Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Forensic Science

Typically, at the bachelor's level, online degree programs in forensic science do not usually offer additional areas of concentration. However, at this level, forensic science may be offered as its own concentration for degrees in areas like criminal justice. There are a few online master's degree programs available in forensic science that offer a few different areas of concentration. These concentrations are designed to help students focus their studies and prepare for a specific career in the field. Some available concentrations for online master's programs in forensic science include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Forensic professional
• Forensic analysis
• Forensic biochemistry

Online bachelor's degree programs in forensic science are like any other bachelor's degree in that they require general education, core courses and elective courses. Core courses for forensic science programs usually include several introductory courses in various topics to give students an overview of the subject. Some programs may include a culminating capstone course where students can apply what they have learned throughout the program. Common courses and topics for these online degree programs may include:

• Introduction to criminal profiling
• Introduction to law enforcement
• Introduction to the court system
• Criminal investigation
• Criminal procedure and evidence
• Forensic photography
• Fingerprint analysis
• Firearm analysis

Traditionally, a bachelor's degree program, including online bachelor's programs in forensic science, are designed to take students 4 years to complete. However, online degree programs in the field may offer a few flexible ways to save students time and money. A common way to finish the degree faster is by transferring in credit. This may be from prior college courses and/or earning an associate's degree before earning a bachelor's degree. Some programs may allow up to 90 credits to count towards the bachelor's program. Some schools offer fast track courses, where students can test out of credits, and/or may offer prior learning credits for military service and/or other work experience.

Many institutions that offer online bachelor's degree programs in forensic science are accredited by regional bodies. Groups like the Higher Learning Commission may accredit an institution that has met set academic guidelines put in place by the organization to ensure that all of the school's programs demonstrate academic quality and the ability to help prepare students for a career. Accreditation is also required for students at an institution to qualify for federal student aid.

Some programs at different levels may hold an additional level of accreditation that is specific to a subject area. For example, the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) has accredited some certificate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs (and/or the various concentrations within a program) in forensic science. The FEPAC helps ensure that these forensic science programs include set academic standards of the field to ensure that students are prepared for a career in forensic science as best as possible.

Students interested in working as a forensic science technician or another related career in the field typically do not need a license or certification to secure a job. However, once students have gained employment, they may decide to pursue a range of certifications for professional development purposes and/or to meet standards set by their particular jurisdiction.

In the field of forensic science, the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) is one of the main organizations offering certifications to forensic science professionals. Students usually need to apply for certification, pass an exam, and be approved by the Board of Directors. Recertification also requires paperwork, maintenance fees, and recertification approval by the board. Students can pursue field-test exams in biological evidence screening or forensic DNA, as well as exams in areas like drug analysis, molecular biology, hair and fiber, and more.

Students wondering how to start a career in forensic science should first earn a bachelor's degree in the field. While there are some forensic science jobs for people without a degree many positions require some postsecondary education. One of the most common positions for students with a degree in the field is a forensic science technician. However, there are many different career options for those with a bachelor's in forensic science, including:

• Crime lab analyst
• Crime scene investigator
• Forensic chemist
• Science writer
• Forensic anthropologist
• Forensic consultant
• Microbiologist
• Trace evidence technician
• Criminalist
• Serologist

How to Become a Forensic Science Technician

To become a forensic science technician, students must first obtain a bachelor's degree, usually in forensic science or another related field, like chemistry or biology. Typically, these technicians need to undergo extensive on-the-job training before they can work on cases alone. They need to learn the procedures for collecting and analyzing evidence, running lab tests, and using different technologies. Some labs may require technicians to pass a proficiency exam and students may decide to pursue professional certification in a particular area of forensics.

Forensic science technician job duties typically vary by the specific type of position they hold. For example, forensic biologists and chemists usually work in the lab analyzing evidence, while criminalists or crime scene investigators are usually out in the field collecting evidence. The median annual salary for forensic technicians, as of 2019, was $59,150, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for these professionals from 2019 to 2029 was 14%, which is much faster than average.

How to Become a Forensic Science Manager

Students interested in taking on more leadership and/or a managerial position may work to become a forensic science manager. Usually, these managers need at least a bachelor's degree in forensic science and some work experience in the field. They may also need to participate in continuing education to stay updated on current technologies and techniques used in the field. Although certification may not be required for these positions, it may be encouraged or preferred.

Forensic science managers are generally in charge of overseeing the staff and operations of a crime laboratory. This may require them to communicate well with staff members, conduct trainings, enforce rules and protocols in the lab, and manage investigative lab activities. They may also need to ensure that the work of their lab meets all legal requirements to be used in the court system as needed. According to Glassdoor.com, forensic science managers made an average salary of $64,400, as of November 2020.

Paying for school is usually one of students' biggest issues to figure out and there are several different options available. Every student should first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for any type of federal loans and/or grants. Then, students may move on to searching for outside grant and scholarship opportunities through organizations or schools of interest. Grants and scholarships do not have to be paid back and some are available in specific subjects, including forensic science.

Several different schools offer different scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and/or graduate students studying forensic science. Some of these may be based on financial need and/or merit. For example, at the Virginia Commonwealth University graduate students in forensic science can compete for the Emily R. Murphy Scholarship and at the University of Central Oklahoma, undergraduate or graduate students can compete for the Fred Jordan Scholarship. Outside organizations, like the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists, may also offer scholarships and/or travel awards to students.

Students trying to determine which online bachelor's program in forensic science to pursue may want to begin by considering their personal career goals. Based on these goals, students should first choose between a degree specifically in forensic science or one in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic science. Criminal justice degree programs may provide additional courses and knowledge in the criminal justice system that may give more flexibility for careers, while those in forensic science may better prepare students for careers as forensic science technicians. Students may also want to explore lab and other hands-on learning opportunities available at different programs to make sure they are getting the experience they think will best prepare them for their desired career.

In addition to these considerations, students may need to think about other factors based on needs and personal preferences. For example, students may want to compare tuition rates and compare any scholarship opportunities available between schools. Some students may have a busy schedule with work and family commitments and need a program that offers more flexible coursework and/or part-time formats. Finally, students may want to search for programs that are accredited to ensure they are receiving a quality education.

Many different disciplines have various professional organizations available to help professionals in the field connect with one another and find valuable resources. These are often the types of organizations that provide licensure/certification for the field, continuing education opportunities, and more. Specifically, in the field of forensic science, professionals may consider participating in groups like:

• American Board of Criminalistics- Not only does the ABC provide various certifications for those in forensic science to promote growth in the field, but the group helps provide ethical standards for the field. Professionals can stay updated through the organization's newsletters.
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences- The AAFS offers membership in several different sections of forensic science, including criminalistics, anthropology, and toxicology. The group holds several annual meetings, conferences, and outreach programs, and also provides resources to students, forensic science journals, and forensic links through the website.
• Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists- The Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists also offers membership, in addition to awards, annual meetings, and trainings for professionals in the field.