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Forensics Colleges in Florida – Degree Programs & Certifications
Florida, famous for its citrus, theme parks, and sunshine, is the third-largest employer of forensic science technicians. Moreover, the Sunshine State has plenty of fodder for forensic imagination. For example, the popular television series Dexter features a fictional anti-hero protagonist based in Miami: forensic blood spatter analyst by day and murderer of serial killers by night.
So what can aspiring forensic scientists in Florida 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 (2024) 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.
Florida is notorious for having some of the country’s most gruesome, bizarre, or perversely creative criminal cases worldwide. By illustration, the Huffington Post has a section dedicated to “Weird Florida.” But before heading out to see just how exciting the swamp-filled crime-fighting landscape can be in Florida, check out how to become a forensic scientist in this state and relevant job outlook statistics, salaries, program details, and professional certification information.
How to Become a Forensic Scientist in Florida
For those intrigued by the prospect of the strange and amusing world of forensics in Florida, there are several paths to becoming a forensic scientist. Some professionals may start at a police academy or in law enforcement. Others jump straight into a college program to train. There are also many ways to prepare as a forensic scientist specializing in evidence collection, analysis, and event reconstruction.
According to CareerOneStop (2024), 34 percent of forensic science technicians in Florida hold a bachelor’s degree. Given the discipline’s emphasis on the scientific method and fields such as biology (e.g., DNA analysis) and chemistry (e.g., toxicology), it’s no surprise that many of these crime solvers hold at least bachelor’s degrees.
Here is one common path to becoming a forensic scientist in Florida:
Step 1: Graduate from high school (four years)
To prepare for the competitive college application process, students should have strong backgrounds in natural sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics) and mathematics. Volunteering through a local police department or forensics lab may be an option for those who discover their passion for forensics early.
Step 2: Enroll in a bachelor’s program, preferably a bachelor’s in science (four years)
Many forensic scientists get their laboratory training through courses such as trace evidence, DNA analysis, and document examination through internships in real-life forensics labs under the guidance of licensed professionals. In addition, there are a variety of majors that pay attention to forensics, such as criminal justice, psychology, and biology, and coursework will depend on a student’s interest and career goals.
Step 3: Get certified through a professional organization (optional; timeline varies)
While not necessary for employment in Florida, some prospective forensic scientists choose to get certified in criminalistics, medicolegal death examination, and arson investigation. There are currently nine organizations accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB), and the prerequisites to join each vary but typically involve an application and a test of competence. Please note that some of these certifications require graduate coursework.
Step 4: Get an advanced degree in forensics (optional; timeline varies)
Depending on one’s professional objectives, pursuing a graduate degree in forensics may be a necessary step to advance one’s career. According to CareerOneStop (2024), 12 percent of forensic scientists in Florida hold at least a master’s degree, mainly in academic leadership or teaching positions. Additionally, these more advanced forensic psychology, chemistry, or anthropology degrees can qualify people for increased responsibilities or pay.
Following the steps above, aspiring forensic scientists in Florida may seek jobs in various contexts such as police crime labs, psychiatric hospitals, and government at all levels, to name a few.
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Career Outlook and Occupational Demand
There’s excellent news for aspiring forensic scientists and technicians in Florida. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 2,030 forensic scientists and technicians currently working, the second most of any state in the nation (BLS May 2023).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) projected a 14 percent increase in openings for forensic science technicians around the country between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average growth expected across all occupations during that period (4 percent).
The outlook is even brighter for residents of Florida. Projections Central (2024) found that demand for forensic science technicians in Florida, specifically, is expected to grow 18.9 percent between 2022 and 2032.
So what are the top-employing regions for forensic science technicians in Florida?
It’s no surprise that job opportunities are concentrated in urban areas. Here is a breakdown of the two top-employing regions in Florida (BLS May 2023):
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL: 510 employed
- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL: 490
It’s clear to see why the Showtime hit series “Dexter” about the life and times of a blood-spatter analyst who moonlights as a serial killer takes place in Miami, one of the top-employing and top-paying regions for forensic scientists in the state.
Forensic science degrees can be versatile and graduates in Florida may go into a variety of careers such as medical examiners, forensic engineers, crime scene examiners, crime laboratory analysts, physical anthropologists, document examiners, behavior scientists, criminal profilers, and digital analysts.
The training, experiential requirements, and education may vary for these professions. The American Academy of Forensic Scientists (AAFS) provides a wealth of resources for these professionals, including a list of networking organizations, journal articles, continuing education opportunities, and support for the Young Forensic Scientists Forum (YFSF), a group committed to the betterment of the next generation of crime-solvers.
