on campus provides state-of-the-art chemical analytical services and expertise in areas like controlled substance analysis, tissue analysis, and bioassays using high-tech gear similar to what is in forensic labs
- Enjoy full access to the Hattie Mayme Ross Science Library for research and study materials
- The partially National Science Foundation-funded Polymer and Materials Characterization Laboratory offers training in making thermal and material identifications of a wide range of trace evidence
A host of specialized and high-tech laboratories at Murray State familiarize you with the kind of gear that you will be expected to master in forensic science, and you’ll get the expert guidance and training you need to do exactly that through the bachelor’s in chemistry forensics track. The PMCL gives you the opportunity to work with tiny amounts of trace evidence, characterizing and identifying them, and also includes spin coating and 3-D printing capabilities for reconstruction efforts. Your in-depth scientific education is joined by courses in law enforcement and criminal behavior, offering perspectives on suspects and investigative procedures, while a class in public speaking helps prepare you for delivering expert witness testimony.
Department of Chemistry
Richmond, Kentucky
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
- Forensic Chemistry
- Forensic Biology
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $37,064
In-state tuition $3,006 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- FEPAC-accredited degree program (Forensic Chemistry and Biology tracks)
- A 3+2 combined bachelor’s degree plus master’s degree in chemistry is available for an advanced education in the forensic sciences
- An internship initiative sources placements for students in science-related organizations, helping garner both on-the-job experience and networking for career goals
- A peer mentoring program brings together students with similar interests for mutual support and academic and social events
- Facilities include a state-of-the-art crime scene house and fully functional chemical stockroom
Eastern Kentucky proves that affordability and an exceptional student experience can go together. The EKU BS in Forensic Science is one of the oldest programs of its kind in the country, and the experience shows! With FEPAC-accreditation and two separate specialization tracks available, not to mention a path to a master’s degree through a combined five-year program, you have the opportunity to take your career in any direction with this degree under your belt. Internship and networking opportunities further extend the possibilities, giving you a chance to train under active professionals working on real-world cases in the field. As a student of EKU, you can even choose to participate in independent or faculty-lead research projects.
College of Arts and Sciences
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensics Track
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Forensic Science Track
Semester Credits: 121
Estimated Program Cost: $39,648
In-state tuition $422 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- An emphasis on undergraduate research gives you the opportunity to learn how to write grant proposals and structure research programs while you study for your degree
- Most courses and labs conducted in the Dorothy Western Herrmann Natural Science Center with 172,000 square feet of space and classrooms and laboratories equipped for state-of-the-art investigations
- Low student-to-faculty ratio ensures that you receive personalized attention and instruction from your highly-qualified instructors
Mentoring and encouragement are two of the components that are most integral to the NKU undergraduate experience. Whether you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or the biological sciences, the support and attention you’ll receive from your highly capable instructors will help make the difference as you pursue the forensic science tracks. Each program offers excellent cross-training in the other area through interdisciplinary studies, together with criminal investigation and criminal justice courses to get you up to speed in legal processes and proceedings.
Department of Criminal Justice
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensics Concentration
Semester Credits: 128
Estimated Program Cost: $25,472
$64,566 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Program is available either on campus or completely online, offering you the ability to attend on your own schedule and in conjunction with your other personal or professional responsibilities
- Combining an appreciation for diversity with qualitative and quantitative methods of research and analysis offers a balanced, ethical approach to undertaking forensic investigations
As a program focused primarily on enhancing forensic knowledge for professional criminal investigators, the University of the Cumberlands BS in Criminal Justice – Forensics Concentration is heavy on law enforcement and sociological factors surrounding crime and criminal detection. The forensics concentration provides a basic education in chemistry and forensic psychology while diving more in-depth into victimization, homicide, and child abuse investigations.
Louisiana
Department of Chemistry
Grambling, Louisiana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $20,560
In-state tuition $10,892 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Students at Grambling are encouraged to participate in both on-campus and off-campus research projects
- Chemistry program is fully certified by the American Chemical Society
- Partnerships with Dow, Philip Morris, and NASA all offer real-world experiential learning opportunities in some of the most advanced labs in the United States
- Well-equipped on-campus laboratory equipment include gas chromatographs, spectrophotometers, and thermal analysis mechanical analyzers similar to those available in forensic crime labs
- Chemistry club offers additional preparation for careers in teaching, industry, or research through extracurricular activities
Your full-time, tenure-track faculty at Grambling have all earned terminal degrees in their fields, ensuring they have the expertise to offer guidance in any research area, helping you explore and uncover the answers to any questions. Outside partnerships with companies like Dow and agencies like NASA provide unique research and study options that expand the horizon even further, putting students in contact with top experts in the field. The focus on lab work and chemical principles is extensive at Grambling, but courses in justice and ethics and criminal investigation ensure you are prepared for the rigorous work of a public or private forensics lab after graduation.
School of Biological & Physical Sciences
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Forensic Science Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $20,720
In-state tuition $10,732 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Join the student chapter of the American Society for Microbiology for informal social events and projects that expand your knowledge and networking options in this important field
- A senior-level course in primary scientific literature review helps set the stage for more advanced studies in forensic science
Northwestern has a unique commitment to providing every student with an education that develops the exact skill set they need for success. And if forensic investigation is what you are passionate about, the forensic science concentration in the BS in Biology delivers on that promise. With a solid grounding in core biological science courses laid down, you will then move on to specialized courses in forensic entomology, biostatistics, death investigations, police process, and the laws of criminal evidence to equip you with the kind of knowledge you need to be a valuable team member in any crime lab.
College of Arts and Sciences
Shreveport, Louisiana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Forensic Science Track
Bachelor of Criminal Justice – Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,089
In-state tuition $9,363 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Numerous teaching and research labs on campus are equipped with computers and state-of-the-art equipment such as refrigerated centrifuges and UV-visible spectrophotometers
- Numerous student organization and honor societies on campus can extend your learning through extracurricular activities
Options are open at LSU for students to either focus on the hard biological sciences behind forensic investigations… or to start off at the other end of the spectrum with a core of criminal justice courses before introducing the scientific and analytical techniques used in the lab to track down and prosecute criminals. Flexible track requirements allow you to build a curriculum that fits your own specific career goals, with guidance and assistance from faculty with impressive academic credentials and real-world experience in the field.
Department of Chemistry
New Orleans, Louisiana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensics Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $24,362
In-state tuition $7,090 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Chemistry Learning Center offers free walk-in tutoring five days per week and group meeting and study sessions
- Curriculum follows ACS guidelines
- The campus Chemistry Club allows students an opportunity to participate in science-related community service and outreach while learning and networking
- Distinguished faculty members have a wide range of areas of expertise including analytical, materials, and physical chemistry
The UNO Chemistry department prides itself on offering personalized attention to students while incorporating a big-school experience by providing unprecedented access to resources, research opportunities, and avenues for service. Faculty here are frequently asked to present at academic conferences and co-author articles, and students are often invited to work alongside them on original research projects. In the forensics concentration, students are also encouraged to participate in an internship that will put them in a real-world lab environment for additional experiential learning in the field.
Department of Natural Sciences
New Orleans, Louisiana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 125
Estimated Program Cost: $28,921
In-state tuition $2,531 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- One of the few historically black colleges and universities to offer a forensic science degree program
- Significant STEM-focus ensures that your scientific preparation and laboratory skills will be some of the finest in the field
Bringing in experienced faculty from biology, chemistry, physics, and criminal justice, the BSFS at SONU delivers an interdisciplinary education in forensic sciences that helps fulfill the institutional mission of empowering diverse populations. Courses in everything from DNA analysis to forensic microscopy to delivering expert witness testimony will help prepare you for every facet of forensic investigation, from the laboratory to the courtroom. It also prepares you to move on to graduate-level programs in forensic science, criminal justice, or criminology.
Maine
Fort Kent, Maine
Website
Bachelor of Science in Rural Public Safety Administration – Criminal Justice Concentration with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $28,680
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited public school in Maine
Accredited by NECHE
- Program is also accredited by IACBE
- Mock trial prep and staged crime scenes help deliver an experiential kick to your learning experience
- A required internship component ensures that you will get an on-the-ground introduction to real-world rural forensics practices
- Course in wildlife forensics prepares you for a career in environmental law enforcement
The University of Maine – Fort Kent BS in Rural Public Safety Administration offers a unique specialization with its Minor in Forensic Science, and that’s because it’s designed to address the unique challenges of investigating crimes outside of city limits. Rural law enforcement requires a degree of adaptability, independence, and confidence that this program seeks to impart through practical instruction from dedicated, experienced professionals who convert theory into practical lessons. Unique aspects of rural law enforcement are embraced in every course, from forensic anthropology to wildlife forensics, making this degree a real standout in the field.
