Best Online Forensic Science Degrees 2024
Forensic science plays a critical role in the legal system. Forensic scientists analyze and examine data to help law enforcement, lawyers, and investigators. Forensic professionals also testify in court, explaining scientific findings and collection methodologies. They also work in labs that process biological evidence or examine tool markings and/or handwriting.
Forensic science offers practical applications in a wide variety of fields beyond the crime scene. Forensic science blends biology, computer science, physics, and chemistry, making it applicable to many other industries. Fields such as nursing, computer science, accounting, and engineering incorporate forensics in civil and criminal cases.
Find out more about what you can do with an online forensic science degree and common forensics coursework, and learn about the best online forensic science degrees.
Popular Online Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2024 Best Online Forensic Science Degrees
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$12,984
- In-State$9,774
- Out-of-state$9,774
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled57,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$11,636
- Out-of-state$11,636
- In-State$8,442
- Out-of-state$8,826
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled897
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Columbia Southern University
- Orange Beach, AL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$5,640
- Out-of-state$5,640
- In-State$3,900
- Out-of-state$3,900
- Retention Rate42%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled16,070
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled54,906
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$16,401
- Out-of-state$16,401
- In-State$10,621
- Out-of-state$10,621
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled103,072
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2024. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
What Can I Expect From an Online Forensic Science Program?
During an online forensic science degree, you will attend lectures, complete laboratory exercises, and analyze case studies on crime scenes, forensic investigations, and the legal system. You will focus your studies on chemistry to learn about analyzing physical evidence, such as drugs and gunshot residue. You will also take courses to understand the psychological and biological underpinnings of crimes.
You might take courses in forensic pattern evidence, professional practices and ethics, and statistical methods. Depending on your program, you may be able to specialize in specific areas of forensics, such as criminal justice, toxicology, or body fluid and DNA analysis.
Benefits of an Online Forensic Science Degree
Online degrees may offer synchronous learning, where you attend live lectures at a set time, or asynchronous learning, where you watch pre-recorded lectures at your own time. Either way, when you earn an online forensic science degree, you do not need to travel routinely to campus.
This flexibility enables students to balance earning a college degree with work or family responsibilities. However, in an online forensic science program, you may need to travel to campus for in-person labs.
The coursework in an online degree mirrors what traditional students learn on campus, with few differences other than the lack of in-person contact. If you need more personal interactions, this could pose a problem, but research shows that distance education can provide as effective an outcome as in-person learning.
During an online course, you can usually schedule office hours with professors to help when you have areas you’re struggling with, and you’ll get to enjoy the same access to library resources, student organizations, and counseling services as in-person students.
What Can I Do With a Forensic Science Degree?
Entry-level careers in forensic science welcome bachelor’s degree holders. Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field with practical applications in a variety of different industries. Employers hire arson investigators, financial examiners, forensic science technicians, forensic accountants and auditors, and information security analysts who hold online forensic science degrees.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects solid job growth for forensic science careers. Employment is projected to increase by 6% and 14% from 2023-2033 for arson investigators and forensic science technicians, respectively.
Careers
- DNA Analyst: A solid background in molecular biology can prepare you to become a DNA analyst. These forensic professionals work to process biological reference samples. DNA analysts serve a critical role in a laboratory, often identifying human remains in various stages of decomposition. They also testify in court as a DNA expert.
- Fingerprint Specialist: In criminal cases, fingerprinting specialists collect evidence and report their findings to allow investigators to use this information during legal proceedings. They work for police departments and government agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). At the ATF, fingerprinting specialists serve crucial roles in the field, lab, and classrooms, where they analyze fingerprints, footprints, and other physical evidence.
- Firearm and Toolmark Examiner: Forensic labs hire chemists, biologists, and firearm and toolmark examiners. Examiners analyze firearms and other tools recovered at crime scenes, checking for tampered serial numbers or marks made in the processing of reloading ammunition. Toolmark identification involves looking for any damages that show how criminals used tools in a crime.
- Forensic Document Examiner: Forensic document examiners are experts in analyzing and comparing handwriting and identifying altered documents. State and federal agencies hire forensic document examiners to work on death investigations, threats, arson, and fraud and forgery cases.
- Forensic Engineers: Forensic engineers can provide scientific explanations of product failures, fatal accidents, fires or explosions, and structural and building failures. They also investigate insurance claims and damages caused by natural disasters. Forensic engineers often serve as expert witnesses in mediation or depositions.
- Forensic Medical Examiner: Forensic medical examiners are physicians trained in pathology who perform autopsies to reveal information about the cause of death. Even in cases of severe body decomposition, they must feel comfortable with the postmortem process to complete their job. Their toxicology reports and expert testimonies help in criminal cases.
- Forensic Nurse: Forensic nurses go beyond traditional roles to provide medical exams and treatment for cases involving domestic violence, neglect, and sexual assault. They incorporate forensic evidence collection into their nursing care. This job also requires a solid understanding of nursing and the legal system.
- Forensic Odontology: Forensic odontologists use their dental expertise and forensic knowledge to identify human remains, analyze bite marks, and provide insight into dental malpractice cases. Dental records help forensic odontologists in legal proceedings, where they often testify in malpractice or workers’ compensation cases. They may serve as a consultant or on appointment for the coroner’s office, insurance companies, or police departments.
- Forensic Pathologist: Forensic pathologists determine the cause of death through autopsies and recover evidence for court. This may require visiting the scene of a crime. In cases of physical trauma, they explain marks on human remains. The job often requires certification, such as the anatomic pathology credential. They often coordinate with law enforcement and prosecutors.
- Handwriting Examiners: Handwriting examiners analyze handwriting and signatures for unique marks like pen lifts and other microscopic identifiers. In depositions and court cases, handwriting examiners provide testimony. They work in cases of malpractice, fraud, or fraudulent wills.
| Jobs | Median Annual Wage (May 2023) | Projected Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Arson Investigator | $74,160 | 5% |
| Certified Fraud Examiner | $84,300 | 21% |
| Criminalist, Crime Scene Investigator, or Forensic Science Technician | $64,940 | 14% |
| Forensic Accounting or Auditor | $79,890 | 6% |
| Forensic Psychologist | $117,750 | 7% |
| Information Security Analyst | $120,360 | 33% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Science
Forensic science degrees require science-heavy course loads, especially if you want to work in a laboratory. You’ll need to take challenging courses in organic chemistry, molecular biology, osteology, and laboratories. This multidisciplinary degree requires students to study a wide variety of subjects, with specializations available in nursing, odontology, toxicology, and ballistics.
Explore More College Resources
Bachelor’s in Computer Forensics Degree Guide
Do you want to investigate crimes and work in the growing computer science field? Find out whether a computer forensics degree is right for you.
by Alison Plaut
Updated June 24, 2024
How to Become a Forensic Social Worker
Learn how to become a forensic social worker. This field can be a solid option for students interested in a helping profession with a legal component.
by James Mielke
Updated September 6, 2023
Best Online Master’s in Crime Scene Investigation Programs
We’ve ranked the top online master’s in crime scene investigation programs. Compare schools by cost and convenience. Earn your master’s degree online.
Updated April 9, 2024