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Jocelyn Blore
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Forensic Science Schools in Alaska
Home to natural wonders like the Northern Lights, Glacier Bay, Mt. McKinley, and the Denali wilderness, Alaska has many diverse communities and cultures in and around its main urban areas. However, this idyllic landscape is not immune to crime.
A new 84,000 square foot Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory was opened in 2011 with the mission to “provide forensic services to the Alaskan community through scientific analysis, integrity, and training.” The new lab replaced the original 19,000-square-foot structure to account for the growing lab staff and caseloads. The staff has doubled since its opening in the 1980s, due to higher crime rates, changes in legislation, and technological advancements.
Aspiring forensic scientists have viable educational and professional opportunities in the state of the last frontier, whether they already call it home or feel compelled “north to the future,” as coined by journalist Richard Peter and adopted as the state motto in 1967.
The field of forensic science calls for professionals with integrity, good judgment, a strong foundation in the sciences (biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, physics), and knowledge of civil and criminal law. Professional opportunities in the field include working in crime scene units and laboratories with local police, county sheriff’s departments, city police departments, state highway patrol, federal law enforcement, and private crime lab and investigation practices.
So what can aspiring forensic scientists in Alaska expect to learn through competitive degree and certificate programs in the state? According to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), these professionals master a variety of skills and role-related responsibilities such as processing and documenting evidence methodically; performing scientific analysis on various types of evidence (e.g., bodily secretions, fibers, plants, drugs, footprints, soils, plastics, ballistics, etc); working closely with medical and legal personnel; keeping abreast of methodological and technological developments in the field; and providing expert testimony in court cases.
The AAFS states that forensic scientists typically have at least a bachelor’s degree and there is a range of specialized subfields of study, including arson, bite marks, fingerprints, firearms, DNA, child abuse, toxicology, death investigation, digital evidence, and more.
Read on to discover how to become a forensic science specialist in Alaska through detailed information about featured in- and out-of-state programs, curriculum, career pathways, and accreditation.
How to Become a Forensic Scientist in Alaska
In most states, the minimum qualification for work as a forensic scientist is a bachelor of science degree. Additional and more specific degrees, coursework, certifications, and specializations may be required based on a professional’s chosen career path.
The Alaska State Crime Lab outlined the minimum qualifications for the position of a level one forensic scientist:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
- 18 semester hours of science courses (chemistry, biology, physics, computer analysis, forensic sciences or criminalistics)
- A criminal background check, including fingerprinting
There are various experiential and educational paths for prospective forensic techs in Alaska, although they typically pursue at least a four-year degree in natural sciences before being employed. In fact, Career One Stop (2024)—a job-planning tool sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor—reports that 34 percent of forensic science technicians have a bachelor’s degree or higher, while 13 percent have associate degrees and 19 percent have some college education.
Following is one of the most common paths to becoming a forensic scientist or technician in AK:
Step 1: High school graduation.
Since specialists in this field often have degrees in natural or physical sciences, having solid grades in subjects such as chemistry, physics, statistics, mathematics, and biology may prepare them for postsecondary work.
Step 2: A bachelor’s degree (four years).
Forensic scientists usually hold four-year degrees, typically a bachelor of science program, in a subject such as biology, chemistry, engineering, psychology, or even computer science. Selecting the right degree will generally depend on the person’s intended specialization.
Step 3: Certification through a national organization (optional, timeline varies).
Although not a compulsion, certification can indicate levels of achievement or professional standards to employers, especially in more competitive fields. There are currently nine professional certification organizations accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB), including the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE), the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT), and several other subfields.
Step 4: Advanced degree in forensic science or a specialty discipline (optional, timeline varies).
An advanced degree is typically required for forensic science techs looking for in-depth knowledge, higher pay, and increased responsibilities. According to Career One Stop, 15 percent of forensic scientists hold graduate degrees.
Occupational Demand for Forensics Professionals in Alaska
Forensic scientists investigate the physical evidence of criminal acts. They collect, identify, classify, and analyze evidence from crime scenes, such as conducting tests on weapons and substances (fiber, hair, tissue, etc.) to determine their significance to a criminal investigation. They may also be called upon to testify during court proceedings and trials as expert witnesses depending on their qualifications. Forensic scientists often serve as experts in specialized areas like fingerprinting, handwriting, biochemistry, and ballistics.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) projects that openings for forensic science technicians—one of many career possibilities for people in this field—are projected to grow by 14 percent between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average growth expected of all occupations during that time period (4 percent). This expected addition of 2,500 positions nationally is only one career possibility for people trained in forensic science. In Alaska, however, there is no change expected in this field according to Projections Central (2024).
