Best Forensics & Criminal Justice Degrees (2022)

Criminal Justice

The criminal justice field abounds with career prospects, from public safety officers to investigators to prosecutors. Though some law enforcement programs encourage people to start at the bottom to absorb hands-on experiences in the field and work their way up over time, the path to more prestigious positions, such as federal agencies or other leadership roles, often benefits from the latest academic training. That’s why a criminal justice program may be ideal, especially for working professionals.

Students can learn current theories and big-picture topics to supplement their professional experience, including more in-depth training in investigation, criminology, and social theories.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks various positions, from fire inspectors to correctional officers, but a faster-growing career is a private investigator/detective. This occupation works with a variety of public and private clients. Someone in the private sector may also work well with insurance companies or even directly with citizens.

• Median Wage (May 2020): PIs or detectives make $25.64 hourly, $53,320 annually
• Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030 (33,700 jobs in 2020; 38,100 jobs by 2030)

Criminal Justice Programs to Consider

Master of Science, Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska–Omaha (Omaha, NE)

Students taking this 36-credit online program can receive a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system, including its roots and current landscape. In addition, courses examine crime in general, ethical issues, mental health topics, and programs to reduce crime. Students can complete this nationally-ranked program online, on-campus, or a combination of both.

For admission to this program, students are required to possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a grade point average of at least 3.0. In addition, international students are required to meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement. Application requirements include two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

• Courses: Counseling, public policy, criminal justice research theory and methodology, nature of crime, appraisal techniques in counseling, administrative ethics and leadership, long-term care administration, planning, and evaluation
• Cost: $375 per credit (resident), $617 (non-resident)

Master of Science, Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University Online (Huntsville, TX)

Sam Houston State University’s online format is designed especially for professionals who may not relocate to Texas for the two-year, 36-credit program. Students learn about contemporary topics such as cybercrime, terrorism, and child abuse, plus research methods and analysis.

To apply for this program, students are required to submit a graduate admissions application form, an official transcript from their baccalaureate degree-granting institution, a grade point average of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. Official GRE scores may be requested to demonstrate graduate study readiness if the GPA is low. The program prepares students to pursue law enforcement, corrections, securities, and social services. Students can take up roles such as that of a judge, administrator, or victim advocate.

• Courses: Organization and administration, emergent issues, leadership, research method & quantitative analysis, critical analysis of justice administration, program evaluation in criminal justice
• Cost: $320.25 per credit

Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration, The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio)

This Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration is offered by the John Glenn College of Public Affairs in partnership with the Department of Sociology. Designed for working professionals, this 15 credit hour online program provides various options for students. Those who wish to gain further knowledge and skills to work in administrative roles in criminal justice are welcome to take up this course. It is also ideal for professionals who are looking for a career change in the criminal justice sector.

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 and international students’ statements, resumes, transcripts, and TOEFL scores.

• Courses: Administration of criminal justice policy, evidence-based practice in criminal justice, fundamentals of budgeting and financial administration, offender decision making and prisoner reentry, managerial leadership in public and nonprofit organizations, criminal justice policy
• Cost: Ohio residents, $722.50 per credit

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, Arizona State University (Phoenix, Arizona)

Made up of 33 credit hours, this fully online program allows students to learn from nationally-recognized scholars. In addition, the program offers valuable training in statistics and research methods, management and program planning, program evaluation, and policy analysis. Graduates of this program have several career opportunities and can take up roles such as U.S. marshal, police chief, detective, inspector, police attorney, secret service agent, corrections officer, probation officer, and many such roles.

Applicants can apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminology or criminal justice, or another closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Other requirements include a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, graduate admission application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a written statement, and proof of English proficiency.

• Courses: Seminar in criminal justice, seminar in criminology, criminal justice planning and program evaluation, applied data analysis in criminal justice, etiology of martyrdom, police and international terrorism
• Cost: $720 per credit

Cybersecurity

A master’s degree in cybersecurity combines law enforcement and computer science; these programs teach graduates to design robust systems to thwart (or catch) cyber-criminals. Coursework in graduate or certificate programs includes hardware and software protection solutions and strategies to defend against cyber threats. Some academic programs even partner with area companies or government agencies to assess vulnerabilities and create better defenses.

