Best Master's Degrees in Forensic Science

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

The majority of forensic science graduate programs, especially those accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), will require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science. This is due to the specialized scientific nature of the master's degree and the need for a thorough understanding of the natural sciences. For undergraduate students who do not major in one of the aforementioned subjects, it may be possible to complete a significant number of prerequisites in these areas prior to applying to graduate school.

Students interested in applying to a forensic science master's program will need to meet several requirements first. Generally, it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences or forensic science. It is possible that universities may admit students with substantial prerequisite coursework; however, this is up to individual forensic science programs. Admitted students typically have at least a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA, which is evidenced by official transcripts sent from the university registrar. In addition to the aforementioned academic requirements, admissions boards may ask for the following materials:

• GRE scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume

Students can complete their application for admissions online. Some universities may charge a fee to process the application.

Students who are interested in both science and criminal justice may be interested in pursuing a forensic science master's degree. Prospective students must be detail-oriented and organized and excel in the natural sciences. As many forensic scientists work with bodily fluids and human remains and may visit violent crime scenes, it is advisable that interested individuals be prepared for the potential sights and smells associated with the field. While it is currently a fairly small field, it is growing quickly, and the services of forensic science graduates are in demand.

Students have a number of things to consider when choosing a graduate program in forensic science. Cost and location are two of the most common; however, there are some other factors that shouldn't be overlooked. One of these is the facilities offered by a university for practicing skills learned in class. This may be a major selling point for prospective students. Some programs offer interactive learning environments such as a crime scene house where students can investigate staged crimes and collect physical and forensic evidence. Availability of such facilities may influence a student's decision due to its potential impact on learning and gaining confidence in applying techniques learned in the classroom.

The body that accredits established forensic science bachelor's and master's degree programs in the U.S. is called the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). FEPAC is part of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). Forensic science programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels that have graduated at least two cohorts are eligible for evaluation and review for accreditation. Natural or computer science degrees with a forensics concentration will also be considered.

Programs seeking accreditation must meet the rigorous standards set by FEPAC. Each program must cover specific topics in its curriculum and include a graduate seminar. The completion of a final research project or capstone experience needs to be overseen by at least three faculty members.

Forensic science master's degree courses consist of both foundational and elective components. Foundational classes are required for the major, while elective classes are chosen by the student. Electives can either be part of a set concentration area or individual topics selected based on interest. Most master's degree programs in forensic science will have classes with laboratory sections. Some may offer specialized facilities to practice skills. Generally, students end their degree with a thesis or research project. While the majority of classes will be held on campus, some universities may offer some online forensic science courses.

Forensic Science Foundational Courses

Foundational courses in forensic science master's degree programs are required for all students. These classes typically teach the basis of knowledge needed for practice as a forensic scientist. Regardless of a university's program, forensic science students generally learn about the following:

• Forensic science graduate seminar: this class covers major topics pertinent to forensic science and is usually led by a combination of guest speakers, experts, and faculty members.
• Forensic biology: this topic examines the processing and analysis of biological samples, including blood and tissue.
• DNA analysis: students learn about human DNA as it relates to samples taken during criminal investigations, including how to analyze those samples.
• Courtroom testimony: this course aims to prepare students to act as expert witnesses during criminal trials and present findings from their forensic analyses.
• Research project or thesis: students will undertake either a final thesis or research project in an area of interest.

Forensic Science Specialist & Elective Courses

Forensic science master's programs will typically offer either concentrations or electives for students enrolled in the degree. Concentrations, or specializations, are a set curriculum of courses focusing on a certain topic or area of forensic science. Two common concentrations are:

• Biology
• Chemistry

If a concentration isn't available, programs will generally offer a number of electives for students to choose from, such as forensic anthropology or toxicology. Forensic anthropology is the study of human remains and their identification. Toxicology examines chemicals and substances found in the body postmortem in order to determine the cause of death.

