Computer Forensics
Computer or digital forensics is the study of how technology is used to commit crimes. Computer forensic specialists use computer hardware and software to recover information from machines that could be used in criminal trials.
Forensics Colleges & Universities
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For those who love puzzles and problem-solving, working in forensics can provide a fulfilling and impactful career. Forensics is “the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of a crime.” In other words, these professionals occupy the intersection of law enforcement and science. They help solve crimes by processing and analyzing varied types of evidence, including biological, chemical, and digital. Those interested in examining biological samples such as blood can become forensic science technicians or DNA analysts. Others may choose to study cybersecurity to prevent computer-based crimes, track down malicious hackers, and recover digital evidence. And still others who are mathematically inclined may consider becoming forensic accountants to detect fraud and expose white-collar crimes.
In short, there’s a wealth of forensics programs—including online options—to accommodate all subfields of this high-growth discipline. Read on to explore the varied specialties and forensics colleges below.
Crime and Intelligence Analysis
Fighting crime has often come down to the analysis of data. But for today’s crime and intelligence analysts, it’s not just about scouring evidence to bring criminals to justice but also sifting through vast amounts of data to predict crimes before they happen.
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
Crime scene investigation is the field of collecting, documenting, and analyzing information from a crime scene with the goal of recreating a crime and then using the evidence in criminal trials.
Criminal Justice (CJ)
For students interested in a versatile degree, majoring in criminal justice may prove a wise decision. Criminal justice graduates go on to occupy a variety of exciting, impactful positions, becoming private detectives; probation officers; fraud investigators; DEA agents; law enforcement officers; secret service agents; state troopers; fish and game wardens; and criminologists.
Criminal Profiler
Criminal profilers use their knowledge of psychology and behavior to determine the motivations of criminals and anticipate crimes based on this “profile.” Crime scene data collection is the basis for informing their theories.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the area of forensics that is devoted to actively protecting information. Cybersecurity specialists use computer hardware and software to track data thieves, thwart e-terrorists and protect sensitive electronic information.
DNA Analyst
The expansive field of scientific exploration is full of opportunities for specialization and growth, none more important than the biological breakthrough that revolutionized interrogation techniques: DNA. The double helix holds invaluable information on how living organisms are formed, and its usage in science and justice proceedings has multiplied over time.
Emergency Management
From the Covid-19 epidemic to intensive flooding and wildfires, communities around the globe have faced natural epidemics at an unprecedented scale. Public and private agencies turn to emergency management professionals to help them analyze risks, assess potential solutions, build their capacity, respond to crises, and move on from disasters.
Forensic Accounting
A forensic accountant uses basic accounting and investigative skills to find defects in financial statements that may be indicative of criminal activity. They perform audits on financial and legal files and present their findings in trials.
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic anthropologists analyze and apply scientific techniques in order to diagnose posthumous death by violent force or trauma. Skin tissue, bone observation and demographics are key areas of study.
Forensic Biology
Charged with the task of examining tissue samples to identify victims and crime scenes, forensic biologists provide essential information in criminal investigations to pinpoint the cause and time of death. These professionals also serve in pivotal roles involving public health crises (e.g.,) disease prevention or environmental protection disasters (e.g., oil spills) by providing scientific legal testimony through their analyses.
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic chemistry is a two-in-one degree program that straddles the disciplines of chemistry and criminal justice. It can best be described as laboratory detective work. Read on to learn more about forensic chemistry programs.
Forensic Engineering
Forensic engineers are individuals that are experts in their field (electrical, mechanical, construction, etc.) that are called to analyze and testify in situations where criminal activity may have occurred relating to this field.
Forensic Medicine
Forensic science is a discipline in which the scientific method is used to investigate crimes and examine evidence that may ultimately be presented within a legal setting such as a court of law. Among the many fields within forensic science is forensic medicine. Forensic medicine is a specialized field that combines medicine, criminal justice, and law enforcement. Graduates of forensic science programs who specialize in forensic medicine may pursue various careers.
