Best Online Master’s in Forensic Science Programs 2024
2024The field of forensic science is vast and multidisciplinary, with applications beyond traditional crime scene investigation. A master’s degree in forensic science can lead to a number of specialized, high-paying careers.
Demand for forensic science professionals is on the rise, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting employment of forensic science technicians alone to grow by 13% over the next decade — a much faster pace than the average for all jobs.
If you’re already a forensic scientist looking for career advancement or hoping to apply your existing degree to the forensic field, these top-rated programs can lead to new opportunities.
Featured Online Master’s in Forensic Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2024 Best Online Master’s in Forensic Science Programs
National University
San Diego, CA- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled17,972
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Stevenson University
- Stevenson, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,504
- Out-of-state$35,504
- In-State$8,340
- Out-of-state$8,340
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled3,830
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled68,010
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Forensic Science Program?
A master’s degree in forensic science typically requires a bachelor’s degree, and some require standardized testing such as the GRE. Some programs also request essays and letters of recommendation.
Most master’s degree programs cost more than $57,000, but costs vary by school and program format. Online master’s programs at public universities, for example, tend to cost less than in-person programs at private schools. Many programs offer scholarship opportunities based on your financial need or merit.
You can also specialize in a number of areas: If you specialize in forensic accounting, for instance, you will take additional coursework in that field. Some programs also offer transferable credit options based on past coursework, depending on your specialization.
Online master’s of forensic science degrees come in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, meaning you can either log in for specific class times or work through the coursework at your own pace. Many programs mix those formats into a hybrid approach, allowing you to work at your own pace in addition to regularly meeting for discussions.
Forensic Science Specializations
Forensic science is a broad field with applications far beyond traditional criminal investigations. Accounting, psychology, engineering, and other specialized skill sets all have applications within the vast discipline of forensic science — and many programs offer specializations to allow you to delve deeper into those fields. Here is a small sample:
- Psychology: Forensic psychologists work within the legal system, including both civil and criminal cases. They consult with witnesses and suspects, construct psychological profiles for law enforcement, and even testify in court.
- Engineering: Forensic engineers use their expertise to reconstruct accidents, structural and machine failures, and more. Forensic engineering is critical to understanding why a failure occurred.
- Accounting: Forensic accountants are financial experts who look at transactions and analyze finances. Forensic accountants help detect and trace fraud and financial crimes.
- Biology: Forensic biologists examine organic samples like blood, bodily fluids, hair, and bones. Their work can help identify bodies and match DNA to suspects, a critical component of criminal investigations.
- Digital Forensics: Digital forensics, or computer forensics, uncovers data and evidence from digital devices like computers and cell phones. As businesses and law enforcement agencies deal with an ever-increasing amount of data to sift through, digital forensics experts are key to unlocking and tracing information and digital evidence.
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Forensic Science?
A master’s degree in forensic science can lead to a number of high-paying, specialized jobs in fast-growing fields. That can include traditional forensic science jobs like crime scene investigation or areas like accounting and engineering.
A master’s degree can also lead to leadership roles in the field of forensic science and higher pay than a bachelor’s degree alone. If you’re looking to break into a niche, specialized field or take on a leadership role at a lab, a master’s degree in forensic science can help you stand out from the competition.
| Jobs | Median Salary (2023) | Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technician | $63,940 | 13% |
| Forensic Accountant | $79,890 | 4% |
| Forensic Chemist | $84,860 | 6% |
| Forensic Nurse | $86,070 | 6% |
| Forensic Engineer | $99,510 | 10% |
| Forensic Toxicologist | $100,890 | 10% |
| Forensic Computer Analyst | $103,800 | 10% |
| Forensic Psychologist | $117,750 | 6% |
| Medical Examiner | $236,000 | 3% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Forensic Science
A full-time forensic science master’s degree program typically takes about two years. If you’re studying part time or at your own pace, a program can take longer to complete.
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