School of Legal Studies
Bangor, Maine
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 130
Estimated Program Cost: $76,700
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited private school in Maine
Accredited by NECHE
- Courses offer a systematic and holistic approach to evidence examination with quantitative and qualitative logic and critical thinking skills being heavily emphasized
- Courses in rhetoric and written and oral communication offer an effective preparation for report-writing and testimony in court
The Husson University School of Legal Studies takes a global approach to teaching evidence examination, training you to look at overall context and the patterns found when analyzing crime scene evidence. The degree program itself takes an overarching view of forensic science in the context of the modern American justice system. The importance of evidence documentation, preservation, and packaging are stressed through their impacts on investigations and court cases. You’ll also look at the presumptive and confirmatory testing of samples, critical to both securing convictions with evidence that is truly beyond a reasonable doubt, and keeping innocent people out of the legal system. On top of that, you’ll get an introduction to judicial and courtroom procedures, ensuring you’re well prepared to testify with confidence about your findings.
Maryland
Department of Behavioral Sciences & Human Services
Bowie, Maryland
Website
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,588
In-state tuition $6,035 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Program also offered at a satellite location in California, MD in cooperation with the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland
- The Criminal Justice Club is open to CJ majors at the school to expand networking and out-of-class learning opportunities
- State-of-the-art criminalistics lab offers access to high-speed cameras and high-powered microscopes
- Frequent field trips and guest lecturers expose students to some of the freshest ideas in the field as well as offering networking and employment prospects
- Full-service SMART classrooms include modern IT and other equipment to maximize the resources available during class
- Internship opportunities include both service and leadership positions
At Bowie State, your foundational preparation for a career in forensic science is taken to new levels with a multidimensional perspective on law enforcement, touching on social justice, community advocacy, and behavioral elements of crime. You’ll learn about the entire criminal justice process, from detection to apprehension to rehabilitation. With the quantitative and qualitative research models taught here, you’ll hone both your lab skills and your overall approach to criminal justice and investigations.
Massachusetts
Criminal Justice Department
Worcester, Massachusetts
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $40,644
In-state tuition $8,053 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by NECHE
- Interdisciplinary course of study offers innovative perspectives on current issues like cybercrime, mental health, and drug enforcement
- The program offers numerous opportunities to apply classroom instruction in real-world settings through services learning, internships, experiential learning, and independent study
- Courses are available in both traditional format and in the evenings to accommodate working professionals
There’s a reason that the BS in Criminal Justice at Worcester State is the second most popular major at the university. With instructors who blend impressive real-world credentials with academic accomplishment and serious research chops, this is a program that pulls in students looking for the best education at the best price. The forensic science minor draws in additional expertise from biology, biotechnology, chemistry, and computer science. With a skill set that is firmly focused on analysis and the application of scientific knowledge to criminal investigation, you’ll be a hot commodity in the job market with a CJ degree from WSU.
Department of Geological Science
Salem, Massachusetts
Website
Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences – Applied Geosciences Forensics Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $45,136
In-state tuition $3,561 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by NECHE
- Small class sizes and a mandatory faculty mentorship program ensure you receive personalized attention as you go through the program
- Faculty are active scientific researchers with funded research underway in areas as remote as the Rockies, Africa, and Iceland
- Access to state-of-the-art geological and environmental equipment including ground penetrating radar, water chemistry probes, and survey equipment
- Funding from the NSF, USGS, Massachusetts Environmental Trust, and other major government bodies and foundations ensure top-quality facilities and equipment
- Summer field courses in Nevada and Montana take your studies outside in the majesty of the American West
If you were looking for a unique forensic science degree to help you stand out from the crowd, look no further. Forensic geology is an ultra-rare and highly specialized field with few practitioners, and even fewer with the kind of education you will receive at Salem State. You’ll become a knowledgeable and valuable member of a close-knit group of colleagues, forming professional relationships you will maintain throughout your career. You’ll master technologies such as ground-penetrating radar and laser and GPS survey equipment, and, better yet, you’ll do it outside… if you love the science side of forensics but don’t want to be stuck in a lab all day, geo-forensics turns the outdoors into your laboratory.
Chemistry Department
Quincy, Massachusetts
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 123
Estimated Program Cost: $102,272
$42,108 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by NECHE
- Simulated scenes and scenarios allow students to work under real-world conditions in and out of the lab
- Low faculty-to-student ratio ensures that students are carefully mentored at every step of the program
- Advanced analysis techniques like refractive index measurements of glass, blood spatter, and atomic absorption spectroscopy ensure you have experience in the latest tools and methods by the time you graduate
- Senior research project allows you to explore and contribute original work in the field
A dual-emphasis on research and real-world processing and analysis not only equips you with the latest techniques and methods for performing forensic analysis, but also helps you understand the limitations and ethical considerations inherent in forensic work. You’ll pick up all the chemistry and biology you need to stay on top of evidence in the lab through courses that offer a solid, rigorous grounding in the fundamentals. Then you’ll take an advanced lab in forensic science that takes you through the processes of microscopy, advanced drug detection, and pharmokinetics to master how those sciences apply to crime scene analysis. Finally, extensive examination of the social and ethical problems of forensic science helps you understand how to best apply those techniques in the field to identify and convict criminals while ensuring justice for the innocent.
Michigan
Chemistry Department
Marquette, Michigan
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biochemistry
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $45,816
In-state tuition $4,238 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Faculty are eager to work with students on research projects
- ACS-accredited curriculum
- Internships available at crime labs throughout the upper Midwest
- Expert faculty and adjunct professors, including a former forensic lab analyst from a local state police crime lab
- Student organizations include the American Chemical Society and Forensic Biochemistry Club
A degree in biochemistry is the way to go if you want the most technical, in-depth preparation possible to become an expert in the hottest aspect of modern forensics: DNA analysis. The NMU program takes that base strength and builds on it with additional chemistry, biology, and criminal justice courses, including core courses on criminal procedure, advanced criminal investigation, and the justice system. Electives range from courses in genetics to medical microbiology, allowing you to flesh out your scientific skills in a field of your choosing.
Department of Chemistry
Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $48,000
In-state tuition $2,054 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Program has been approved by the American Chemical Society, and graduates are awarded an ACS certificate and can qualify for membership
- A low student-to-faculty ratio in capstone courses ensures undivided instructor attention
- Team-taught courses spread out the expertise and perspective available in many classes
- Advanced instrumentation available in school labs gives you hands-on experience with technologies being used in the field today
- Take advantage of the opportunity to engage in a senior research project in your area of focus, and present your findings at the school’s Research Symposium or even national conferences
A rigorous and coherent program with a large helping of both group and individualized research is on tap for you through the LSSU BS in Forensic Chemistry. Working in completely modernized lab environments including the Chemical Preparation Laboratory and the Environmental Analysis Laboratory, you’ll get full access to an array of high-tech machinery that allow you to plumb the mysteries of both student-led and faculty-driven research projects. On campus internships allow you to further participate in those projects, giving you the opportunity to publish or present findings. The school has also had great success in placing students in outside internships, as well as lining up jobs for recent graduates.
Forensic Science Department
Livonia, Michigan
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $92,400
$9,200 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- The only FEPAC-accredited undergraduate program in the state of Michigan
- A hands-on focus is designed to build confidence in using all the common tools and protocols of forensic science
- Instructors are highly experienced and freely accessible to students
- Independent research opportunities are encouraged and may lead to publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Acquire good lab hands through plenty of first-hand work in the Madonna University Forensic Science Research Facility, a Gold Certified LEED facility
- The Forensic Science Community Outreach program is an optional service opportunity that focuses on forensic initiatives to restore justice to the less fortunate members of society
A strong focus on practical career preparation through the Madonna University BS in Forensic Science means a lot of hands-on, experiential learning is delivered here through the capable and experienced hands of instructors. The Franciscan values embodied by the college hold respect, dignity, commitment, and justice in high esteem— and these are exactly the kind of values that will boost your career in forensic investigations. Lab internship placements expand your networking and career opportunities, and participation in the MU Forensic Science Society will help you build both lifelong friendships and professional networks with your fellow students.
Minnesota
Department of Chemistry
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $29,575
In-state tuition $11,849 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Flexible elective options offer an opportunity to explore different aspects of forensic science that you may want to build your career around
- Full range of laboratory instrumentation available to use for both coursework and research projects
- Student organizations like the Criminal Justice Association, Chemistry Club, and the Anthropology Collective allow networking and extracurricular learning opportunities
A broad overview of the discipline of forensic science and an interdisciplinary approach that draws in expert instructors in topics like anthropology, biology, criminal justice, and kinesiology makes the forensic science minor offered at Saint Cloud University the perfect option for anyone who wants to explore the full range of the subject before committing to any particular sub-discipline. By adding the minor on to Saint Cloud’s ACS-accredited BS in Chemistry, you will get all those forensic elements built on top of the technical and communication skills required to make you a first-rate laboratory technician. By selecting the biochemistry emphasis, you can also build your talents in biology, the other core aspect of modern forensics.