Forensic Nursing
Forensic nurses learn how to identify and treat victims of violent acts such as abuse and rape. Forensic nurses are also trained on how to gather and present evidence of these actions in court.
Forensic Pathology
Forensic pathologists conduct autopsies and post-mortem examinations on individuals whose deaths may have been caused by unnatural circumstances. They also work closely with law enforcement officials and legal teams to provide expert opinions on their findings.
Forensic Photography
Forensic photographers document a crime scene visually. This work includes taking images of tire tracks, fingerprints, sustained wounds and blood spatter patterns that comply with evidence collection legal standards. Discover what it takes to join this high-growth career.
Forensic Psychology
The study of forensic psychology examines how criminals behave and the emotional and mental effects on victims. Forensic psychologists are often asked to present findings in court, especially in cases where mental illness may have caused a violent act.
Forensic Science
Forensic science is the general study of how science can be used for legal purposes. Forensic scientists range from biological researchers to chemists and have many specialized skills.
Forensic Tech
Forensic science technicians complete detailed lab analyses in order to assist law enforcement officials in identifying criminals. These technicians perform blood, weapons and fiber analyses in order to support a criminal investigation.
Forensic Toxicology
A career in forensic toxicology typically starts with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or forensic science. However, educational pathways are flexible, with options ranging from certificates to advanced degrees.
Mobile Forensics
A career as a mobile forensics expert can be launched by by learning about the file systems and data retrieval process in cellular phones, smart phones, and other mobile devices.
Pathologists’ Assistant
Forensic pathologists’ assistants (PAs) are highly skilled professionals employed in morgues, forensic pathology research organizations, community hospitals, medical schools, and private laboratories. Discover what to expect from a forensic PA school.
FORENSIC SCIENCE COLLEGES
In a ForensicsColleges.com interview about the future of forensic science, three prominent professors from U.S. universities offered their advice to aspiring students. All three stressed the importance of studying forensic methodologies and investing time in hard science courses such as chemistry, biology, and physics.
One way to ensure that a forensics program offers adequate scientific instruction is by checking its accreditation status. Accreditation is the process of ensuring that a school or program has met baseline standards of quality with respect to faculty, facilities, and student outcomes, among other measures. For programmatic accreditation, the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is the gold standard. While FEPAC typically accredits bachelor’s and master’s degree programs only, there are also forensic programs at the associate and doctoral levels, certificates, and diplomas. These degree programs cover the gamut of specializations, such as forensic science, criminal justice, forensic accounting, crime scene investigation, forensic psychology, cybersecurity, and forensic nursing, among others. Some of these even have sub-specialties available, including criminalistics, toxicology, or molecular biology.
Associate degrees in forensic science typically include instruction in criminal law, physiology, and other general science courses such as biology and chemistry. There are both associate of applied science (AAS) and associate of science (AS) programs available. Bachelor’s degrees in forensic science generally offer courses such as ethics in criminal justice and more advanced science courses such as biochemistry, microbiology, and forensic chemistry. There are bachelor of science (BS) programs and bachelor of arts (BA) options, particularly in criminal justice. Master’s degrees in forensic science feature even more sophisticated coursework in areas such as serology, advanced research methods, DNA analysis, forensic toxicology, and trace evidence analysis, among others. There are both master of science (MS) and master of arts (MA) programs available.
Please visit the specialty pages above or the state pages below to discover accredited forensics programs by subfield or region, respectively.
Schools by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
ONLINE FORENSICS PROGRAMS
In addition to the accredited, campus-based forensic science programs, there’s also a range of distance-based options as well. In the past, working professionals and those with family responsibilities had difficulty finding programs to accommodate their schedules in terms of time or location. Fortunately, there are now programs beyond the traditional, brick-and-mortar model of education. A growing number of forensics students are choosing to study online, where they can tailor their studies to meet their individual needs.
So how do online programs work? There are three main types of online learning.