Finally, the ForensicsColleges blog offers several in-depth career articles for graduates in forensic science in its How to Become series, with step-by-step instructions to becoming a profiler, crime scene technician, forensic psychologist, forensic accountant, detective, and more.
How Much Do Forensics Professionals Make in Florida?
Not only are forensic science technician occupations among the fastest growing in Florida, but the state also employs the third most workers in this field relative to other US states. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reported that there were 2,030 forensic science technicians in the state.
Furthermore, BLS found that the salary figures are somewhat lower than the national salary ranges. As proof of point, the United States employs 17,520 forensic science technicians with an average annual salary (mean annual wage) of $71,540. In FL, the average salary in this field is $61,570.
In more detailed terms, here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country compared with those in Florida (BLS May 2023):
| United States | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed | 17,520 | 2,030 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $71,540 | $61,570 |
| 10th percentile | $41,410 | $34,530 |
| 25th percentile | $50,480 | $45,920 |
| 50th percentile | $64,940 | $56,490 |
| 75th percentile | $84,720 | $69,350 |
| 90th percentile | $107,490 | $88,600 |
The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (December 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
Although the average Florida wages for forensic science techs were somewhat lower, FL also has a cheaper cost of living than many states in the country. As proof of point, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2024) found that FL is the 34th most affordable in the country, boasting particular savings in transportation costs. Prospective forensic science technicians should keep this in mind.
Not surprisingly, the wages for forensic science technicians tended to vary by region within the state of Florida as well. The 510 forensic science technicians in Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL earned the highest average salary of $81,570.
Featured Forensic Science Programs in Florida
There are several quality forensics programs in Florida, many accredited by the Forensic Science Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). FEPAC is the premier organization that evaluates forensic programs, using standards such as facility quality, curriculum comprehensiveness, and student outcomes.
Florida International University
Florida International University in Miami boasts a distinct FEPAC-accredited certificate in forensic science, coupled with either a bachelor of science (BS) in chemistry or biology. This 16-credit interdisciplinary program pays attention to both the didactic and empirical (i.e., hands-on) underpinnings of an understanding of forensic science. With classes such as principles of forensic biology and a supervised internship in facilities nearby, graduates are prepared for an entry-level career in a forensic laboratory.
FIU also offers several other graduate degrees in forensic science. The FEPAC-accredited master of science in forensic science comprises 32 credits and includes coursework in forensic chemistry; forensic biology; and forensic analysis. This MS degree prepares students for careers in state, national, and local forensic laboratories and also serves as preparation for doctoral instruction.
Notably, Florida International University also offers a professional science master’s in forensic science that includes online courses coupled with practical skills including hands-on learning and a capstone internship. Details of this program are profiled in the hybrid and online section below.
- Location: Miami, FL
- Accreditation: Forensic Science Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years
Florida Gulf Coast University offers a master of science program in forensic studies, allowing students to gain academic credentials and advanced knowledge. This master’s degree program offers comprehensive training and education in two applied research concentrations: human identity and trauma analysis and forensics behavioral analysis.
This 43-credit program includes courses such as human osteology; social constructs of crime; advanced quantitative research; forensic psychology; human trafficking; forensic analysis of juries; research in violent behavior; and forensic anthropology.
- Location: Fort Myers, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a bachelor of science degree in forensic science that opens the door for students to a career in criminal justice as forensic scientists and trains them to present their findings as expert witnesses in a court of law. Graduates of this program are prepared for roles such as analytical chemists, detectives, forensic scientists, scientific laboratory technicians, and toxicologists.
As part of this 120-credit program, students will delve into topics such as forensic investigation; introduction to forensic science; instrumental analysis; analytical chemistry; organic chemistry; genetics; molecular biology; general chemistry; medicinal chemistry; forensic psychology; and a forensic science internship.
- Location: West Palm Beach, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
The University of Central Florida’s National Center for Forensic Science in Orlando hosts an abundance of programs in the field, including a bachelor of science (BS), a master of science (MS), a digital forensics master of science (MS), and a PhD program, all interdisciplinary work with solid foundations in chemistry or biomedical science.
The BS in forensic science is FEPAC-accredited and offers two distinct tracks: chemistry and biochemistry. The chemistry track features the application of modern chromatographic, spectroscopic, and microanalytical techniques. The biochemistry track has a heavy DNA focus on crime scene reconstruction and criminal justice. Both tracks feature in-depth laboratory work that prepares graduates for forensic science positions in local, state, and federal law enforcement.