Graduates considering career options can become information security analysts responsible for creating, executing, and monitoring systems at public or private companies to ensure employees can access their data but unauthorized users can’t get in. If a break-in is detected, analysts can figure out what areas were affected and keep it from happening again.

• Median Wage (May 2020): Information security analysts make $49.80 hourly, $103,590 annually
• Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 33 percent from 2020 to 2030 (141,200 jobs in 2020; 188,300 by 2030)

Cybersecurity Programs to Consider

Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York, NY)

The 33-credit digital forensics program provides an overview of computer science, forensics, and law and justice. It can help people in law, criminal justice, or computer science fields advance in their career path to assume leadership or management positions. Students pursuing a PhD in cybersecurity or digital forensics can also use this program as a springboard. All courses in this program are offered on-campus.

Acceptance into the program requires that students have a computer science background and the skills to succeed in graduate-level courses in law, criminal justice, and computer science. Other requirements for admission include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, personal statement, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Graduates of this program pursue various career paths in cybersecurity, information assurance, and digital forensics, such as cyber investigators, digital forensic analysts, information security specialists, cybersecurity analysts, network security analysts, and many more.

• Courses: The law and high technology crime, applied cryptography, network forensics, digital forensic applications, forensic management of digital evidence, architecture and vulnerabilities of operating systems
• Cost: In-state, full-time $5,545 per semester or part-time $470 per credit hour; out-of-state full- or part-time is $855 per credit hour

Master of Science in Digital Forensics, Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, TX)

This 36-credit program teaches modern legal security tools and topics plus computer programming strategies, emphasizing public and private clients. In addition, the school provides a Network Security Lab and Data Recovery Lab, which both allow real-time training in intrusion detection, data management, and information preservation. The program can be completed online or on campus.

To apply for this program, applicants must submit the graduate application form, official transcripts of all previous college work, a current resume, official GRE scores (can be waived), and two letters of recommendation.

This degree is available for students with a major or minor in criminal justice or computer science at the undergraduate level, or those who have a baccalaureate degree in a technical field and criminal justice or computer science minor, or professional experience in the field. Admission preference will be given to candidates with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

• Courses: File systems forensics, network cybersecurity, cyber law, digital security, digital forensics investigation
• Cost: $320.25 per credit

Digital Forensics

One concentration within the greater cybersecurity field focuses on examining computer crime to figure out who may have breached a system, how they accomplished it, and what activity took place when they were there. The digital forensics field is growing more popular as more companies are either being attacked or defending themselves against future breaches.

People in this field gain knowledge of computer systems and networks, standard attack methods, and common defensive tools. They can work with private companies or government agencies.

In addition to information systems analysts (under cybersecurity), another career open to graduates of digital forensics programs is computer and information systems management.

• Median Wage (May 2020): Computer and information systems managers earn $72.67 hourly, $151,150 annually
• Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030 (482,000 jobs in 2020; 534,700 jobs in 2030)

Digital Forensics Programs to Consider

Master’s of Science Degree, Cybersecurity, University of South Florida (Tampa, FL)

Students can choose from several concentrations within this 30-credit online degree program, including cyber intelligence; digital forensics; information assurance; and computer security fundamentals. These programs offer various strategies for risk management, analyzing network activity, and collecting digital evidence of intrusion. Suggestions will also help companies design more robust systems or more security policies for data usage. All courses in this program are offered online, making it convenient for busy professionals.

To qualify for admission into this program, students must have English proficiency and one of the following: A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 grade point average or better, or equivalent undergraduate or graduate degrees from a foreign university. Application requirements include two letters of recommendation, a current resume, undergraduate degree transcripts, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, and proof of English proficiency for international students.

• Courses: Data networks, systems, and security, applied cryptography, information security and risk management, selected topics in MIS
• Cost: $6,410 per year (residents); $17,324 per year (non-residents)

Master of Science, Computer Science/Cybersecurity Engineering, Colorado Technical University (various locations, CO)

This 48-credit area of study teaches proper policies and procedures that companies can use to help protect their networks, data, and electronic devices. The school works in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency, making some of its resources available. Courses are available on campus and online.