- Synchronous learning refers to video lectures, online discussion forums, web-based exams or assignments, and other program features accessed at the same time by students and faculty from different locations. Technologies such as Blackboard Learn and Google Classroom have empowered people in different locations to access course material and interact as if they were in the same room.
- Asynchronous learning does not occur in real time, but rather students login at their convenience to complete a given task. They may have a weekly or monthly deadline to finish an assignment or test.
- Hybrid or blended learning combines elements of both asynchronous and synchronous learning. It may also refer to a program with a mix of online and on-campus requirements.
Due to the hands-on nature of many forensics specializations, many programs are not 100 percent online, especially at the undergraduate level. While classes may be delivered at a distance, online forensics schools may require in-person laboratory training either at the campus or through an approved site close to a student’s home. Other online forensics programs have mandatory on-campus attendance for orientations or intensive seminars a few times per year. These sessions may give distance-based students the opportunity to interact with their colleagues and professors, offering a much-needed sense of community.
Regardless the program structure, prospective online students are strongly advised to verify the “state authorization” status of their program prior to enrollment. Due to differing state laws surrounding distance-based education, a student residing in one state may not be eligible to enroll in an online forensics program based in another state. For instance, Florida International University provides many online forensics programs and notes on its state authorization page that students from Utah are currently not eligible for distance-based admissions.
Finally, check out the main online forensics programs page. This guide examines the admissions requirements and coursework in accredited online forensics programs across fields such as crime scene investigation (CSI), forensic accounting, forensic nursing, forensic psychology, computer forensics, and other subfields.
Careers in Forensic Science
With an education in forensics and training in a lab environment, some of the job possibilities for these graduates include becoming a medical examiner, crime lab analyst, toxicologist, forensic biologist, forensic chemist, crime scene examiner, forensic engineer, forensic odontologist, criminal profiler, or a forensic science technician, among others. Check out the career guides below to learn in-depth about the typical education and credentialing across each of these fields.
Arson Investigator
An arson investigator uses in-depth knowledge of fire chemistry and mechanics to investigate possible arson cases. They also gather evidence and eyewitness accounts, talk with insurance companies and provide expert testimony in court proceedings.
Certified Fraud Examiner
A certified fraud examiner (CFE) is a trained professional who investigates financial records to find fraudulent activities or other financial crimes. Job duties typical of a CFE include analyzing financial documents for signs of fraud, assisting in civil and criminal investigations, providing expert testimony in legal proceedings, generating reports, and conducting forensic audits. CFEs may find various opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
Computer Forensics Examiner
Computer or digital forensics is the study of how technology is used to commit crimes. Computer forensic specialists use computer hardware and software to recover information from machines that could be used in criminal trials.
Crime and Intelligence Analyst
Crime and intelligence analysts turn data into actionable insights that predict and prevent criminal activity. They work in diverse environments, including local police departments, federal agencies, and even private sector organizations. This data-driven role is the backbone of smart policing and homeland security, and while it was once a niche area, it’s become a crucial component in modern law enforcement and public safety.
Crime Scene Investigator
Crime scene investigators spend time at crime scenes in order to collect evidence necessary in order to recreate a violent crime. Through careful documentation and evidence analysis, crime scene investigators provide proof that is the keystone of most criminal trials.
Criminalist
Criminalists use scientific and investigative methods to deduce how a particular crime took place. Although today’s criminalists utilize modern tools like 3-D imaging and DNA sequencing to help law enforcement, they still build upon the same foundation of this profession that dates back to the around 700 AD, when the Chinese used fingerprints to identify documents and clay sculptures.
Cryptanalyst
The most common technique to protect communications from prying eyes is a process known as encryption, in which communications are scrambled through computer algorithms, making them illegible to those who are not their intended recipient. Encryption itself is much older than computers and was used to disguise communications as early as the Middle Ages. In updated form, it provides the backbone for securing digital communications in the modern age. Modern encryption protects communications, intellectual property, and wealth in the form of digital rights management and cryptocurrency.