Mississippi
Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences
Jackson, Mississippi
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $33,080
In-state tuition $1,495 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- ACS-certified program, including the most rigorous chemistry curriculum available to prepare for graduate study or a career in forensics work
- The school’s Interdisciplinary Nanotoxicity Center offers research and educational opportunities in the new and exciting realm of nanomaterials, taking trace evidence analysis to a whole new level
The Jackson State BS in Chemistry with the Forensic Chemistry concentration embodies the overall focus on hard science found in the bachelor’s program, and offers unique opportunities for independent and student-faculty research projects. The ACS-certified curriculum offers strong preparation in essential lab and instrumentation skills, while senior-level courses in criminal justice and social and behavioral sciences equip you for broader perspectives on forensic investigations in the context of criminal prosecution.
Missouri
Department of Chemistry and Physics
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Website
Bachelor of Science/Arts in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Specialization
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $26,424
In-state tuition $1,127 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research and coauthor papers for publication
- Attendance at professional meetings held by the American Chemical Society, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, or the Missouri Academy of Science is another perk of the SMSU program
- Graduates have gone on to employment at local, state, regional, or federal crime labs, including the MSHP Crime Lab Division, Army CID, and the DEA
- Degrees comply with AAFS course work and experiential learning recommendations
A strong basis in essential laboratory science is the promise of the SMSU forensics program. The bachelor’s in chemistry – forensic chemistry concentration, is rooted in AAFS and ACS recommendations to emphasize crucial lab skills and fundamental chemistry and instrumentation knowledge. Although you’ll also receive training in criminalistics, the school has found that local and national crime labs vastly prefer graduates who have extensive experiential training in hard science and lab skills. So the majority of your courses here focus on exactly that – from organic chemistry to toxicology to microscopy. These courses build the core of your scientific knowledge and analytical skills to give you the kind of background that would allow you to branch out into any aspect of forensic investigations in the workplace.
School of Sciences
St. Charles, Missouri
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology – Forensic Anthropology Emphasis
- Criminal Profiling
- Human Remains
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry – Forensics Emphasis
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $72,000
$40,667 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- Learn from active instructors and researchers who bring their experience into the classroom
- Programs offer opportunities to engage in research work both in the field and in the lab
- Chemistry degree includes a required internship that will place you primarily in area crime labs for hands-on experience
- Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and support
Lindenwood’s two forensic science emphases offer a wide range of possible entry points into the field. With a bachelor’s in chemistry, you’ll find yourself studying hard science, including organic chemistry and cellular and molecular biology. As an anthropology major, you can expect to spend more of your time in the field, assisting in battlefield surveys, investigating shipwrecks, and MIA recovery projects. Both tracks offer extensive lab experience and introductions to criminal justice systems and criminology, but the anthropology degree adds courses in criminal profiling or human remains, which add elements of victimology and psychology, or more extensive explorations in biology and anatomy.
Behavioral and Social Sciences Department
Springfield, Missouri
Website
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $94,889
$17,778 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- Instructors combine hands-on training with real-world instruction coming from diverse areas of natural and behavioral science, as well as law enforcement
- Instruction is centered in a Christian worldview that explores social psychology, criminal law, and criminal investigations in America
Psychology, chemistry, and biology are the critical add-ons you’ll study when adding the Forensic Science minor to your bachelor’s in criminal justice here at Evangel University. The additional scientific skills you acquire along the way are critical additions to the firm ethical and moral foundation you will learn through the core program at this highly-respected Christian school.
Science Department
Columbia, Missouri
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $97,280
$15,387 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- Students have the opportunity to work on real unsolved cases with local police departments
- Science Club offers an extracurricular avenue to enhance and expand your knowledge of scientific issues
- Leading-edge lab technology offers you up-to-date training on the latest instrumentation and the newest techniques in forensic analysis
It’s hard to find a stronger accolade for a forensic science program than the fact that students have undertaken cold-case research on a real-world case that has resulted in solving the crime. But at Columbia, it’s happened not just once, but twice, resulting in at least one conviction in a 20-year-old cold case homicide. Generating and organizing up to 500 pages of fresh evidence, a local homicide detective was quoted as saying the students accomplished more in a semester than officers had been able to do in two years. With that kind of real-world experience in processing trace evidence, latent prints, and examining DNA and toxicology, all at an acclaimed private school that costs under six-figures, there’s no better value in forensic science education in the U.S.
College of Science and Mathematics
Bolivar, Missouri
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
Semester Credits: 128
Estimated Program Cost: $98,000
$14,667 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- Students work together with expert faculty to conduct groundbreaking research in the college’s SURE (SBU Undergraduate Research Experience) program
- One-on-one academic support and personalized guidance come from close relationships with faculty members, reinforced by the school’s small class sizes
- The school’s Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith focuses on equipping students with the history and philosophy of combining scientific and faith studies
Applying the principles of science to the examination of crime scene evidence comes with certain moral and ethical implications. In the SBU BS in Forensic Chemistry program, you’ll explore those issues in a way that only a Christian college can, while getting the same problem-solving skills and hands-on laboratory training that any top forensic science program in the country should deliver. Understanding crime scene investigations and the importance of evidence collection and preservation are also topics that are covered here, extending your capabilities across the full range of forensic chemical analysis.
Montana
College of Humanities and Sciences
Missoula, Montana
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology – Forensic Anthropology option
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $21,408
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in Montana
Accredited by NWCCU
- State-of-the-art laboratories with advanced analytical instrumentation include an NMR facility, biospectroscopy, and the Environmental Biogeochemistry Laboratory
- The University of Montana’s Anthropological Collection Facility houses collections of historic artifacts from archaeological sites across the state, supporting broad research and educational options
The University of Montana manages to offer two interesting bachelor’s-level forensic science options that balance a comprehensive education in their respective specializations with the ability to fine-tune your curriculum to match your own career goals. Whether you choose the anthropology or chemistry option, your program will lay solid groundwork in lab methods and the essential sciences that you can add to with a broad selection of courses covering other lab and field components. With strong cross-disciplinary classes on offer in criminal justice, biology, archaeology, and other important forensic science subjects, you will have no problem putting together a plan that will prepare you for professional success.
Nebraska
School of Natural and Social Sciences
Wayne, Nebraska
Website
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Criminal Justice and Chemistry – Forensic Science Focus
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $21,780
In-state tuition $4,230 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- 100 percent of recent graduates are either employed or in graduate school
- 87% of full-time faculty have a terminal degree in the field
- Low student-to-faculty ratios ensure you get personal attention in class
- Clubs like the Ironic Bonders Chemistry Club and the Criminal Justice Association offer additional networking and learning opportunities outside the classroom
- Internship opportunities, field trips, and study abroad options can widen your perspectives in forensic science practices
- The Wayne State Service Learning Program has received national awards for outstanding community service, and gives you the opportunity to give back to the community while learning skills beneficial to your career
This formidable double-major program doesn’t compromise on anything… by earning a degree in both criminal justice and chemistry, you’ll develop both forensic science skills and law enforcement acumen. That means getting a comprehensive education in criminology and criminal behavior in combination with a fundamental understanding of chemical processes and material investigation skills. It all comes together in a package that will make you an expert not only in researching, observing, and analyzing evidence, but also in applying the results of those analyses to ongoing criminal cases to secure convictions. A skilled Career Services department contributes to the 100% post-graduation employment or grad program placement rate, ensuring your new expertise will lead to a job you’ll love.
Public Service, Safety, Security, & Intelligence
Bellevue, Nebraska
Website
Bachelor of Science in Investigations
Semester Credits: 127
Estimated Program Cost: $53,975
$37,691 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- Offered in both traditional and online formats for maximum flexibility in attendance options
- Ranked among the nation’s top military-friendly institutions
- Faculty include both current and former investigators and criminal justice practitioners with both real-world and academic experience
A unique program that comes at issues of forensics squarely from the perspective of the criminal investigator, the BS in Investigations from Bellevue will focus on the practical elements of forensic science. That means a heavy helping of study on the subject of the criminal mind through forensic psychology courses, processing crime scenes for clues, and exploring the steps to take in the collection and preservation of evidence. Instead of the more common approach in teaching the core sciences and then branching into their forensic applications, Bellevue goes top-down, breaking forensics out into topics like investigating property crimes versus investigating crimes against persons. It’s an approach that is sure to resonate with anybody with the mind of an investigator, and it’s one of the only options of this sort in the country!