The program’s core curriculum includes courses such as biochemistry; applied physical chemistry; introduction to forensic science; forensic microscopy; trace evidence; forensic analysis of controlled substances; forensic biochemistry; forensic science in the courtroom; and forensic crime scene investigation.
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Accreditation: Forensic Science Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
The University of Tampa offers a bachelor of science (BS) in forensic science that FEPAC has fully accredited. In addition to rigorous coursework, students of this program get opportunities to receive hands-on forensic training in internships, with sites ranging from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Laboratory in Tampa, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner, and Field Forensics, Inc.
This 87-credit program includes courses such as the survey of forensic sciences; organic chemistry; analytical chemistry; forensic chemistry; forensic toxicology; professional practice in forensic science; genetics; crime scene investigation; forensic DNA analysis; and biochemistry.
- Location: Tampa, FL
- Accreditation: Forensic Science Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Florida Institute of Technology
The Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, a scenic city on the east-central coast of the state, has a unique bachelor of arts (BA) in forensic psychology program. Students can intern with the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) to prepare them for future careers with real-world practice.
Students also participate in faculty research teams that tackle forensic psychology’s most challenging current issues, which prepare graduates for master’s degree programs and career advancement. Featuring low student-to-faculty ratios and faculty from diverse backgrounds, this program also emphasizes problems related to child advocacy for those who plan to work in pediatric forensic psychology.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as introduction to psychology; personal and professional development; survey of forensic psychology; introduction to American criminal justice; integrated theories of crime; forensic behavior investigation and identification; and legal psychology.
- Location: Melbourne, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
The CSI Academy of Florida in Alachua, just outside of Gainesville, may be a desirable option to law enforcement personnel, aspiring private investigators, and newcomers to the field. Rather than a traditional degree program, these a la carte classes let students pick and choose their specific training regimen.
Focusing 70 percent of each course on hands-on instruction with experienced forensics professionals, the CSI Academy offers classes such as advanced bloodstain pattern analysis, courtroom testimony, and human remains recovery. Students can choose from 40-hour, three-day, two-day, or one-day courses depending on their time constraints and career interests.
Classes are taught by IAI (International Association for Identification)-certified instructors and can be tailored to specific group needs. Topics include alternate light sources, latent print techniques, courtroom testimony, and human remains recovery.
- Location: Alachua, FL
- Accreditation: International Association for Identification (IAI)
- Expected Time to Completion: 40-hour, three-day, two-day, or one-day courses
Keiser University offers a bachelor of science degree in forensic investigations with two concentration options: science and investigation. The investigation concentration prepares graduates with competencies in the preservation, analysis, and collection of physical evidence for presentation in legal proceedings. The science concentration prepares graduates for entry-level positions with forensic science analytical laboratories and for further scientific training.
The 126-credit program includes courses such as fundamentals of forensic anthropology, forensic biology, advanced topics in forensic science, medico-legal death investigation, advanced evidence documentation, criminalistics, advanced legal procedure and evidence, and computer systems forensic analysis.
Notably, Keiser University also offers a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice with a concentration in forensics and an online bachelor’s degree in digital forensics and incident response.
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Palm Beach State College’s Criminal Justice Institute offers several programs related to criminal justice and crime scene technology. One such program is an associate of science degree in criminal justice technology with a law enforcement officer concentration. This degree is a limited-access program for criminal justice academy students (corrections and law enforcement certificate program students) and correction and law enforcement officers who wish to advance in their careers. Students must contact the criminal justice institute regarding admission requirements to the academies before entering this criminal justice technology program.
This 60-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminology; administration of criminal justice; introduction to forensic science; criminal law; juvenile delinquency; criminal psychology; and criminal investigation.
- Location: Lake Worth, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
Broward College offers an associate of science degree in criminal justice designed for those who wish to work in corrections, public safety, or law enforcement. This 60-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice, constitutional law, criminal investigation, introduction to criminology, introduction to corrections, comparative world police agencies, terrorism and domestic security, and criminal law.
Broward College also has a technical certificate in criminal justice technology preparing students to work in corrections, law enforcement, private or industry security, and other criminal justice, legal, or public service-related fields.
- Location: Weston, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Pensacola State College offers a bachelor of applied science degree in cybersecurity with a concentration in cyber forensics. Students in this program work in a hands-on environment that reinforces theoretical concepts and enables them to apply knowledge in real-world situations.