In addition to the 17,520 forensic science technicians currently working nationwide—just 50 of whom are in Alaska (BLS May 2023)—there are expected opportunities in related occupations such as medical examining, anthropology, handwriting analysis, latent evidence processing, toxicology, odontology, engineering sciences, psychiatry, DNA analysis, forensic nursing, questioned documents, computer crimes (i.e., digital evidence), forensic accounting, and more.
Forensic science technicians typically work in laboratories, police departments, international organizations, medical examiner offices, insurance companies, law firms, hospitals, morgues, universities, and independent forensic science groups. According to BLS (2024), 87 percent of forensic science technicians are employed by the government. While some work regular business hours, forensics experts may be called upon to work weekends, evenings, and holidays due to the 24-hour nature of crime scene processing.
The experiential requirements, education, and training may vary for these professionals. The American Academy of Forensic Scientists (AAFS) has various resources for these professionals, including a list of journal articles, networking organizations, continuing education opportunities, and support for the Young Forensic Scientists Forum (YFSF).
Finally, the ForensicsColleges blog offers several in-depth career articles for forensic science graduates in its How to Become series, with step-by-step instructions to becoming profilers, crime scene technicians, forensic psychologists, forensic accountants, detectives, and more.
Forensics Professionals’ Salaries in Alaska
In terms of salary, Alaska comes in somewhat higher than the U.S. overall. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics (May 2023), the 17,520 forensic science technicians across the nation earned an average annual salary of $71,540. The 50 forensic science technicians working in AK earned $75,500 per year.
In more detailed terms, here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country compared with those in Alaska (BLS May 2023):
| United States | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed | 17,520 | 50 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $71,540 | $75,500 |
| 10th percentile | $41,410 | $54,000 |
| 25th percentile | $50,480 | $64,180 |
| 50th percentile | $64,940 | $71,610 |
| 75th percentile | $84,720 | $90,940 |
| 90th percentile | $107,490 | $101,700 |
The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (January 2024), which relies on self-reported salaries. Among the forensic science techs reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found these percentiles for the US:
- 10th percentile: $34,000
- 50th percentile (median): $57,322
- 90th percentile: $78,000
It is important to note that while the wages in Alaska are higher than national wages, so too is the cost of living. For illustration, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2024) reported that AK is the 5th most expensive state in the country, particularly for housing. A high cost of living means that even higher than average salaries will not go as far as they would in other states, so prospective forensic science technicians should keep that in mind while evaluating the state’s salary data.
Forensic Science Programs in Alaska
University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice providing a solid emphasis on restorative justice working with offenders, victims, and the community to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior. This program also explores justice in tribal justice systems and rural environments. Notably, this program can also be completed entirely online.
Made up of 120 to 125 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to justice; introduction to addictive processes; criminology; principles of corrections; juvenile delinquency; gender and crime; police problems; comparative criminology; criminal law; and procedural law.
- Location: Fairbanks, AK
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
The University of Alaska, Anchorage
The University of Alaska at Anchorage offers a bachelor of arts program in criminology and criminal justice where students will be able to explore some of society’s most important concerns such as incarceration, victimology, policing, and juvenile justice while building a solid foundation in criminology or criminal justice theory, policy-making, and research. They will also develop the skills needed to improve and evaluate systems and policies, including courts, corrections, and law enforcement.
Comprising 120 credits, the program includes courses such as contemporary corrections; justice theory and policy analysis; police and society; crime victimization and justice; ethics in criminal justice practice and policy; crime prevention; theories of crime and criminal offending; dynamics of criminal justice organizations; and justice data analysis.
Graduates will be ready to take up roles such as law enforcement officers, crime/Justice policy analysts, adult or juvenile probation/parole officers, crime victim advocates or victim/witness coordinators, and special agents/investigators.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Community & Technical College of the University of Alaska Fairbanks
The Community & Technical College of UAF offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in information technology with a concentration in network and cybersecurity—a field related to digital forensics—which provides students with a foundation in computer programming, network support and administration, server operating systems, and computer and network security.
Focused study in Cisco Systems networking and cybersecurity builds upon students’ foundational knowledge and provides specialized instruction in network infrastructure, services, and security. In addition to being offered on campus, this program can also be completed entirely online.