Licensure & Certification in Forensic Science

Currently, there is no mandatory licensure required for working in the field of forensic science. However, a wide range of certifications in different areas of the field allows professionals to showcase their expertise and training. Although certification, in general, is not compulsory, some employers may ask for or prefer certification. While there are several organizations that provide opportunities for certification, some of the popular options include:

• American Board of Criminalistics (ABC): the ABC offers certification via examination in specialties such as hair and fiber, comprehensive criminalistics, and drug analysis.
• International Association for Identification (IAI): professionals can be certified in several areas including forensic art, forensic photography, and footwear identification.
• American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT): there are three categories for certification in toxicology. Analysts must have an associate or bachelor's degree and 1-2 years of work experience. Diplomate level is for those with at least a bachelor's degree and has tracks for general, drug, or alcohol toxicology. Fellows must have a PhD and must have documented training and/or coursework in pharmacology and toxicology.

While those with a master's degree in forensic science will find many career opportunities, students seeking further education may wish to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forensic Science. PhD programs aim to prepare students for careers in research and academia, as well as positions as lab managers or directors. This degree generally takes 4-5 years to complete. Students will undergo advanced theoretical and laboratory training in forensic science techniques and will also produce a piece of original research in the form of a doctoral dissertation.

Depending on the type of forensic science studied, students have different options for careers. Students who choose concentrations in biology or chemistry may work in a laboratory as a forensic science technician or a forensic science specialist. Those who choose electives more closely related to trace evidence and criminalistics may prefer to work in the field as a crime scene investigator. The difference between a crime scene investigator and a forensic scientist lies in the way the evidence is handled. Crime scene investigators collect and document evidence, while forensic scientists process and analyze it. Regardless of the setting, those with a forensic science master's degree will be able to devote their careers to helping victims of crime and their families seek justice.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Forensic Science

The outlook for jobs typically available to those with a master's degree in forensic science is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that during a ten-year period between 2019-2029, employment for forensic science technicians will grow by 14%. This is classed as much faster than the average when compared with all other occupations. However, it is important to note that because forensic science is a relatively small field, this growth will only equate to around 2,400 new jobs. Graduates can expect strong competition for positions within forensic science. A master's degree can potentially put candidates at an advantage in the job market.

How to Become a Forensic Document Examiner

Forensic document examiners are professionals that analyze documents related to criminal investigations. They usually work in state or federal crime laboratories. Forensic document examiners are responsible for analyzing handwriting samples and signatures to determine the authenticity of a document. They also work on recovering documents that may be damaged by fire or water. They may be responsible for examining printed or typed documents to match them to machines that could be involved in a crime.

Forensic document examiners are generally trained for at least two years by a qualified and experienced forensic document examiner. This may be through a government crime lab or by a private professional. A master's degree in forensic science can give students advanced training in other areas in the field.

Because forensic document examination is a unique and highly specialized field, remuneration can vary by experience and setting, but BLS salary data suggests that those working in the forensics field made a median yearly wage of $59,150, with the highest 10% of workers earning over $97,350 in 2019.

How to Become a Forensic Investigator

Forensic investigators, also known as crime scene investigators, examine crime scenes looking for various types of forensic evidence. They collect and document things like hair samples, blood and other bodily fluids, and fabric and fibers. Forensic investigators may also work scenes related to arson and explosions.

Forensic investigators generally need at least an associate's degree although some positions may prioritize applicants with a bachelor's degree or higher. Students should have studied the natural sciences, forensics, criminology, or criminal justice. Some positions are associated with the police department and may require prior experience as a police officer before moving into a role as a forensic investigator.

According to data collected by the BLS, forensic technicians, which includes investigators, made a median annual salary of $59,150, as of May 2019. Most of these professionals work in local and state government settings. Those in the federal government earned the most with a median yearly wage of $60,830.

Many students worry about how they will fund their graduate education. Postsecondary education isn't cheap, but luckily, several options exist for those who cannot pay out-of-pocket for their degree. A popular option is U.S. federal financial aid. Student loans disbursed by the government can be used for tuition, fees, and other costs associated with school, including housing and books. Graduate students who are interested in taking out student loans must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.

Grants are a need-based type of aid given to students who can demonstrate significant financial hardship. Grants are offered by both private and public sources and do not need to be repaid.

Scholarships are another option for students seeking aid. Like grants, scholarships have no requirement for repayment. The George H. Robinson Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 to part-time graduate students pursuing a degree in forensic science. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA and submit a motivational letter and letters of reference.