For admission into this program, students are required to have prior knowledge of all essential computer science disciplines, a bachelor’s degree in either computer science or computer engineering, among other requirements.

• Courses: Systems engineering methods, database systems, digital forensics, operating systems security, network security, software information assurance, security management
• Cost: $490 per credit

Forensic Dentistry or Odontology

An in-demand subspecialty within forensic science is dentistry or odontology. It’s here that dentists or others with established dental backgrounds can help identify people based on existing dental records, age, condition of teeth, or unique bite patterns if teeth marks are found on a victim. In addition, this expertise can help in the investigation process and the court system if a dentist is asked to testify about their conclusions and expertise.

Dentists who specialize in forensics may be asked to be consultants for public or private agencies. In addition to their dental training and professional experience, dentists interested in forensic odontology can take classes or workshops and receive certification from the American Board of Forensic Odontology.

• Median Wage (May 2020): Dentists earn an hourly wage of $78.85 or $164,010 annually
• Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030 (139,200 jobs in 2020; 150,300 jobs in 2030)

Forensic Dentistry and Odontology Programs to Consider

Forensic Odontology Fellowship, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (San Antonio, TX)

Students must attend multiple seminars and perform independent research over a 16 to 18 month period, which concludes with presenting their findings during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Their research includes learning about identifying human remains, interpreting bite marks, estimating age, and case management of abuse victims of all ages.

Students applying should have a DMD, DDS, or an equivalent degree and pass a background check. This fellowship also requires that students complete a minimum of 330 on-campus hours.

These must consist of periodic visits to the campus and an equal number of hours off-campus, including study, research, and casework.

• Cost: $16,900
• Courses: Anthropology, case management, radiographic principles, forensic radiography, and forensic photography imaging principles, disaster victim identification, multiple fatality incident management

Forensic Pathology Fellowship, University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis, TN)

Students in this one-year forensic pathology fellowship program learn through 350 hours of lectures, independent research, and self-study. As part of their research work, they will attend classroom lectures, visit forensic laboratories, and work with the Shelby County Medical Examiner’s Office, where they will get a chance to examine human remains. Fellows in this program learn from the forensic odontologist on staff. In addition, Memphis offers forensic specialization opportunities with the UTHSC Department of Pathology and Methodist University Hospital.

• Cost: Contact the UT bursar’s office for customized tuition assessment
• Courses: Forensic autopsies, disaster victim identification, forensic radiology

Forensic Nursing

There are plenty of opportunities for nurses to help patients directly. They work in public hospitals, private clinics, and even grade schools. Forensic nursing is a high-growth and well-paying subfield of the discipline for nurses eager to specialize in the intersection between patient care and the legal system.

There are various pathways to becoming a forensic nurse, and some of them offer subspecialty training. For instance, several academic programs provide training in working with inmates at correctional centers or with victims of sexual assault. Nurses can also learn methods to investigate deaths and assist with various analyses. In addition, some programs are offered online, which is helpful for working professionals who cannot commit to a full-time on-campus program.

• Median Wage (May 2020): Registered nurses earn a mean hourly wage of $36.22, or $75,330 annually
• Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030 (3,080,100 jobs in 2020; 3,356,900 jobs by 2030)

Forensic Nursing Programs to Consider

Master of Science Nursing, Forensics Track, Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)

Students take 20 credits of general nursing curriculum, and the forensic program adds another 10 credits. The courses are designed to integrate nursing with other healthcare systems and criminal justice, including an emphasis on investigating trauma and death.

This program is open to nurses with a bachelor’s or an associate degree or a diploma at an entry point customized to their particular level of preparation.

• Courses: Healthcare policy for nursing leaders, advanced informatics, healthcare ethics for nursing leaders, theoretical bases for nursing practice, nursing research
• Cost: $670 per credit

Master of Science Nursing, Advanced Forensic Subspecialty, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, AL)

Advanced forensic nurses learn how to evaluate and diagnose patients and their families involved in physical, mental, or emotional trauma, including providing physical exams, creating therapeutic plans, and consulting with other medical and legal professionals. The program requires at least one NP specialty track, plus at least one three-credit subspecialty such as palliative care, oncology, or emergency nursing.