Department of Chemistry
Omaha, Nebraska
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 128
Estimated Program Cost: $83,000
$8,666 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- Special encouragement for female students in the form of the Marie Curie Scholar’s Program, offering both financial support and other resources for academically talented young women in the STEM fields
- An innovative curriculum builds critical thinking and scientific reasoning to give you lifelong problem-solving skills
- Access to interactive lab equipment and the latest instrumentation ensures you are qualified to work in any crime lab in the country
- Program enjoys a 100 percent employment or advanced studies rate within six months of graduation
The College of Saint Marie forensic science minor takes the strong laboratory and professional preparation from your core chemistry degree and tacks on the advanced anatomy and physiology and forensic applications work required to turn you into a skilled forensics investigator. A combination of lecture, discussion, laboratory research, and fieldwork expose you to all the various theoretical and practical aspects of the profession you need to be well-qualified to work in the field. And with 100% of graduates finding employment or going on to graduate studies within six months of completing the program, the CSM BS in Chemistry with Forensic Science Minor definitely delivers.
New Hampshire
College of Liberal Arts
Durham, New Hampshire
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies Dual Major with Minor in Forensics
Semester Credits: 128
Estimated Program Cost: $62,080
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited public school in New Hampshire
Accredited by NECHE
- Unique program format ensures that you graduate with two bachelor’s degrees
- Mock Trial Program offers the opportunity to hone your courtroom skills before you graduate
The unique structure of the justice studies program at UNH can work to your advantage with a little planning and ambition. The bachelor’s degree may only be taken in conjunction with another, previously declared major in another field. That gives you the opportunity to stack on an additional bachelor’s degree in a hard or soft science that complements your forensics studies, delivering additional expertise at one low cost. With the interdisciplinary studies in biology, psychology, and sociology that are already baked into the forensics minor, you will graduate with an exceptionally broad skillset.
New Jersey
School of Natural Sciences
Union, New Jersey
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Biology – Forensic Science option
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $39,740
In-state tuition $7,282 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Colleges for Social Mobility for 2020
- College is equipped with state-of-the-art labs with some of the most advanced analytical equipment available today
- Chemistry degree is certified by ACS
- Kean offers many study-abroad opportunities for international perspectives in the field
- Engage in research programs with world-class faculty members and enjoy chances to publish or present findings in professional forums
- Strong job-placement and internship programs that align with your career goals
The Kean BS in Chemistry or Biology with Forensic Science option represents an affordable, comprehensive degree with strong scientific roots that provides a practical education in forensic investigations. The fact that you can earn your degree in either chemistry or biology allows you to specialize in the type of forensics that best suits your career goals. In either case, you’ll get some exposure to the other field, along with forensic science fundamentals, the basic elements of criminal justice in America, and an education in detecting, processing, and preserving trace evidence. You’ll learn both on-the-job through Kean’s strong internship and experiential learning partnerships, and in some of the most advanced labs in the state working with modern instrumentation under the guidance of skilled instructors.
New Mexico
Department of Physical Sciences
Portales, New Mexico
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Biology
- Forensic Chemistry
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $15,984
In-state tuition $4,598 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Three specialization options allow you to customize your program to fit the forensic investigation niche that interests you the most
- Core program is based on FEPAC requirements
- An extensive skeletal teaching collection offers a range of experience with real human and animal bones
- Faculty are involved in consultation on active cases in the state
- The student-run Forensic Science Society offers opportunities to take on leadership positions on campus and explore events and facilities off-campus
You know a program is special when it can offer a wide range of specialization options without compromising rigor in any one of them, but that’s exactly what you’ll find with the Eastern New Mexico University BS in Forensic Science. The ENMU Department of Physical Sciences is staffed by experienced faculty in each area, whether biology, chemistry, or anthropology, and the sort of dedicated resources and lab support that it takes to build out genuine expertise in each of those areas. Faculty are regularly called in to consult on active, real-world criminal cases, which offers one avenue for you to stay up on the latest developments in the field. Placements in either the on-campus lab or in a position with a local, regional, or state agency round out the program with unmatched opportunities for experiential learning.
New York
Department of Sciences
New York, New York
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
- Criminalistics
- Molecular Biology
- Toxicology
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $27,720
In-state tuition $524 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Required internship ensures you have practical, on-the-job experience in the field by the time you graduate
- Undergraduate research involves you in original faculty-sponsored laboratory research that can be presented at meetings or conferences
- Faculty at the school include 3 Pulitzer Prize winners, 7 Distinguished Professors, and 3 Presidential Scholars
- The Lloyd Sealy Library on campus hosts one of the world’s premier criminal justice libraries, offering all the research and reference material you will need
If you’re planning a career in law enforcement, even one in the lab, then why not consider a college that is entirely dedicated to the profession? In New York, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice is your affordable option for exactly that kind of program. At John Jay, justice is a theme that underlies every degree program, and the BS in Forensic Science is no exception. With opportunities to specialize in three different aspects of forensic investigation, you can tailor your studies to deliver a realistic, justice-focused education in core elements of evidence preservation, detection, and analysis, while at the same time developing additional expertise in some of the most in-demand subjects practiced in the field today.
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensics Specialization
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $75,736
$66,649 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- As a nonsectarian Christian school, program applicants are admitted without regard to race, religion, or national or ethnic origin
- The professional and academic diversity of the faculty is one of the key drivers of excellence for this program
You’ll find that forensic science is taught with a special emphasis on the psychology of the criminal mind here at Mercy, with a dedicate course on forensic psychology joining the usual curriculum subjects of forensic science, criminology, criminal investigation, and research methodologies. Your instructors in these courses will include law enforcement officers, attorneys, and other professionals with hands-on roles in the criminal justice system. That’s a program ingredient that offers realistic perspectives based on live field experience and helps develop your theoretical knowledge into practical expertise.
Criminal Justice Studies Division
Hamburg, New York
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $90,800
$51,585 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- A new, state-of-the-art science laboratory is currently under construction with nearly $500,000 in grants, with high-tech equipment and a flexible design allowing individual or team studies and more student/faculty research projects
- Program involves more than 400 classroom and lab hours of hands-on training and practice
- Faculty have years of experience in the fields they are teaching in
- Enjoy internship placements with forensic labs, law enforcement agencies and other interesting and instructive positions including the DoD Defense Forensics Science Center and local medical examiner’s offices
A strong focus on core elements of basic science is part of what is driving Hilbert to construct a brand new forensic science laboratory on campus, further strengthening an already extensive education in chemical and biological sciences. The school’s forensic DNA analysis methods and interpretation education is some of the most advanced in the field. At the same time, you’ll learn about elements of forensics such as the importance of maintaining the chain of evidence, respecting legal precedent, and the aspects of sociology that apply in forensic investigations. Training in providing effective and bullet-proof expert witness testimony rounds out your education in this well-balanced degree program.
North Carolina
Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $11,928
In-state tuition $7,645 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- A 10 to 1 student to teacher ratio delivers personalized attention from highly-qualified instructors
- A focus on developing technical skills using state-of-the-art equipment means you will spend plenty of time in high-tech lab environments
- The first and only FEPAC-accredited program in the state of North Carolina
At Fayetteville State University you’ll enjoy close, supportive relationships with your instructors, all part of the FSU plan to offer personalized, hands-on training to each and every forensic science student in the program. The curriculum has been accredited by FEPAC and includes not only the hard science lab work that agency demands, but also extensive preparation in report-writing and serving as an expert witness. This kind of preparation includes mock presentations before a board of experts who will critique your style and offer feedback designed to teach you to be cool and confident under pressure.
College of Arts and Sciences
Pembroke, North Carolina
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic track
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Criminal Justice – Forensic track
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $13,959
In-state tuition $5,614 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- The unique BIS degree in criminal justice offers an easy option for transferring community college credits if you already have an associate’s degree
- Many classes are offered online for additional flexibility
Between its traditional BS in Chemistry with a forensic track and a unique Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Criminal Justice, UNC Pembroke has forensic studies options to cover students from any background. The BIS is designed as a transfer program, meant for students coming in with an existing associate’s degree, but the broad structure of the curriculum makes for an easy way to specialize in forensics regardless of what you may have been studying previously. Both degrees cover criminal law and investigation principals, while the chemistry degree will have you diving into subjects like biochemistry and DNA analysis with extensive lab time.
