Find Your Forensic Science Degree

Online Forensic Science Degrees

Forensic science can be a great field of study for students who are strong in the subject of science and want to help solve crimes. Being a forensic scientist means you would take part in analyzing evidence, and helping put the pieces of an unsolved puzzle together with other professionals in law enforcement. There are so many online options for those who want to learn online while working, taking care of their family, or other responsibilities.

If you are just starting your education, there are bachelor’s programs in forensic science you can compare. For those who have a bachelors in criminal justice or forensic science, you can find many graduate level forensic science degrees. Many of these programs offer unique specializations and concentrations.

Many graduate level programs online are offered at an accelerated pace. But, there are many that are geared towards students who need 2-3 years to complete their education. This pace, along with the convenience of online learning, can help you continue your career and education simultaneously. Class lectures are usually stored where students can access them and download for viewing at their convenience.

Whether you take an online bachelor’s or masters level forensic science program, you will want to be sure if there are any on-campus requirements for lab, tests, etc. Some 100% online forensic science degree programs will utilize testing centers throughout the country for students who reside out of the area. This is just another reason why you need to look into all your options, and compare several programs before deciding.

Bachelors Degrees in Forensic Science Online

Most online bachelor’s in forensic science programs will include curriculum that covers the process of an investigation from start to finish. When you work as a forensic specialist, for example, you will need to understand how the collection, analyzation, and reporting works within organizations. You will also get to know the latest tools and technology for analyzing evidence.

Masters Degrees in Forensic Science Online

The types of professionals who might want to earn their masters in forensic science include forensic specialists, attorneys, law enforcement (police, detectives, investigators), who want to increase their role in their organization, or qualify to branch out into new areas of the field. At the graduate level, you can compare degree programs in forensic science that offer a broad curriculum, or you can choose programs that have specializations, such as Investigation, Criminalistics, toxicology, DNA and Serology, and others.

Accredited Forensic Science Degrees

Accreditation is a top concern among most prospective students. The credibility of an accredited program, plus the financial aid incentives for choosing an accredited school make it an important topic to consider. When comparing online forensic science programs, you will want to look for accreditation from the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission – (FEPAC)”>Source. This commission helps ensure colleges meet particular standards for curriculum so graduates will be best equipped to work in the field. They accredit undergrad and graduate level programs. They also have several helpful resources for students, including a complete list of programs they have accredited.

There are many routes individuals who want to earn their online forensic science degree can take to work in the field. First, compare programs for online students in your area to narrow down your options.

Forensic Science Majors

The opportunities to expand your forensic science education really happens at the graduate level. Although you may find bachelor’s programs that are somewhat specialized or offer additional concentrations, master’s level programs offer an opportunity to target the high-level careers you want in the field.

Bachelors or Masters in Forensic Science

Starting with the most broad type of program, this degree can be the right move for those who want to have the most options for work environments. Graduates of this types of program can work in crime labs, police departments, hospitals and laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and even become high school teachers or college science professors. Students will likely take several courses in the biological sciences, data analysis, and forensics as it applies to several other scientific areas.

Toxicology Degree

Toxologists are needed to study the effects of chemicals on our bodies. This can apply to drug testing for employment, autopsies, and other purposes that are related to criminal justice and legal cases. If you graduate with this type of degree, you can work in lab settings at police departments, hospitals, or testing facilities owned by private drug companies. This type of program can also teach you the professional skills required for these settings, along with the confidence to handle the high-pressure and teime-sensitive situations that can accompany this profession.

Forensic DNA Analysis and Serology Degree

This type of program can prepare graduates for work in military or medical professions, as well as careers in law enforcement. Courses will cover such topics as blood spatter, analysis of DNA, immunology, nucleotide activity, as well as courses in biochemistry and biology. With DNA technology expanding into so many healthcare and law enforcement related industries, this type of program can offer several career options for graduates.

Forensic Psychology Degree

Forensic Psychology is a degree route that can lead to careers in law enforcement, working directly with people involved in criminal and legal situations. The careers related to this degree include criminal profiler, consulting, curriculum development, providing treatment for prisoners and the mentally ill.

Forensic Science and Engineering Degree

Forensic engineers work to figure out if objects, devices, products and other material items function properly or may have contributed to a criminal act. These types of programs are a little more rare than the others, but there are options for those who want to work as a forensic engineer.

Forensic Anthropology Degree

Sometimes, crime scenes involve bodies that are decomposed and beyond recognition. That’s when it is up to the forensic anthropologist to help determine the history of the remains. This may involve using special technology that reconstructs human remains to identify victims or figure out other clues behind the crime.