Forensic Biology Degree Programs

Stevenson University

The Master of Forensic Science is available online and geared toward working professionals. There are two specializations to consider: Biology and Chemistry. Pursuing the Biology option offers additional study in DNA analysis and studying biological evidence.

Example courses include Physical Evidence at Crime Scenes, Serology and Immunology, Trace Evidence, and DNA Analysis. Up to six credit hours of transfer credit is accepted if approved. There are many possibilities to cut back on tuition rates in partnerships with community colleges and local organizations.

Admission requires college transcripts showing the completion of a Bachelor’s degree. It is recommended that prior studies are focused within the biology or chemistry discipline. At least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a personal statement is needed to be considered.

Prerequisites for the program include college-level biology, general and organic chemistry, and physics. All science-based courses require the completion of laboratory sessions as well. An additional statistics or calculus course is needed with three total credit hours.

Undergraduate Programs in Forensic Biology

Bachelor’s degrees are available in the disciplines of Forensic Science and Forensic Biology. Criminal Justice degrees and majors may have forensic science with biology coursework. Various biology courses are either offered in the major curriculum or specialization within forensic science.

Biology content is only a portion of the typical Bachelor’s degree in this discipline. Students will require a number of general education that stretches into arts and humanities, communication, and other sciences. 120 total credit hours are often needed to complete curriculum requirements.

Many Bachelor’s degrees require general education at the university level. This provides students with a wide array of typical skills that may be necessary for forensic biology preparation. Includes mathematics, communication, social and behavioral sciences, and more.

It is possible to gain entry-level content through an associate program in criminal justice, forensic science, or biology. However, in order to apply toward forensic biology positions, a blend of this education is needed. Therefore, most professionals hold at least a Bachelor’s degree to succeed in this field.

Keystone College

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology blends physical and natural sciences with investigative methods. This includes biology in general, chemistry, and tracing evidence. Graduates have gone on to be professionals in crime lab analysis, toxicology, and crime scene supervisor.

At least 36 credit hours are needed at the 3000-course level or higher. Some courses need at least a C grade or higher to count toward the curriculum. Most of these are the required science courses, including General Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Genetics.

Resources in the program include participating in numerous clubs and events. The Forensic Science Club offers further development in coursework and career opportunities. Students are also invited to conferences that specialize in forensic science for networking potential.

18 total credit hours are needed for the Forensic Biology minor. This requires two levels of entry-level forensic science, one forensic biology course, and two high-level biology or chemistry courses. High-level courses are in the 3000 or 4000-level and at least one course must hold lab sessions.

Alabama State University

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology is available through the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) college. An alternative Bachelor’s degree is also available in Forensic Chemistry. Either discipline prepares individuals for a Master’s degree in forensic science if desired.

Courses focus on the examination of body parts, animal remains, and related items for verification in criminal activity. This program follows the AAFS code of ethics for the importance of transparent evidence analysis. Students learn how to create detailed and accurate reports for court proceedings.

Example courses include General College Chemistry, Principles of Genetics, and Introduction to Statistics. Some general education and humanities topics include world history and art or music appreciation. All students complete introductory-level criminal justice and forensic science courses beginning in the sophomore year.

124 total credit hours are needed to complete the program. In their senior year, students choose between an in-depth research project or internship experience. Their studies culminate with a capstone project that showcases what they have learned throughout the program.

University of North Texas

The College of Science provides forensic science studies in three different disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry. 119 total credit hours are needed in the Biology major with a Chemistry minor. Chemistry courses are needed to complete all forensic science requirements.

43 total credit hours are focused on the biology core content. Example courses include Biology of Microorganisms, Cell Biology, and Animal Physiology. An internship is also required in this portion of the curriculum.

Specific forensic science courses explore foundational topics, molecular biology, and criminalistics through a biomedical lens. Some of these courses are only available in certain semesters. It is important for students to work with their academic advisors to avoid schedule conflicts with limited availability.

33 credit hours is needed to complete the university core requirements. Each subject requires between three to six credit hours. Subjects include American government, United States history, language and philosophy, and communication.

The mandatory Chemistry minors features a general overview, organic chemistry, and quantitative analysis. General Chemistry may be substituted for Honors General Chemistry if applicable. All courses require an accompanying lab session.

Graduate Programs in Forensic Biology

These higher-level programs will vary wildly in study length. Master’s degrees are often one or two years depending on prior academics and enrollment option. Part-time students often have a time limit to complete their degree, which varies depending on the university.

A doctorate degree is between four to six years with coursework at the beginning of the program. Qualification exams generally take place after this coursework to continue education. After the first few years of education, students enter their dissertation research and prepare a defense.

Master’s degree hold general admission requirements across the board with some variations. All incoming individuals must have a Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline. An accepted cumulative GPA is around 3.0, but some grades lower are allowed in conditional admittance or other admission materials stand out.

All applications require a fee with either unofficial or official transcripts. Resumes and personal statements should list off professional and volunteer work in the field. Personal statements may also be considered as letters of intent that are approximately 500 words.

Two or three letters of recommendation are needed from professors and managers they have worked with and verify accomplishments. Some applicants may need to complete an interview with a faculty member prior to the final admission steps. The most common standardized test score is GRE, but this may be waived or is no longer required at some universities.