College of Arts and Sciences
Durham, North Carolina
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science Concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $14,912
In-state tuition $4,661 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- On-campus resource centers include the Center for Science, Math, and Technology Education and the Center for the Advancement of Justice Studies & Policy
- Develop your skills in labs including the Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, a multidisciplinary facility with 40,000 square feet of high-tech research laboratories and libraries
- Seminars and classes at the Institute for Homeland Security and Workforce Development will hone your law enforcement skills and prepare you to enter the world of forensic investigations
An affordable and effective education is what North Carolina Central University promises, and the BS in Chemistry with a Forensic Science Concentration delivers. If you are looking for a strong program in general chemistry, molecular biology, and organic and inorganic chemistry to base your career on, look no further. Courses in criminal investigation and forensic science applications take your skills out of the theoretical realm and into practical, lab-based investigative techniques, practiced in state-of-the-art facilities with expert instructors always there to offer support.
Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Science
Boone, North Carolina
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $16,968
In-state tuition $2,605 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Students typically graduate to multiple job offers and the ability to work within any area of the profession
- State-of-the-art lab technology at ASU includes high performance liquid chromatographs, spectrophotometers, and infrared spectroscopes
- Professors focus entirely on undergraduate education and frequently involve students in research projects and presentations at the national and regional levels
- Learn from weekly seminar discussions that bring national leaders in the field to campus for lectures and learning opportunities
- Participate in meetings of the Forensic Club or the Appalachian Chemical Society (the local ACS chapter) for even more extracurricular networking and learning
Appalachian State is an extremely affordable school that nonetheless has a stellar reputation in the forensic science field. Most students have multiple job offers by the time they graduate and go on to work at major crime labs, including with the FBI, local police departments and the North Carolina State Crime Lab. More than half of students go on to post-graduate education, finding easy acceptance at major universities like Wake Forest and Duke. Your options are wide open with a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State, and your bank account will thank you for it.
Department of Sociology and Criminology
Wilmington, North Carolina
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $17,768
In-state tuition $1,805 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Core criminology degree courses are offered both on campus and online, while forensic classes are delivered in the traditional format, allowing a flexible hybrid degree plan
A wide array of elective options drawing from both social and behavioral sciences allow you a lot of latitude in designing a focus as a student of the University of North Carolina BA in Criminology-Forensic Science minor. Those course options allow you to build a program that aligns closely with your personal goals in forensic investigation. Whether you want to dive into the rigors of anatomy, genetics, and biochemistry, or focus more on abnormal and forensic psychology and bioethics, this highly respected interdisciplinary program has you covered. The core criminology degree can be taken either on campus or online, making this an option that is as flexible as it is affordable for forensic studies.
Department of Criminal Justice
Greenville, North Carolina
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $17,808
In-state tuition $1,765 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Extraordinary learning and leadership opportunities include student organizations, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, and strong field and internships experiences, including study abroad options
- An annual career fair provides networking and engagement opportunities with potential employers
- The new JUST Connect alumni and supporter network will keep you in touch with peers and other alumni throughout your career
- The department offers consulting and research services to law enforcement agencies, exposing you to current cases and real-world advances in the course of your studies
A minor in forensics from some schools can be a little underwhelming, but that’s not the case at Eastern Carolina! You’ll get a full-spectrum exposure to the forensic aspects of criminal investigation, from biometric identifiers, to bodily fluid and ballistics analysis, to tool marks, to blood pattern mapping. It’s all delivered through a combination of classroom, laboratory, and mock crime scene study, utilizing high-tech tools and techniques like computerized faction reconstruction, digital fingerprint mapping, and 3-D crime scene reconstruction. With expert instructors bringing years of real-world experience to bear, and a solid research program that involves outside agencies and current topics in forensic science, you’ll graduate from ECU fully prepared for a career in any crime lab.
North Dakota
College of Arts & Sciences
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – Evidence Analyst Track
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $32,847
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in North Dakota
Accredited by HLC
- The Summer Field School offers opportunities to practice hands-on forensic anthropology in the field
- Opportunity to attend annual meetings of the AAFS, giving you the chance to build a strong network in the field even before graduation
- The campus Forensic Science Club offers social gatherings, presentations, and other educational outreach efforts
- Graduates have gone on to take positions in law enforcement and other fields in at least seven other states
Human osteology, anatomy, forensic anthropology… these are just a few of the courses you’ll take in the University of North Dakota BS in Forensic Science – Evidence Analyst Track, a program that puts practical forensics work above theoretical science. The Evidence Analyst track puts you in the lab, but it’s lab time that is aggressively focused on applied forensics work, using studies of biometry, organic chemistry, and biology to build your expertise in forensic analysis. You’ll also study public speaking, and undertake an applied experience course that develops your critical thinking skills and offers an opportunity to both integrate and apply your knowledge by working with real cases in a real-world environment.
Ohio
Department of Justice and Community Studies
Oxford, Ohio
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and Investigation
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $22,674
In-state tuition $10,517 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Regional locations allow you the flexibility to find a nearby location to attend classes
- Graduates have gone on to work at labs including the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office Crime Lab, the Miami Valley Regional Criminal Lab, and the FDA Forensic Chemistry Center among other locations
The Miami University program in forensic science finds its place alongside other degree programs at the school covering criminal justice and forensic investigation. This means you get exposure to both the hard science and laboratory elements of criminal investigation, alongside broad-based, interdisciplinary exposure to the overall criminal justice process. You’ll hone your analytical and critical thinking skills, engaging in hands-on problem solving with cutting-edge technology, all while boosting your quantitative literacy and practicing what it means to be an ethical and civic-minded forensic scientist today.
Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies
Youngstown, Ohio
Website
Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Forensic Science
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Chemistry
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with minor in Forensic Anthropology
Semester Credits: 121/120
Estimated Program Cost: $28,438
In-state tuition $4,753 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- The only Ohio university to offer a crime scene lab for hands-on experience for students
- A required senior internship placement ensures that you get real, experiential learning through at least 45 hours working in a forensic laboratory
- Three separate tracks in the BSASFS offer additional specialization opportunities
- Graduates have gone on to employment at regional and national forensic centers such as the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office, Omega Laboratories, and the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory
Realistic mock crime scenes and laboratory exercises are among the hallmarks of the hands-on education you get at Youngstown. Whether you plan to focus on DNA analysis, toxicology and ballistics, or other specializations within the forensic science field, as a student here you’ll get a focused and expert education in the subject. With the option of a dedicated forensic science anthropology track or a full anthropology degree with a forensics minor, the program is well-suited to the study of forensic identification and remains analysis.
College of Arts & Sciences
Ashland, Ohio
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $88,000
$38,557 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- Chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society
- Ashland has received more than $1 million in federal funding for research since 1997
- Study in outstanding facilities with top-notch equipment
- The International Collaboration Research Center at Ashland connects talented undergraduate researchers with a worldwide network of scientists
- Biology degree coursework meets FBI standards for forensic laboratory DNA analysis
Applying biological or chemical principles and the scientific process to criminal investigations is the key focus of both the forensic biology and forensic chemistry degree programs at Ashland. Strong and well-funded research programs help drive home those basic principles, which you will learn in high-quality laboratory environments as you perform hands-on experimentation and analysis. A high level of expertise in forensic toxicology and molecular biology offers advantages for students looking to specialize in those high-demand areas. With students frequently finding placements with the FBI, the Ohio Patrol, and the DEA, that kind of education is clearly valuable in the market for forensics experts.
Oklahoma
Forensic Science Institute
Edmond, Oklahoma
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
- Digital Forensics
- Molecular Biology
- Chemistry
Semester Credits: 139
Estimated Program Cost: $31,810
In-state tuition $9,495 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- FEPAC-accredited program
- Professional training events offer dedicated workshops on subjects such as Moot Court and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis in conjunction with professional organizations like the Oklahoma Gang Investigator’s Association, U.S. Attorney’s offices, and the FBI
- The campus Center for Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Studies offers rare and comprehensive training for fish and wildlife forensics investigations
- Organizations like the Student Academy of Forensic Science offer networking and extracurricular learning opportunities
UCO offers a lot of opportunities to get involved in the forensics community early on, and the right kind of knowledge to make you a key participant in the lab, the courtroom, or at conferences. With three distinct tracks offering training in the most in-demand branches of forensic science, you can develop your expertise as a key player at the cutting edge in digital forensics, DNA analysis, or toxicology and chemical analysis. Although there is no reason to think you won’t get exactly what you need from the three available specializations, there’s even more flexibility baked into the UCO program… a general studies BSFS can be paired with any degree program at the university to allow you to specialize your forensic expertise in the areas of psychology, sociology, or nursing.