Admission requirements include an MSN degree from a regionally accredited institution, possessing an unencumbered and unrestricted nursing license, cumulative graduate grade point average of at least 3.0, three letters of professional reference, and an official transcript from every college or university ever attended. In addition, international students are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

• Courses: Medical examiner certification, office gynecology procedure training, certified nurse educator, advanced forensic nursing
• Cost: $656 per credit

Forensic Pathology

Identifying how someone died isn’t easy, especially if they die suddenly, unexpectedly, or lack apparent signs of trauma. That’s why a trained medical examiner is requested (or required) to perform an autopsy. However, not everyone knows that coroners do not always perform these tasks; this elected position is only required to sign a death certificate or approve an examiner’s findings.

Forensic pathologists may be asked to perform more detailed analyses on tissue, organs, or fluid to establish a more accurate cause of death. Clinical forensic pathologists can perform similar roles by examining patients when they’re still alive, such as victims of rape or assault. Public agencies and labs can use pathologist skills, as can private companies such as hospitals.

This position can be interesting for a trained physician who may enjoy the investigative aspects of medicine and requires continuing education. Some of the analysis and testing methods can also be useful for a forensic science technician.

• Median Wage (May 2020): Forensic science technicians earn $29.13 hourly, $60,590 annually
• Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030 (17,200 jobs in 2020; 19,000 jobs by 2030)

Forensic Pathology Programs to Consider

Graduate Certificate, Forensic Death Investigation, University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)

UF offers a 32-credit master of science program in forensic science, but people interested in crime and death investigation can also earn a 15-credit certificate. It focuses on areas such as anthropology, DNA analysis, and general pathology. Students also learn about sexual offenses, wounds, drugs, and odontology.

To apply for this degree, students must have a baccalaureate degree in a natural science subject from an accredited institution and an upper-division grade point average of 2.0 or better. In addition, students who do not use English as their native language should also provide TOEFL scores.

• Courses: Forensic anthropology, an introduction to forensic medicine, forensic analysis of DNA
• Cost: $575 per credit, which may increase to $625 per credit

Death Investigation Training, University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND)

This non-credit online program satisfies continuing education units (CEUs) required for the medical or teaching fields. Students have three to 12 months to complete each module, ranging from basic investigation for 7.75 CEUs to advanced training to forensic pathology. The 18-CEU forensic pathology class is approved by medical examiner or peace officer standards and training (POST) programs in several states and covers recognizing methods of natural and violent death, toxicology testing, and proper documentation.

• Cost: $129 for basic death investigation training; $289 for forensic pathology; $650 for the death investigation training bundle

Forensic Psychology

While much of criminal forensics focuses on figuring out “how” a crime was committed, one branch looks at the “why.” For example, forensic psychologists are asked to assess whether a defendant fully understands the judicial system, including standing trial or the prospect of various sentences if they’re convicted or plead guilty. In addition, psychologists can be asked to testify for the prosecution or defense and recommend treatment plans if their research shows rehabilitation is possible.

These assessments affect whether someone is incarcerated, sent to a mental health facility, released, or even executed, so the person creating them must be especially qualified, often at the PhD level.

Training programs can focus on the legal system, general criminology, and general behavioral analysis, including past trauma, violence, and modern treatment methods. Possible career paths can include non-profits, health centers, or public agencies such as court systems.

Learning forensic options could be interesting for a clinical psychologist who wants to help people with potentially more severe mental health conditions.

• Median Wage (May 2020): Psychologists earn $39.51 hourly, $82,180 annually
• Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030 (178,900 jobs in 2020; 192,400 jobs by 2030)

Forensic Psychology Programs to Consider

Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, ULM University of Louisiana (Monroe, LA)

ULM Psychology offers an MS degree with concentrations in psychometrics, general psychology, and forensic psychology. The MS in forensic psychology program is available online and is made up of 36 credit hours. It helps students gain an understanding of psychology, along with criminal and legal procedures. Graduates from the program can choose to work in law enforcement, child protection, and correction centers.