Mercyhurst University

The Master of Science in Anthropology has a Forensic and Biological Anthropology specialization. 39 to 44 credit hours are needed in the curriculum. This specialization is also available as a standalone graduate certification.

11 total courses are taken in the Master’s degree with the majority of those in the first year. A comprehensive exam of core subjects is required at the end of the first year. The second year provides an opportunity to explore many electives, which emphasizes the specialization.

In addition to scientific method and analysis, students gain skills in quantitative analysis and written and oral reporting. Start time for the program is exclusively in the fall semester. Graduates have the option to pursue a career in forensic science or continue education at the doctorate level.

Graduate certification requires between 15 to 18 credit hours to finish. Students specifically focuses on theory and gaining experience. This is generally completed in less than one year.

George Washington University

The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences offers a Master’s degree in Forensic Sciences. Coursework is offered at the Mount Vernon campus in Washington DC. There is an online alternative – the graduate certification in forensic investigation.

Students may pursue the Forensic Molecular Biology concentration. This pathway features crime lab analysis and microscopy to verify criminal activity and suspects. There is also subject matter in criminal theory based on DNA evidence and human genetics.

Official transcripts should show the completion of an undergraduate degree in a natural or forensic science discipline. Between 250 to 500 words are needed in the personal essay featuring qualifications and professional accomplishments. At least two letters of recommendation are also required with the application.

GRE scores are required with no replacements accepted, such as the GMAT or MCAT standardized tests. Applicants with a doctorate degree may waive the GRE requirement, but not those with a Master’s degree. Holding high GRE scores may improve acceptance for those that do not meet GPA requirements.

Arkansas State University

Forensic biology content is available in a number of degrees, including the Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biosciences. This is an interdisciplinary program that can feature forensic science in the curriculum. Between 45 to 72 credit hours are needed in full depending on the student holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree when entering.

At least 15 credit hours of content is required in core subjects and ethical research. Dissertation research accounts for around 18 credit hours. Specific coursework is determined by an advisory committee which may alter some credit requirements based on the individual.

Students must complete the program with a B grade average or higher. The qualifying examination verifies work leading up to this point and successful defense of the dissertation proposal. Candidacy examination is done with a defense of a hypothesis in a category unrelated to a prior thesis project.

All courses and dissertation research must be completed in a six-year time frame. There is a possibility to extend this limitation with approval from the advisory committee.

Top Courses in Forensic Biology

Forensic Science

General overview of forensic science skills and positions in the investigation process. Topics may feature criminal scene investigation, laboratory opportunities, and discovery in terms of tracing and fingerprinting evidence. Foundational course is normally available in the first part of a Forensic Science discipline.

General Physiology

Looks at various function topics that affect the body and health of an individual. This can be a wide-ranging course that considers human structure, medical impact, and how the human body deals with disease. Specifically, these various topics focus on how it impacts functioning.

Criminal Justice

In a forensic biology degree, this is often an introductory course that goes through basic topics in criminal justice. It may look at how the justice system works overall in the United States and law enforcement capability. Advanced courses may dive into criminology, crime based on race, and ethical behavior when performing duties.

Ethical Research

It is important to follow regulations and ethical guidelines when performing forensic study. These courses explore why ethics are in place and how professionals can follow these needs to succeed. Topics may feature conflict of interest, reviewing data for verification, and privacy of sensitive information.

Microbiology

General overview of the study of microbes or very little life forms. These organisms are often impossible to see with the human eye, meaning bacteria or viruses. Understanding how these organisms function aids in the analysis process and may play a role in certain situations.

Cell Biology

In-depth course on body cells and how they are structured and used within the human body. This course may look at how cells work and communicate with each other and various scientific features. Understanding these cells gives professionals a better understanding of how living organisms exist.

Molecular Biology

Commonly offered alongside cell biology coursework, but there are differences between the two. Molecular biology focuses on DNA and genetics. It also focuses on more specialized analysis and may diagnose unique situations in living organisms.

Bioinformatics

Blends together information technology with biology to analyze scientific data. Students use computer applications to review biological data that impacts their investigations. This often features mathematics and statistical analysis to further understand criminal activity.

Applied Statistics

Understanding statistical methods is often needed in advanced biology coursework. This aids in developing theory and creating research projects to solve a hypothesis. Specific types of statistics vary, but may feature quantitative methods or regressive methods.

What Can You Do With a Forensic Biology Degree?

Common positions in forensic biology include forensic scientists and laboratory technicians. These may be in the crime scene field or analyzing evidence in a laboratory setting. Common duties include finding and photographing evidence at crime scenes, do scientific analysis in the lab, and work with experts to finalize cases.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in lab settings make slightly less than the overall average of forensic science technicians. Those in testing labs make an average of $55,100 annually. For those in the top 10 percent, salaries can reach up to $97,350 annually.

In general, jobs within the forensic science field are expected to rise by 14 percent between 2019 and 2029. With advancing technology, there should be more opportunities available in the coming years. Law enforcement, government, and many other sectors will rely more on forensic science technicians.

Biological technicians are also considered as assistants and microbiologists. These positions require competence in using laboratory equipment and computer applications in the analysis process. Positions under this category are generally reserved for laboratory settings, but they may also work in the field when necessary.

Average salary pay for biological technicians is estimated at $45,860 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This jumps up to $73,350 annually within the top 10 percent of those employed. Research and development provides the largest type of employment and highest pay among biological technicians.

All Schools with Forensic Science Programs