Oregon
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Monmouth, Oregon
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Anthropology
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minor in Forensic Science
Quarter Credits: 163
Estimated Program Cost: $19,0400/$30,807
In-state tuition $4,267 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by NWCCU
- Every student is assigned multiple advisers for a diversity of perspectives on course and career planning
- Students learn how to use maps, measurements, and spatial information to reconstruct crime scenes accurately
You can come at forensic science from two different angles at Western Oregon University, either starting out firmly on the law enforcement/investigative side of the table as a criminal justice major and branching into forensic anthropology, or going hard on the science with a BS in chemistry that tacks on an investigative element in the form of a forensics minor. Both paths deliver hands-on experience and training in the details of analysis that matter in forensic lab work. The chemistry path serves as excellent preparation for specialization in forensic toxicology or DNA analysis, while the forensic anthropology minor offers both DNA education and osteology alongside the sociological aspects of criminal analysis.
Pennsylvania
Department of Criminal Justice
Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Studies
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Learn from an up-to-date curriculum taught by experienced professors who are active researchers and scholars with involvement in organizations like the ASC and ACJS
- Students have many opportunities to taken part in exciting, hands-on learning experiences through department connections with many prestigious agencies in the field
- On-campus speaker forums from experts in critical topics in the field further expand your perspectives in forensic science
- A twice-a-year Career Development Day offers networking opportunities and a chance to line up your dream job well before graduation
Forensic science curriculum joins a solid, experience-based BA in Criminal Justice when adding the minor in Forensic Studies at Kutztown. This program will expand your investigative and lab skills far beyond the average. A broad approach ensures that you graduate with experience under your belt in investigative arts ranging from forensic anthropology and archaeological field methods to digital forensics to psychology in law enforcement. It’s a full-spectrum approach to forensic science that prepares you to advance in any specialization in the field, either on the job after you graduate or through advanced studies at the graduate level.
College of Liberal Arts
California, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology – Forensic concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Students are fully engaged in both study and research in a department that fosters a strong sense of community, including regular interaction with alumni working in the field
- Students have assisted the Pennsylvania State Police on casework in active criminal investigations
- An active Anthropology Club offers the opportunity to engage in extracurricular networking and learning events
- Students here have won awards at the PASSHE STEM Conference and from the Society for Pennsylvania Archeology
- Cal U’s SAI Farm delivers an in-the-field experience in burial site analysis using laser TOTAL technology and ground-penetrating radar, just like real-world crime labs
You’ll have no problem racking up valuable field experience in the Cal U anthropology program, studying simulated burials at the university’s body farm as well as taking part in live archeological digs both domestically and internationally. All phases of archeological and forensic fieldwork are covered, from unearthing remains to the presentation of findings, an important aspect of building convincing criminal cases. With professors who have served as consultants for popular CSI television programs like Bones and Criminal Minds, you have the chance to brush up against the kind of experiences dramatized in these shows that may have inspired you to get into the field in the first place.
College of Science and Health Professions
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Graduates have gone on to notable forensic science laboratories, working for agencies like the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Massachusetts State Police
- Hands-on experience with instruments such as infrared and X-ray spectroscopes, mass spectrometers, and chromatographs gives you a state-of-the-art skillset in forensic science technology
- Internship opportunities are available at local, state, and federal forensic science laboratories as well as a variety of private sector labs
A multidisciplinary program at Edinboro offers a strong foundation in the areas of chemistry, biology, and criminal justice with plenty of hands-on experience in modern, state-of-the-art lab facilities guided by accomplished faculty members. Instruction is delivered in small, personalized lectures and lab courses, ensuring you have the right kind of attention from instructors while learning about high-tech equipment and techniques. You’ll also spend time developing both written and interpersonal skills that will serve you well in building rock-solid reports and delivering compelling expert testimony about your findings.
Department of Chemistry
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Small class sizes and high quality instruction offer students the opportunity to engage one-on-one with faculty
- Many undergraduate research opportunities involve hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation in well-equipped laboratories
- Chemistry Club offers another avenue for dedicated students to expand their studies and networking opportunities
At the Slippery Rock University Department of Chemistry BS in Forensic Chemistry, you’ll get a broad-spectrum course of instruction in forensic analysis that includes the principles of biology and genetics alongside extensive training in chemistry and laboratory practices. Classes in criminology and criminal investigation offer a degree that incorporates practical applications alongside the theoretical exploration of forensics, showing you how to apply your knowledge in the field as you develop compelling cases based on hard scientific analysis.
Department of Natural and Applied Sciences
Cheyney, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Forensic Science concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Enjoy a supportive and nurturing STEM-education environment that stresses life-long learning and problem-solving
- A university study abroad program delivers a chance at new learning experiences, perspectives, and life-long friendships overseas
- The Academic Success Center provides a resource for scholastic support where every member of the staff is fully committed to improving your confidence, discipline, and skill
With an emphasis on core research and scientific skills, your BS in Biology with a Forensic Science concentration from the Cheyney University Department of Natural and Applied Sciences can help qualify you not only for a successful role in a crime lab, but also for ongoing graduate education or opportunities in other STEM fields. Biology, chemistry, the principles of genetics, and biochemistry and physiology are all among the subjects covered in depth in this affordable program that beats the state average tuition rate by nearly $13,000!
Department of Chemistry
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry track
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Lock Haven boasts an ACS-approved degree program, the highest rating available in the United States
- Study in seven large teaching laboratories with specialized equipment and facilities, as well as five smaller research labs for students and faculty
- Major internships are available with large local corporations and through NSF Summer Research Experiences
- State-of-the-art instrumentation available on campus include mass spectrometers, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, and high pressure liquid chromatographs
- Independent and faculty-led research programs are both available and encouraged for students as early as their second year of the program
The Lock Haven BS in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry track includes an interactive, hands-on approach to teaching, comprehensive chemistry curriculum, and lots of time spent in the school’s high-tech labs. The entire learning experience within the Department of Chemistry serves to emphasize your core chemistry knowledge and practices, giving you the hard science grounding you need while getting you familiar with the lab environment and training you in lab protocols and processes so you can step into the role with confidence on day one. For the forensic chemistry track, you’ll study four of the five major areas of chemistry before branching out into biology courses covering DNA analysis and learning criminal investigation procedures to hone your legal and evidence-processing skills.
Chemistry Department
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- FEPAC-accredited degree program
- The teaching and research infrastructure at the school includes state-of-the-art equipment for investigations into chemical separations, structure determination, spectroscopic analysis, and optical and electron microscopy
- Internship work-study course in your senior year places you in a clinical, commercial, government, or industrial laboratory for real-world practice in techniques applicable to forensic toxicology and criminalistics
The BS in Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry at West Chester is designed to cultivate chemistry professionals who enjoy a sound combination of fundamental knowledge in the field of chemistry with the basic forensic science concepts, lab skills, and analytical techniques to achieve success in any forensic science lab or law enforcement environment. In addition to the extensive lab skills, you’ll also acquire scientific writing and oral communication skills to ensure you have the ability to communicate your findings and present effective and convincing expert testimony about them in court.
Chemistry Department
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry with Minor in Criminal Justice
Semester Credits: 123.5
Estimated Program Cost: $45,390
$83,859 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Program is approved by the American Chemical Society and exceeds National Institute of Justice standards and aligns closely with FEPAC requirements
- High-tech facilities include the Loyal Science Center, equipped with diode-array UV-visible spectrophotometers and high performance liquid chromatographs
- The rigorous, Jesuit-influenced curriculum offers a well-rounded, experiential slate of coursework with strong faculty mentoring
- Excellent research and internship opportunities are available
Scranton offers chemistry graduates a competitive edge through a program that combines strong levels of academic support and mentoring to further boost the progress of ambitious self-starter students. The school is the perfect size, with enough funding and space to offer an impressive array of instruments, while having class sizes small enough to give you plenty of time to master them. Preparation plus support, such as the Center for Career Development, and through organizations like the Chemistry Club, develop graduates who are accepted to graduate programs at nearly twice the national rate.
Turock School of Arts and Sciences
La Plume, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $58,000
$71,249 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Internships are available to help you gain experiential learning opportunities during your course of instruction
- Undergraduates may have opportunities to work with significant faculty-led research projects
- Students often attend professional conferences of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Northwester Association of Forensic Sciences as well as other professional training and networking opportunities
- Study abroad options can take your education overseas and provide opportunities to gain international perspectives in forensic analysis
Keystone delivers a multidisciplinary program that goes through all the natural and physical science elements of biology and chemical analysis, and then delivers an introduction to the law and criminal justice, as well as courses in courtroom procedure and delivering expert testimony that will prepare you to present your findings confidently. You’ll develop the habits of ethical and professional investigative practice while mastering the advanced scientific skills in trace evidence detection, chain of evidence preservation, and analysis that can make or break a criminal case.