Courses in the network and cybersecurity concentration include network security penetration testing; cybersecurity defense and countermeasures; cloud computing foundations; routing and switching essentials; networking and LAN infrastructure basics; and intermediate networking and LAN infrastructure.
- Location: Fairbanks, AK
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
For more information on forensics schools and specializations, please visit the forensic programs page.
Hybrid & Online Forensics Programs
Since there are relatively few colleges offering forensic science disciplines, here are a few out-of-state online options for Alaska’s students, in addition to the abundance of online forensics programs available across the country.
Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science program in forensic science where students will be able to explore the scientific and investigative principles behind examining different types of evidence from crime scenes. Graduates will be equipped with the analytical skills required to pursue jobs related to forensic investigations.
At the start of this program, students will build a solid foundation in chemistry, math, and biology. They will take several lab courses including two organic chemistry labs which must be completed in person. Later in the program, they will take advanced forensic science courses covering the common techniques used in crime labs.
Made up of 120 credits, the program includes courses such as analytical chemistry for life sciences; principles of forensic science; testimony and ethics in the forensic sciences; fundamentals of forensic analysis; and sacred crimes: religion and violence, among others.
Notably, Arizona State University also offers an online professional science master’s in forensic science preparing students for career advancement in sectors such as law enforcement, forensic science, medicolegal, and other related fields. This program best suits forensic science professionals seeking to expand their skills and pursue advanced leadership roles.
- Location: Glendale, AZ
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
The master’s degree program at the University of Florida offers four specialized concentrations: forensic science; forensic DNA & serology; forensic toxicology; and forensic drug chemistry. Upon completing the forensic science master’s degree, graduates will earn an online MS in pharmacy with a major in pharmaceutical sciences and a concentration in forensic science issued by the Graduate School of the University of Florida.
The forensic science program comprises 32 credits and includes courses such as applied statistics for data analysis; forensic toxicology; principles of forensic science; advanced criminalistics; crime scene investigation; forensic genetics; forensic immunology; and forensic ethics.
Notably, the University of Florida also offers five graduate certificates in forensic death investigation; forensic DNA & serology; forensic toxicology; forensic drug chemistry; and fundamentals of forensic science.
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Due to the nature of online programs, the host institutions need not be located in Alaska. For more information on distance-based education at all levels and specialties, please visit the online forensic science degrees page.
Forensics Certification in Alaska
Certification in the area of forensics is advantageous for an aspiring professional who plans to pursue it as a career, as it attests to one’s expertise. It also demonstrates a commitment to the field and excellence in practice.
Although professional certification is not always necessary to secure employment in forensics in Alaska, it may be advisable for several reasons. First, certification can indicate a job applicant’s knowledge in a particular area and improve one’s resume. Second, it can enhance a person’s earning potential, opportunities for advancement, and leadership responsibilities. Lastly, a national certification can be transferable to other states across the country.
Requirements for common professional certifications in forensics vary, but they generally include having at least a bachelor’s degree in forensics, biology, chemistry, or another relevant field; having several years of verifiable experience; sending professional references; and passing an exam. There are currently nine professional certifications recognized by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB), including:
- American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA)
- American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
- American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO)
- American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
- American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI)
- Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
- International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
- International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
- International Board of Forensic Engineering Sciences (IBFES)
Those who wish to have detailed information on credentialing within each subfield of forensics can visit our programs or careers pages.
Forensic Program Accreditation
Aspiring forensics students in Alaska are strongly encouraged to verify the accreditation status of their programs and educational institutions. Recognized accreditation agencies serve to gauge educational effectiveness by evaluating program faculty, student outcomes, school finances, quality of curricula, and other variables.
The primary accreditation body for forensic science programs is the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). As of January 2025, no forensic science programs in Alaska are accredited by FEPAC. However, it is important to note that a lack of accreditation does not indicate a subpar forensic science program. FEPAC has accredited very few programs overall and many have yet to seek accreditation.
To evaluate a forensic science school that does not have programmatic accreditation, students can look for institutional accreditation. For institutional accreditation, six regional agencies are recognized by the US Department of Labor. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is the main accreditation body, offering program approvals across several states including Alaska.
Nearby States
Jocelyn Blore is the chief content officer of Sechel Ventures and the co-author of the Women Breaking Barriers series. She graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and traveled the world for five years. She also worked as an addiction specialist for two years in San Francisco. She’s interested in how culture shapes individuals and systems within societies—one of the many themes she writes about in her blog, Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). She has served as managing editor for several healthcare websites since 2015.