Applicants for admission to the master of science in psychology program will have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Courses: Sociology of law, counseling in criminal justice, advanced theories of crime and delinquency, advanced forensic psychology, psychopathology
• Cost: $801.76 per credit

Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology, University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND)

Students can complete this 30-credit online program in two years. It prepares students for a career in criminal justice systems. Students learn about forensics, legal systems, evaluation, as well as advanced psychological concepts. Graduates can go on to pursue doctoral programs in forensic science, criminal justice, and psychology. This is an online, part-time program that students can complete in two years. This program has been ranked as the number one online master’s in forensic psychology by CollegeChoice.

For admission to this program, students must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a behavioral or social science major allied with psychology, a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better, a curriculum vitae, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and English Language Proficiency.

• Courses: Behavior pathology, diversity psychology, advanced social psychology, psychology and law, advanced univariate statistics, readings in psychology
• Cost: $544.24 per credit

Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, Arizona State University (Phoenix, Arizona)

This online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program provided by Arizona State University is a 33 credit-hour program providing students with a detailed overview of forensic psychology. Designed for working professionals, this program helps students understand human behavior and mental health issues as they relate to crime and the law. Graduates of this program will be prepared for various positions in corrections, law enforcement, mental health administration, policy analysis, mental health, and crime analysis.

To be eligible to apply for this program, applicants are required to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, social science, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, graduate admission application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency.

• Courses: Advanced legal psychology, advanced forensic psychology, advanced correctional psychology, psychopathology, research methods, seminar in criminal justice
• Cost: $720 per credit

Forensic Artist

Not all instances of crime are recorded or digitally preserved, and when it comes to witnessing testimony, forensic sketch (composite) artists are still needed to bring criminals to justice. Forensic sketch artists ask crime witnesses to describe possible perpetrators and create sketch drawings by hand to help law enforcement find and arrest criminal suspects.

Forensic artists often work as part of a city, state, or federal law enforcement agency or as freelancers. Some may have a high school diploma or higher levels of education. Certification is typically not a requirement but can boost one’s professional qualifications. For example, the International Association for Identification (IAI) offers a certification for forensic artists which focuses on composite imaging, facial reconstruction, and age or image enhancement. Through this process, forensic artists receive 80 hours of IAI-approved forensic art training programs, 40 hours of related workshops, two years of experience as a forensic artist, and a minimum of 30 forensic art cases.

Learning forensic art techniques could be a career or a side job for a craft and fine artist who wants to help victims and law enforcement identify criminals with artists’ precision and accuracy.

• Median Wage (May 2020): Craft and Fine Artists earn $23.62 hourly, $49,120 annually
• Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 14 percent from 2020 to 2030 (48,200 jobs in 2020; 55,200 jobs by 2030)

Forensic Artist Programs to Consider

Sketch Cop Academy (Multiple locations)

Forensic facial imaging consultant and IAI Certified Forensic Artist Michael W. Streed offers Sketch Cop Academy, a training program for aspiring forensic artists. Courses in this program are delivered online to current law enforcement professionals with minimal artistic skill or fine artists who want to learn more about sketch composite drawing as it applies to police and detective work.

Using the trademarked SketchCop Facial Composite System software app, students get one-on-one personalized forensic facial imaging coaching and training and mentoring offered through the SketchCop Online Academy.

• Courses: Forensic art in criminal investigations, why and when to create a facial composite, and style and technique, suggested materials for forensic artists and using photo references & facial identification catalogs
• Cost: $24.99 to $85 per course

Other Forensics Degrees to Consider in 2022

The following fields are not projected to grow quite as fast as those profiled above, but they still offer a wealth of employment opportunities.

Forensic Accounting

Efforts to “follow the money” have historically exposed all sorts of wrongdoing, from Al Capone’s criminal enterprises to President Nixon’s shady dealings. But, unfortunately, the lure of bigger money has led people to cut corners, whether they’re illegally enriching themselves or their companies or using the money for other illegal or improper activities.

In some cases, their level of financial activity is more complex than a simple robbery, so investigators must be familiar with finances. Forensic accountants dive deep within a company or individual’s financial records to seek possible illegal activity, such as embezzlement, questionable transfers, money laundering, or fraudulent assets.

People interested in becoming forensic accountants can work for government agencies, the military, or the private sector (e.g., insurance companies, attorneys). Looking for company-wide malfeasance or even one rogue employee can make accounting more interesting, especially for someone who already has been focusing on routine accounting.