Kinsley School of Engineering, Sciences, and Technology
York, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
Semester Credits: 124/120
Estimated Program Cost: $75,640
$53,609 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- State-of-the-art chemistry and biology labs develop your instrumentation skills through practical, hands-on experience
- Graduates of the program have been employed by agencies like the Baltimore County Police Department, the DC Government Department of Forensic Sciences, and the New Jersey State Police
- Students attend conferences around the country and around the world for additional educational and networking experience
Forensic chemists studying at York combine the sophisticated laboratory science of chemistry with the analytical techniques and legal acumen of forensics required to become top-notch scientists in the field. Graduates from the program have mastered the skills and theory necessary to identify and analyze physical evidence, deduce how it came to the scene, and what the ties may be to suspects in the case. Working with real-life medical examiners and crunching data from real cases, students at York get the kind of experiential learning that molds top scientists in the field of forensics.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Integrative Sciences – Forensics concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $95,600
$33,649 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- Study at the only nonprofit science and technology-focused university between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
- Participation in the STEM-Up program offers additional chances for the advancement of working professional women in STEM fields like forensic science
An integrative sciences degree offers a fresh approach to developing the skills valuable to forensic science by acknowledging the commonalities between biology and chemistry and developing a central program that offers the kind of core science education and advanced lab skills required in both fields. That kind of cross-disciplinary approach is perfect for forensic science education, which operates with a foot in both fields. The forensics concentration leverages that strength into a compelling education in lab-based science along with essential aspects of criminal profiling, crime scene investigation, and other legal considerations in the field. The program even has time for a few specialized courses in areas like forensic population studies, forensic entomology, and forensic computing, offering you a chance to hone your skill even further.
Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Website
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $98,760
$30,489 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by MSCHE
- The Forensic Chemistry degree is an official ACS-approved program
- Recently remodeled chemistry facilities now offer the same instrumentation and layout as professional forensic and chemistry laboratories
- Hands-on classes frequently have fewer than 15 students, giving you plenty of chances to interact with the instructor and handle lab instruments yourself
- Explore mock crime scenes, take advantage of the CSI summer camp, and enjoy opportunities to join professional organizations like the American Chemical Society and on-campus groups like the Forensic Science Club to both network with other professionals and expand your skills
Combining modern biology and chemistry lectures with state-of-the-art lab-based research projects, you’ll enjoy a depth of expertise in the hard sciences behind forensic analysis that few other programs can match. With a cluster of specialized forensics programs available at Waynesburg, you can choose the degree that best matches your professional ambitions while still enjoying all the advantages of a cross-disciplinary education delivered by experts in their respective fields. Go as deep into the hard sciences as you like with degrees in forensic biology and forensic chemistry, or go for the BS in Forensic Science and become a highly-adaptable generalist investigator with skills in both.
Rhode Island
Department of Chemistry
Kingston, Rhode Island
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Science/Digital Forensics
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Track
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $116,528
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited public school in Rhode Island
Accredited by NECHE
- The first chemistry and forensic chemistry major offered in a public university in New England, with world-renowned experts in the faculty roster
- Access to the school’s Digital Forensics and Cyber Security Center offers opportunities to work with leading experts and real-world agencies in a state-of-the-art lab
- The Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory is also run by the university and provides scientific support for analyzing trace evidence, firearms, tool marks, and latent prints in active criminal cases
- Forensic Science Seminar series has offered expert speakers from BATF, the DEA, the FBI, various police departments, and medical examiners’ offices
- Practicum requirements in the forensics minor can be completed as a research project or off-campus internship
As a program that is center-stage for many real-world forensics investigations taking place in Rhode Island and New England, the University of Rhode Island degree programs in the forensic sciences offer unprecedented access for students who are anxious to cut their teeth on actual evidence being processed in ongoing criminal investigations. With equally strong resources and expertise on tap in both chemical and digital forensics, you can select either degree plan and be respected in your specialty after graduation. A combination of top-notch scientific training and street-smart law enforcement knowledge is the key feature here, and will set you up with the practical training and theoretical grounding to see to it perpetrators are locked-up.
South Carolina
Division of Natural Science and Engineering
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic concentration
Semester Credits: 126
Estimated Program Cost: $44,832
In-state tuition $5,082 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Program is certified by the American Chemical Society
- Undergraduate research is encouraged, with many students being asked to present at scientific meetings
- The on-campus, student-led Chemistry Club invites guest speakers in a variety of topics, offers hands-on activities, and participates in community projects
An ACS-certified curriculum ensures that the theoretical and laboratory education underlying your BSC at the Upstate University of South Carolina meets all the industry standards that are followed in forensics laboratories. With criminal justice courses integrated throughout the program, you’ll combine that strong scientific education with a practical perspective on social and criminalistics issues that also impact forensic investigations. Finally, studies in ethics prepare you for the high standards of the justice system in pursuing and convicting criminals using scientific methods.
College of Science and Mathematics
Greenwood, South Carolina
Website
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science emphasis
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Forensic Science emphasis
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $46,800
In-state tuition $3,114 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Study in tech-infused classrooms, labs, and lecture halls, where state-of-the-art equipment is used for both lab work and educational support
- A low student/faculty ratio, about 10:1 in upper division courses, ensures that you will receive plenty of individual attention from professors
- Faculty also include accomplished scholars and published researchers, each committed to transferring their knowledge and ensuring your success in the field
If you are intrigued by the physical and chemical patterns left at crime scenes, and have an intense drive to uncover the connections and motivations they reveal, then the Lander University bachelor’s programs offering a forensic science emphasis are the options for you. In the chemistry program, courses in criminalistics, microscopical methods, and toxicology give you the hands-on experience and skills required to be competitive in the job market. The BSES forensic emphasis turns you into a different kind of forensic investigator, one with the knowledge and skills to track crimes at an entirely different level, evaluating pollution incidents and contamination to determine sources and liability. In both cases, your technical and problem-solving skills will be more than equal to the task of building and finishing cases.
Women’s College
Columbia, South Carolina
Website
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Forensic track
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $79,560
$20,274 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- School is one of only sixteen FBI Academy Alliance partner schools in the United States
- The degree is offered on-campus as a Women’s College program, or can be taken online as a co-educational program
A strong core criminal justice degree from Columbia can be enhanced with courses in forensic DNA analysis, studies in toxicology, and a prestigious FBI Fingerprint Recognition and Comparison course that is available at only a handful of FBI Academy Alliance partners. Since Columbia is among those partners, you’re in luck, learning from the most highly-acclaimed experts in the field, studying both theoretical aspects of forensics and real-world case studies to give you a practical edge both in the lab and in the field.
Tennessee
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Website
Bachelor of Science/Arts in Anthropology with Minor in Forensic Anthropology
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,000
In-state tuition $5,012 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Program qualifies for the Academic Common Market, which may allow you to pay in-state tuition even if you are coming from out-of-state
- A diverse group of students ensure that you will experience new perspectives and a variety of paths into forensic investigations
- Experience cutting-edge research into key considerations in forensic science, including trace evidence processing
The BSFS at MTSU is a joint offering from the departments of biology, chemistry, and criminal justice administration, which means you get an education from experts focused in every distinct aspect of the field. Although some courses touch on aspects of criminal investigations, both the anthropology and the forensic science majors here are primarily concerned with lab-based, practical, hard-science knowledge and experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research in the field as well as join an internship program that will give you hands-on experience in a real lab facility working on actual forensics investigations.
Department of Social Sciences
Athens, Texas
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science emphasis
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $95,600
$4,774 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- A criminal justice internship offers practical experience and knowledge through an on-the-ground placement with a law enforcement agency in the community
TWU offers an all-encompassing, interdisciplinary, and professionally-oriented approach to criminal justice and forensic science education. You will be exposed to aspects of crime and criminal justice from correctional theory to sociology, all of it helping you to better understand the context of your forensic investigations. Courses in trial practice and the introduction and rules of evidence will give you the skills you need to present your analyses in court to maximum effect.
Texas
College of Arts and Sciences
Killeen, Texas
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Investigation
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $18,464
In-state tuition $22,554 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Join the student Criminal Justice Association to engage in service in the local community and region, while gaining experiencing and making valuable contacts along the way
- A supportive environment created by highly-qualified faculty members with real-world and scholarly experience ensures that your learning goals are met
The TAMUCT BS in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Forensic Investigation draws on not only the physical and biological aspects of examining evidence, but also delves into the anthropological and social elements of criminal investigations. This well-rounded program even delivers a course in interviewing techniques alongside the more lab-based instruction you’ll get in the hard sciences. Specialized courses in serial murder and medicolegal death investigation prepare you to perform a critical analysis of trace evidence and develop patterns of behavior and evidence that can lead to identifying and convicting perpetrators.