DNA Analyst
A DNA analyst takes human tissue samples like blood, hair or semen and finds genetic code that will identify the victims and perpetrators of violent crimes. This is primarily a lab job, and DNA analysts do not spend much time at crime scenes, although they may be asked to testify in court about their findings.
Forensic Accountant
A forensic accountant uses basic accounting and investigative skills to find defects in financial statements that may be indicative of criminal activity. They perform audits on financial and legal files and present their findings in trials.
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic anthropologists analyze and apply scientific techniques in order to diagnose posthumous death by violent force or trauma. Skin tissue, bone observation and demographics are key areas of study.
Forensic Autopsy Technician
Working in a coroner’s office or medical examiner’s office could be a good job for people who are interested in science, the human body, and helping families to find out what may have caused the death of a loved one. Becoming a forensic autopsy technician is one option for those who are fascinated by human anatomy and who are not squeamish around the idea of dissecting bodies. Additionally, this career typically does not require extensive postsecondary learning.
Forensic Ballistics Expert
With gun deaths nearing the 50,000 mark in the United States in 2022 alone, experts who focus on firearms are in high demand. “Forensic ballistics experts” is the term that is commonly used for people who are highly knowledgeable in the effects of guns in crimes, as well as in connecting specific firearms to specific crimes. Forensic ballistics experts are highly knowledgeable regarding the types of available firearms, calibers, and ammunition, as well as on the trace evidence left on bullets, guns, bodies, and objects by their usage.
Forensic Biologist
By examining bodily fluids, bones, hair, insects, plants, and animals at a crime scene, a forensic biologist prepares a detailed analysis of their findings, which can be used in legal cases to determine the cause of a crime. Read on to learn more about the rewarding opportunities available in forensic biology careers.
Forensic Chemist
Forensic chemistry involves using scientific methods to investigate physical evidence. Forensic chemists fight crimes with science by analyzing evidence collected from crime scenes and giving testimonies based on laboratory test results.
Forensic Dentistry & Odontology
Forensic dentistry is a profession that stands at the intersection of dentistry and law. Forensic odontology is the study of teeth and the mouth as it applies to both civil and criminal law. Forensic odontologists may aid investigators in identifying both victims and perpetrators of crimes. Forensic odontology is also helpful in identifying victims of non-criminal incidents such as disasters.
Forensic Document Examiner
The field of document examination was first developed in the early twentieth century to identify forgery and establish the authenticity of documents. Forensic document examiners, sometimes also called questioned document examiners, are scientists who utilize the scientific method of questioned document examination to examine documents. Forensic document examiners may work in various settings, including state, county, and municipal crime labs, as well as federal agencies that operate their own questioned document units.
Forensic Engineer
While the field of engineering is primarily tasked with designing and constructing reliable structures and designs that will operate safely, failures can still occur. Even with extensive structural and product testing, the most meticulous designs can still falter during and after construction or in the manufacturing stages.
Forensic Entomologist
Forensic entomologists are experts in the fields of criminal justice and science who, using their knowledge of how insects aid in bodily decomposition, can determine the time and source of death.
Forensic Investigator
Forensic investigators share many responsibilities and competencies with detectives: conducting interviews, securing crime scenes, analyzing public and private records, and writing detailed investigative reports.
Forensic Medical Examiner
A medical examiner is a government employee that investigates human bodies that have died under unusual or unnatural circumstances. They are able to perform autopsies and post-mortem exams, but may more often perform administrative duties.
Forensic Nurse
Forensic nurses learn how to identify and treat victims of violent acts such as abuse and rape. Forensic nurses are also trained on how to gather and present evidence of these actions in court.
Forensic Nurse Examiner
If you already are working as a registered nurse and have an interest in protecting the welfare and health of others, you may want to consider training to become a forensic nurse examiner. As such, you will continue to work in nursing, but will learn to recognize and document the signs of abuse and violence that could be used to prosecute a criminal in a courtroom.