• Median Wage (May 2020): Accountants and auditors have a mean hourly wage of $35.37 and $73,560 annually
• Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030 (1,392,200 jobs in 2020; 1,488,200 jobs by 2030)

Forensic Accounting Programs to Consider

Master’s in Accounting/Auditing, University of Colorado–Denver Business School (Denver, CO)

This 30- to 36-credit degree program can be attractive to people who are already external auditors or want to gain or expand these skills. It offers a specialized track in auditing and forensic accounting and focuses on the importance of financial reporting. Students are also taught the GAAP program, which provides accounting standards and principles in the U.S. and globally.

Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree from an accredited United States college or its equivalent in another country, GMAT/GRE score, official transcripts from each college or university attended, essay responses, a current resume, and English language proficiency for international applicants.

• Courses: Auditing theory, accounting information systems, advanced financial accounting, taxation of business entities, accounting ethics, fraud auditing, accounting for finance, and sustainability
• Costs: $642 per credit (resident), $1,416 per credit (out-of-state), $750 (online/out-of-state)

Master’s of Science in Accounting, New England College (Henniker, NH)

This 40-credit online program gives students an overview of forensic accounting, including investigation techniques and auditing procedures. It also emphasizes litigation, critical thinking, and solid decision-making, plus current accounting standards and practices. In addition, the program includes a forensic accounting concentration that can help students prepare for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation. This is a 100 percent online degree program with no residency requirements. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission to this program.

To apply for this program, applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from a college or university in the United States, accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies, and an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher. In addition, international students should have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree and TOEFL or IELTS scores for students who do not have English as their first language.

• Courses: Auditing and attestation, accounting for mergers and acquisitions, cost accounting, international accounting, government, and non-profit reporting, federal taxation
• Cost: $576 per credit

Forensic Science

While some forensic career paths focus on investigative methods, other areas require a deeper look into the science and research, analyzing bacteria, algae, and viruses, or even finding molecular matches to blood, DNA, and other substances. This information can be used to identify suspects; determine causes of death or disease in humans or animals; and track contamination to a specific structure or facility, among other uses.

There are a variety of career paths in forensic science. Still, one science-heavy area of interest may be forensic biology, which uses biological and physical testing methods to look closer at the evidence.

Someone studying to be a microbiologist, for example, can learn to look closer for microorganisms. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree may be enough for entry-level positions, but a master’s degree or doctorate can lead to more prominent roles, such as a lab supervisor.

• Median Wage (May 2020): Microbiologists earn $40.58 hourly, $84,400 annually
• Career Outlook: Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030 (21,400 jobs in 2020; 22,400 jobs by 2030)

Forensic Science Programs to Consider

Master of Science Forensic Science, University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)

The 32-credit online program through the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy covers larger topics such as criminalistics plus research- and science-based topics such as blood spatter analysis, toxicology, drug analysis, and biological evidence. This program is offered entirely online with asynchronous elements and can be completed anywhere.

To qualify for admission, students are required to have a bachelor’s degree in a natural science subject from a regionally accredited institution, an upper-division GPA of 3.0 or higher, acceptable GRE scores, and TOEFL scores for international applicants.

• Courses: Forensic toxicology, principles of mammalian pharmacology, toxic substances, forensic analysis of DNA, crime scene investigation, toxicology of chemical weapons
• Cost: $575 per-credit-hour, which may increase to $625 per credit-hour

Master of Science in Forensic Sciences, Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK)

The 39-credit online program provides an overview of advanced criminal investigative methods, which can benefit students in various professional capacities. Students can also specialize in multiple tracks, including arson and explosives investigation, Forensic Investigative Sciences, and forensic science administration. Students can complete some tracks entirely online, while some may require campus visits.

Admission requirements include a completed online application, a bachelor’s degree, grade point average of 3.0 or higher, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and international students are required to submit transcripts that have been evaluated to U.S. standards and TOEFL or IELTS scores.

• Courses: Methods in forensic sciences, forensic pathology, and medicine, chemistry of explosives, forensic osteology and anthropology, forensic toxicology, advanced criminalistics
• Cost: $233.80 per credit (residents); $879.75 per credit (non-residents)