Division of Criminal Justice
Tyler, Texas
Website
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $26,160
In-state tuition $14,858 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Program is based on current curriculum recommendations from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- A small department and class sizes typically under 20 students creates a close environment where you will have the full benefit of getting to know both professors and fellow students
- An elective option in GIS offers highly technical and specialized education in crime scene re-creation
A forensic science minor is a valuable addition to the core BS in Criminal Justice at UTT. With specialized classes in forensic chemistry, crime science processing, and courtroom testimony, you get a full-spectrum preparation for detecting, analyzing, and delivering your findings in criminal cases. The minor also has an excellent range of electives available that allow you the option to specialize in areas that interest you, teaching everything from anthropology to entomology to drugs and behavioral analysis.
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Plainview, Texas
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Bachelor of Science in Justice Administration – Forensics specialization
Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $88,288
$47,472 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- A potential double-major offered here with either chemistry or molecular biology can tremendously boost your lab experience and scientific knowledge
- Highly qualified and experienced faculty deliver real-world expertise in criminal and legal subjects
Dedicated to the study of people and the human experience, the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Wayland Baptist might seem like an odd place to study forensic science. But when you understand that the social and psychological aspects that drive criminal behavior also inevitably impact evidence and criminal patterns, the BS in Justice Administration with Forensics specialization here starts to make a lot of sense. Since students are heavily encouraged to combine the degree with a double-major in a hard science discipline, all of the scientific and key instrumental analysis techniques will be covered through extensive lab experience. The courses in criminal law, investigations, forensic psychology, and other behavioral matters that come with the BSJA will round you off as a complete expert in forensic studies.
Utah
Criminal Justice Department
Orem, Utah
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Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – Forensic Laboratory concentration
Semester Credits: 126
Estimated Program Cost: $20,488
In-state tuition $2,357 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by NWCCU
- You’ll receive training in a fully equipped state/federal level forensic laboratory
- Students here have received a total of six medals in the SkillsUSA competition, putting the school into first place nationally
- Faculty include former FBI, defense attorneys, local police, and other legal professionals with first-hand experience in forensics
- A brand new crime scene house offers both interior and exterior spaces to replicate real crime scenes
Hands-on is the name of the game at Utah Valley University when it comes to forensic science. Whether it’s examining a buried pig corpse, evaluating evidence retrieved from a mock crime scene house, or torching a vehicle to gain first-hand expertise in evaluating arson scenes, students here better be prepared to get their hands dirty for one of the most affordable and effective multidisciplinary programs in forensics available in the U.S. With a state-of-the-art teaching crime lab with the same equipment you can expect to find in real-world law enforcement labs, you’ll take your theoretical knowledge and demonstrate it through practical evidence evaluations. Ethical, legal, and psychological factors in forensic lab work are also covered, giving you a broad spectrum education at a low price.
Virginia
Department of Chemistry
Virginia State University, Virginia
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Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry concentration
Semester Credits: 125
Estimated Program Cost: $22,160
In-state tuition $22,160 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Complete internships with regional partners to get field experience working on real forensics investigations
- Professional assistance helps you develop your own customized research program as well as future plans for employment or entering graduate school
An effective, in-depth chemistry bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University is complemented by a set of criminal justice electives that allow you to customize your degree plan to match your career goals. Forensic and advanced chemistry lab courses here are combined with microbiology and biochemistry classes. This makes sure you get the biology background required for advanced DNA, hair follicle, and other bio-evidence analysis so that you graduate with the kind of superb lab skills that forensics labs are looking for. It’s an exceptional program in its own right, and with a total tuition cost that comes in at more than $22,000 below the average for similar programs in the state, it’s also one of the most affordable.
Department of Biology & Chemistry
Lynchburg, Virginia
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Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $95,200
$33,484 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- Relationships with local, regional, and national forensic science laboratories like the Toxicology Section of the CME for DC, the Virginia Department of Forensic Science, and NMS Laboratories offers internship, research, and partnership opportunities
- The Liberty Washington Fellowship further offers a semester-long internship with the FBI or NCIS, while the New York City Fellowship can put you in the Big Apple to study with some of the finest forensic scientists in the world
- The Center for Natural Sciences has state-of-the-art research laboratories including a cadaver lab, tissue culture facility, and LICOR imager
Interdisciplinary training in chemistry, biology, and criminal justice are the courses at the core of every good forensic science program, and they are center stage here in Liberty University’s BSFS degree. Trace evidence and DNA analysis are covered in depth, while career preparation is conducted both through coursework and the many networking opportunities you will have through various school relationships to local, national, and regional crime labs. Six research laboratories and 20 major-specific teaching labs ensure you receive plenty of hands-on experience with the kind of tools and techniques you’ll be using in the field after graduation.
School of Science
Hampton, Virginia
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Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry concentration
Semester Credits: 126
Estimated Program Cost: $99,800
$28,884 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by SACSCOC
- American Chemical Society-certified degree program
- Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular programs such as the student-affiliate ACS chapter and the National Technical Association
- Facilities include UV-VIS spectrometers, dual chamber digital flame photometers, mass spectrometers, and a refrigerated ultracentrifuge, ensuring you learn on some of the most up-to-date technology available
- The Undergraduate Research Program has you working with Chemistry faculty to develop skills and interest in active chemistry research as early as your freshman year
Hampton University treats the forensic chemistry concentration with their BS in Chemistry as an applied science program, integrating scientific knowledge with skills in detection, analysis, interpretation, and testimony in criminal cases. This means you get the full spectrum of experience, from the initial laboratory work up through preparation in presenting your findings in written reports or at trial. With additional support in content areas such as biology, computer science, and mathematics, you’ll get the kind of training that modern crime labs are looking for.
Washington
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Cheney, Washington
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Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Biochemistry – Forensic Science option
Quarter Credits: 149
Estimated Program Cost: $26,088
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited private school in the state of Washington
Accredited by NWCCU
- A partnership with the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory Division provides internship opportunities for students
- Guest lecturers from outside agencies regularly make presentations at the university providing a wide range of perspectives in forensics
- Research and independent study are encouraged
A rigorous course of study in biology, genetics, physics, math, and advanced chemistry lays the groundwork for your forensic investigations in the low-cost EWU BS program in Chemistry/Biochemistry located in scenic Cheney, Washington. An electronics lab course builds your technological acumen, while an array of electives ranging from microbiology to public speaking allow you to tailor your education to fit your career plan. Whatever your path, a senior capstone project helps you tie it all together so you’re ready to hit the ground running when you’re hired after graduation.
West Virginia
School of Arts & Sciences
Bluefield, West Virginia
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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration – Forensic Investigation concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $29,952
In-state tuition $3,437 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- The school has 5,000 square feet of facility space dedicated to undergraduate research, including one chemistry and four biology labs
- Faculty work closely with students, mentoring them both in the classroom and at the lab for a personalized education
The forensic science concentration in the BS in Criminal Justice Administration at Bluefield is aimed squarely at preparing students for careers in federal or state law enforcement. Aiming that high means studying hard and developing a focus, which the school offers through courses in firearms and tool marks, victimology, sexual assault investigations, and legal research. You’ll also have a strong exposure to criminal justice processes and the rules and ethics of practicing criminal procedure and evidence management.
Department of Natural Sciences
Fairmont, West Virginia
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Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,952
In-state tuition $2,437 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools
Accredited by HLC
- Curriculum aligned with FEPAC standards
- A Crime House offers hands-on experience in collecting and preserving evidence as well as reconstructing crime scenes
- The Forensic Science Club offers networking and study opportunities outside of class, including field trips to destinations like the National Museum of Crime and Punishment
You will master skills in problem solving, qualitative reasoning, and legal analysis and application alongside the core program of scientific laboratory procedures with the Fairmont State BS in Forensic Science. Designed to support you either in direct employment after graduation or as preparation for further advanced studies in the field, you’ll study biological principles, organic chemistry, and other hard science courses in the lab, while specialized elective options in forensic toxicology, anthropology, osteology, and fingerprint analysis can allow you to zoom in on whatever areas of practice interest you most.
Charles Town, West Virginia
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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Digital Forensics concentration
Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $34,200
$40,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools
Accredited by HLC
- A fully online program with monthly start dates delivers complete flexibility for earning your degree around other personal and professional commitments
- Courses are taught by highly credentialed instructors who have years of experience in key positions with government agencies
It’s fitting that a specialized degree focused on digital forensic science is available entirely online, and that combination offers you amazing flexibility in attending class while still taking in a first-rate education in one of the most cutting-edge aspects of forensics today. Digital forensic investigations are unique and require a combination of skilled programming and analysis techniques with strong knowledge of legal and security considerations. APU covers the entire range, teaching you how to analyze networks and file systems, assess possible corporate and national espionage, and investigate e-mail and wireless attacks. The special subject of digital chain of custody procedures is closely covered, as are initial incident response protocols… a critical part of forensics in a specialty where the crime may be ongoing even as the investigators assess the evidence.