The program comprises 120 credits and includes courses such as digital forensics; security awareness; forensic cyber investigation; security testing and auditing; computer forensics and investigations; information security and risk management; crime detection and investigation; and criminal justice system responses to cyber crimes.
- Location: Pensacola, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Eastern Florida State College offers an associate degree in crime scene technology preparing graduates for a wide range of rewarding positions such as crime scene photographers, crime scene technologists, fingerprint examiners and classification specialists, crime lab assistants, and crime scene unit supervisors.
This 60-credit program includes courses such as American criminal justice; introduction to forensic science; introduction to crime scene technology; latent fingerprint development; fingerprint classification; crime scene photography; courtroom presentation of evidence; critical issues in criminal justice; and ethics in criminal justice.
Notably, Eastern Florida State College also offers a 28-credit crime scene technician college credit certificate, a 60-credit associate degree in criminal justice technology, and a 24-credit criminal justice technology specialist college credit certificate.
- Location: Melbourne, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Florida SouthWestern State College
Florida SouthWestern State College offers an associate of science degree in crime scene technology preparing graduates to preserve, locate, collect, develop, present, and analyze physical evidence relating to the scene of the crime. Graduates are prepared for careers in criminalistics as crime scene technicians, photographers, unit supervisors, fingerprint examiners, classification specialists, or lab assistants.
Made up of 60 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice; introduction to crime scene technology; computerized crime scene graphic imaging and documentation; criminal investigation techniques; advanced crime scene technology; forensic death investigation; introduction to forensic science; and crime scene photography.
Florida SouthWestern State College also has an associate degree in criminal justice technology and a crime scene technician certificate program.
- Location: Fort Myers, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Hillsborough Community College
Hillsborough Community College offers a criminology and criminal justice studies associate degree, preparing graduates to work in juvenile justice, corrections, private security, investigations, crime scene investigations, or homeland security. Career specializations may include private security and investigations, fingerprint training, crime analysis, and victim advocacy.
This 60-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminology; introduction to criminal justice; criminal law; criminal investigation; criminal evidence and procedure; introduction to theories of criminal behavior; crisis intervention in criminal justice; criminal deviant behavior in society; organized crime; and forensic psychology.
In addition to this associate degree, Hillsborough Community College also offers certificate programs in digital forensics, crime scene, and criminal justice technology.
- Location: Tampa, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
The Arts and Sciences College at Lynn University offers a bachelor of science program in forensic investigations, providing students with an introduction to the methods and uses of forensic science and preparing them to become crime scene investigators. Before graduating, students will even create and solve a crime of their own using investigative techniques such as forensic pathology, trace evidence analysis, forensic psychology, and more.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as an introduction to criminal justice, an introduction to forensic science, criminalistics, forensic investigations, trace evidence and microscopy, forensic pathology, forensic case studies, arson and explosion investigation, and a capstone in forensic science.
- Location: Boca Raton, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Three to four years
Gulf Coast State College offers an associate of science degree in criminal justice technology.
This 60-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminology, criminal justice, corrections, probation and parole, police operations, criminal investigations, criminal law, and evidence.
- Location: Panama City, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Hybrid & Online Forensics Programs – Degrees & Certificates
In addition to online forensic programs all over the country, there are a few predominantly web-based options within the state of Florida:
Miami Dade College offers a two-year online associate’s degree in crime scene technology. This 60-credit program prepares students to become forensic identification specialists. Graduates are prepared for entry-level work in forensic science law enforcement with local, state, and federal agencies or can continue their studies and receive a BAS in public safety management.
Courses include human behavior in criminal justice; introduction to criminal justice; forensic science; crime scene technology; criminal investigation; basic fingerprinting; and the American federal government.
- Location: Miami, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Florida International University
Florida International University offers a 16-month cohort-based program that includes online courses, hands-on learning opportunities, and a capstone internship. For individuals working full-time, the program also includes a distance learning opportunity. This innovative program enables graduates to pursue advanced training in forensics while developing crucial management skills.
The 33-credit program includes courses in forensic analysis, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, leadership and decision-making, chemistry and drug analysis, public finance and budgetary process, and organizational behavior.
- Location: Miami, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee offers programs in criminology at all levels, including online bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Both programs do not require on-campus visits.
The master’s degree program consists of 36 credits and includes courses such as survey criminological theories, survey of criminal justice theory and research, computer applications in criminal justice, research methods in criminology, applied statistics in criminology, criminal law, procedures & individual rights, comparative criminology and criminal justice, and victimology.