Forensic Nurse Practitioner
Forensic nurse practitioners (NPs) combine their expertise in nursing, forensics, and law, to play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of their patients while ensuring justice is served. They work in any setting where NPs are typically employed including primary care, mental health, women’s health, pediatrics, and acute care. Their specialized forensic knowledge, along with trauma-informed practices, helps ensure patients get the care they need at a very difficult time in their lives.
Forensic Pathologist
Forensic pathologists conducts autopsies and post-mortem examinations on individuals whose deaths may have been caused by unnatural circumstances. They also work closely with law enforcement officials and legal teams to provide expert opinions on their findings.
Forensic Psychiatrist
Forensic psychiatry is a profession that stands at the intersection of psychiatry and law. A forensic psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has training in both mental health and the law. The expertise of a forensic psychiatrist may be sought to address issues such as violence, criminal responsibility, competence to stand trial in both civil and criminal courts, child custody issues, psychic injury, mental disability, malpractice, involuntary treatment, ethics and human rights, and juvenile justice and rehabilitation.
Forensic Psychologist
The study of forensic psychology specializes in how criminals and their victims behave and how it affects them emotionally and mentally. Forensic psychologists are often asked to present findings in court, especially in cases where mental illness could be a cause of violent acts.
Forensic Scientist
Forensic science is the general study of how science can be used for legal purposes. Forensic scientists range from biological researchers to psychologists and have many specialized skills.
Forensic Sketch Artist
While it’s true that high-tech digital instruments sharpen the accuracy and validity of witness testimonies, paper and pencil facial sketches still play a significant role in criminal investigations.
Forensic Technician
The primary role of a forensic technician is to collect and analyze physical evidence. This can consist of biological material, as well as glass, hair, fingerprints, fabric, bullets, various chemicals, and anything else that can help identify what happened during a crime.
Forensic Toxicologist
When it comes to portrayal in television, the nitty-gritty details of careers in forensic toxicology often end up on the cutting room floor. Read on to get a realistic glance at the typical responsibilities, specialties, salaries, and career paths for forensic toxicologists.
Information Security Analyst
In the deeply interconnected world of the twenty-first century, the secure flow of information is a vital aspect of daily economic activity. The Information Age ushered in a new era in which information security is as large a concern as the security of mass-produced goods. Given the sheer scale and complexity of human activities in the present era, a new industry developed in response to the need to protect vital information.
Law Enforcement Officer
A police officer is a person whose occupation involves enforcing the law and investigating criminal activity. They may work in various settings and circumstances to maintain public safety and security. Police officers may ultimately work in municipal police departments and state and federal-level government agencies. Becoming an officer is somewhat similar to working in the nursing and mental health counseling professions in that these occupations often open up many employment and career possibilities.
Legal Nurse Consultant
For those considering working at the intersection of the legal and medical fields in a dynamic, high-growth career, this guide provides a detailed discussion of the career outlook, salary prospects, and pathway to becoming a legal nurse consultant.
Pathologists’ Assistant
A pathology assistant is able to do most of the work of a pathologist except for diagnosis of a post-mortem patient. Pathology assistants collect samples, perform autopsies and do clerical work in pathology labs.
Penetration Tester (or Pen Tester)
Penetration testers are cybersecurity professionals launching planned computer systems attacks to identify and assess security vulnerabilities. These ethical hackers are the secret service, club bouncers, and counterintelligence agents in the network security industry.
The Latest from the Forensics Education Blog
- October 25, 2024
- How to Become
Forensic science technicians have a regular presence at crime scenes, aiding in the process of criminal investigations under a crime scene leader or field supervisor. The role involves helping to collect, document, and analyze evidence and submitting it to the crime laboratory.
- October 17, 2024
- How to Become
While other forensic experts recreate crime scenes by analyzing blood and bullets, a certified forensic accountant uses analysis and attention to detail to track down financial criminals. A forensic accountant investigates legal documents and financial statements in order to find criminal or other illicit activity.