Forensic scientists work behind the scenes to facilitate criminal investigations. They collect and analyze evidence to help law enforcement solve crimes and catch the right criminals.
Forensic science is a field heavily steeped in biology and chemistry, and in order to work as a crime scene technician or other type of forensic scientist, you'll need a degree.
Many colleges and universities offer forensic science degrees, so how do you choose the right one? Keep reading to discover our picks for the top schools for forensic science.
Top Schools for Forensic Science
Students can earn bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in forensic science at several colleges and universities in the United States. We've listed some of our top picks alphabetically below.
All programs listed are accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
1. Boston University
Boston University is a private university based in Boston, MA. It offers two master's programs for forensic science students.
The Master of Science in biomedical forensic science trains students in a variety of forensic disciplines applied to crime scene investigation and evidence analysis.
The program takes two years to complete. Courses in this program include:
- Advanced Topics in DNA Analysis
- Forensic Pathology and Medicolegal Death Investigation
- Molecular Biology of Forensic DNA Analysis
- Trace Evidence Analysis
The Master of Science in forensic anthropology allows students to learn how to study and work with unidentified remains. It includes courses such as:
- Advanced Crimes Scene Investigation
- Field Methods in Forensic Anthropology
- History, Methods, and Theory in Biological Anthropology
- Special Topics in Forensic Anthropology: Outdoor Crime Scene Awareness
This program takes two years to complete and concludes with a graduate-level research project and full-length thesis.
2. Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago is a private research university that offers a Bachelor of Science in forensic science.
The program includes courses such as:
- Expert Witness Testimony and Courtroom Demeanor
- Forensic Drug Chemistry
- Forensic Science Ethics and Professional Practice
- Physical Organic Chemistry for the Forensic Sciences
Students also have the option of pairing this degree with a minor in computer crime and forensics to prepare them for jobs as forensic examiners.
3. Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, is a public research university that offers bachelor's and master's degrees in forensic science.
The Bachelor of Science in forensic science is a 123-credit degree that offers two concentrations: forensic molecular biology and forensic chemistry. Core courses include:
- A Scientific Approach to Crime Scene Investigation
- Criminalistics: Trace and Impression Evidence
- Essential Practices of Forensic Sciences
- Laboratory in Crime Scene Investigation
The Master of Professional Studies in forensic science requires 41 credits and offers concentrations in biology and chemistry. It includes many of the same core courses as the bachelor's degree.
4. Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private university in New York. It offers multiple degrees in forensic science at the bachelor's and master's levels.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in forensic science. These are integrative learning majors that can be paired alongside another approved major.
Both programs offer the same core courses including:
- Advanced Forensic Science
- Forensic Chemical Analysis
- Intro to Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Chemical Analysis
Syracuse University offers multiple forensic science degrees at the master's level such as:
- Master of Science in forensic science with 11 concentrations
- Master of Science in biomedical forensic science
- Master of Science in digital forensics
These programs have 36 credits. Advanced study certificates in forensic science are also available.
5. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is one of the largest public research universities in the United States. It offers a Bachelor of Science in forensic and investigative science.
The program offers two concentrations: science and pre-law. The pre-law concentration is not FEPAC-accredited.
Courses offered in this degree program include:
- Applied Digital Forensics and Incident Response
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Forensic Implications of Inheritance
- Forensic Investigations
This degree requires 120 credits and takes four years to complete.
6. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is a public research university in Orlando. It offers a Bachelor of Science in forensic science.
Students in this program can choose from two concentrations: biochemistry and chemistry.
Core forensic science courses for both tracks include:
- Forensic Analysis of Controlled Substances
- Forensic Crime Scene Investigation
- Forensic Laboratory Quality Assurance and Professional Practice
- Forensic Science in the Courtroom
The biochemistry track focuses on DNA and other biochemical evidence, while the chemistry track focuses on the application of chromatographic, spectroscopic, and micro-analytical techniques.
FAQs About Top Schools for Forensic Science
Below, you'll find the most commonly asked questions about top schools for forensic science.
Can I Earn a Forensic Science Degree Online?
Some colleges and universities offer forensic science degrees online, either fully online or in a hybrid format.
How Long Does a Forensic Science Degree Take?
The length of your forensic science degree depends on the level of degree you're earning. Bachelor's degrees usually take four years, and master's usually take about two.
Can I Choose a Forensic Science Concentration?
Several colleges and universities, including a few listed above, allow you to choose concentrations for your forensic science program.
For example, Penn State allows students to choose a biology or chemistry focus in each of its forensic science degree programs.
Find Top Schools for Forensic Science
Many colleges and universities in the United States offer forensic science programs. Check out the ones listed above to find the right one today.