The student testimonials show that graduates of FSU’s program have gone on to become police chiefs, college program directors, and legal advocates for non-profits, to name a few of the opportunities available. In addition, graduates from the bachelor’s program are prepared for forensic science roles. At the same time, master’s degree holders can work in various positions in criminal justice or teach community college courses.
- Location: Tallahassee, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years
The University of Florida (UF) offers reputable degree programs in forensic science. The American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC) gave the online forensic science program the Award for Excellence from the American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC). As the largest forensics college in the world, UF’s faculty has extensive experience training its students in toxicology, DNA and serology, and drug chemistry, to name a few of the class modules.
This school awards credentials in four master’s degrees and five certificate programs, covering a wide range of specialties, such as forensic DNA and serology, forensic death investigation, and forensic drug chemistry.
The master of science degree in forensic science comprises 32 credits and includes courses such as biological evidence and serology; principles of forensic science; forensic toxicology; applied statistics for data analysis; crime scene investigation; and biosecurity and microbial forensics.
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: One to two years
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton has an online executive master’s program in accounting with a concentration in forensics. This program is ideal for working professionals seeking specialization in fraud investigations, financial fraud, business valuation, and computer forensics. The prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredits the FAU School of Accounting Executive Programs (SOAEP).
This 30- to 36-credit program includes courses such as business valuation for forensic accountants, advanced accounting information systems, advanced digital forensics in forensic accounting, advanced auditing theory and practice, forensic accounting, fraud, and taxation, and interviewing for forensic accountants and auditors.
- Location: Boca Raton, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
St. Petersburg College offers an online crime scene technology certificate training students to become crime scene technicians who can identify, locate, preserve, and process a crime scene and testify in court. This 27-credit program includes courses such as introduction to crime scene technology; advanced crime scene technology; crime scene safety; introduction to forensic science; latent fingerprint development; crime scene photography; and courtroom presentation of scientific evidence.
St. Petersburg College also offers an online 24-credit certificate in computer-related crime investigation that includes courses such as introduction to computer-related crime investigations; identity theft investigations; internet fraud investigations; legal aspects of computer-related criminal investigations; and forensic computer-related crime investigations.
- Location: St. Petersburg, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: One year
Nova Southeastern University offers an online master of science program in forensic psychology designed specifically for busy working adults. Students in this program can choose one of two concentration options: forensic psychology for mental health workers, first responders, and disaster teams, or forensic psychology in the legal system.
This 36-credit program includes courses such as psychopathology, personality disorders, and behavioral interventions; ethical concerns and multicultural issues in forensic psychology; introduction to forensic psychological science; methods & tools of psychological and violence risk assessment; evaluation, methodology, and psychological research; gender violence domestic: violence, sexual assault & child abuse; best practices and policies for the mentally ill in the criminal justice system; and communication skills, tools and expert witness testimony.
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Saint Leo University has more than 25 programs related to forensic science and criminal justice. One such program is their online master’s degree in criminal justice with a specialization in forensic science. Introducing students to how forensic science is used in the criminal justice field, this online program provides and enhances the skills, values, and knowledge for the purpose of increasing the professionalism, policy-making abilities, and effectiveness of criminal justice practitioners.
The 36-credit program includes courses such as introduction to forensic science, advanced forensic science, forensic and medicolegal death investigation, crime scene investigation and management, public policy making in criminal justice, and ethical issues in criminal justice administration.
- Location: St. Leo, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers an online associate of science degree in criminal justice technology that emphasizes the development of introductory knowledge of ethics, criminological theories, and the criminal justice system. The program has an applied focus on courts, corrections, juvenile justice, policing, and victim service professions.
Made up of 60 credits, the program includes courses such as an introduction to criminal justice; policing; corrections; criminology; diversity, crime, and society; criminal justice management; criminal investigation; criminal law; criminal procedure; constitutional law; and careers in criminal justice.
In addition to this associate degree, Florida State College at Jacksonville offers a criminal justice technology specialist technical certificate and a digital forensics technical certificate.
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Accreditation and Professional Certification
As mentioned above, the primary accrediting body for forensics colleges in Florida is the Forensic Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). While graduating from one of these programs can indicate merit to future employers or graduate program admissions committees, completing a FEPAC-accredited program to practice forensic science in Florida is not necessary.
Before enrolling in a program, it’s wise to ensure that a school has some recognition from a regional accreditation organization such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the leading regional accrediting body for colleges in Florida.
Finally, some forensic science professionals choose to get certified. For example, their field. 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.
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.