Chief Content Strategist
Jocelyn Blore
Search For Schools
Forensics Colleges in New Hampshire
States may talk about the value of being free, but New Hampshire (NH) takes the concept seriously. The state’s official motto “Live Free or Die” echoes the words of Revolutionary War general and local hero John Stark, although it wasn’t officially adopted until the 1940s.
Of course, New Hampshire’s 1.4 million residents embrace the concept of living free; by illustration, it was the first U.S. state to create its own constitution, and there is no sales tax or income tax. There is also an abundance of wilderness, hiking trails, and many uncrowded, quaint towns. Also, crime is generally low; as of 2024, the state had the second lowest violent crime rate in the country with less than 126 instances per 100,000 people, right behind Maine.
Some consider the Granite State “gun-friendly” not because of its crime rate, but rather because of the few restrictions on gun ownership combined with easy access to the outdoors. This means plenty of opportunities for hunting and related activities, plus a strong recreational ethic and general appreciation of firearms and firearm safety.
Even with a low crime rate, New Hampshire offers a variety of educational and career opportunities in forensics and criminology, including New Hampshire’s Medical and Forensic Services Division, which focuses on meeting the physical and behavioral needs of people incarcerated statewide. Municipal law enforcement departments also can benefit from trained individuals in the areas of investigation and analysis.
For instance, the largest cities like Manchester and Nashua have the highest reports of violent crime in the state. Although murders are infrequent anywhere, larger cities see a traditional range of felonies such as robberies, property crimes, arson, and rape, all of which require forensics services for proper evidence collection and analysis.
So what can aspiring forensic scientists in New Hampshire 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 performing scientific analysis on various types of evidence; working closely with medical and legal personnel; processing and documenting evidence methodically; 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 and where to learn these crime-solving skills in New Hampshire, and find out more about the state’s employment outlook, the types of accredited forensics programs available, and professional certification for forensics professionals.
How to Become a Forensic Scientist in New Hampshire
Someone with an interest in forensics, criminology, or justice topics may consider becoming a forensic scientist. There are various educational and experiential paths for prospective forensic techs in NH, although they typically pursue at least a four-year degree in natural sciences before being employed. In fact, Career One Stop (2025)—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 NH:
Step 1: High school graduation.
Some law enforcement or public safety agencies may hire volunteers without a college diploma, but rarely for specialized positions. 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).
A two-year associate’s degree can provide basic knowledge and a step up for someone with limited time or resources eager to get into the workforce, but it may be advisable to opt for a bachelor’s degree. The four-year degree affords a person more opportunities to specialize and a greater breadth of knowledge, both of which can lead to enhanced employment opportunities or salary prospects. The university-level environment may also provide more networking opportunities with community professionals or official internships/externship programs.
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).
After getting a degree and garnering at least one year of experience, some forensic scientists and professionals seek certification. 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).
Although a bachelor’s degree plus extra certification or on-the-job experience may secure employment as a technician, an advanced degree may be useful for positions in academia or leadership/management. More credentials can also command a larger salary and distinguish someone serious about bringing the latest information and technology to the profession. According to Career One Stop, 15 percent of forensic scientists hold master’s or doctoral degrees.
Forensics Occupational Demand in New Hampshire
The demand for forensic science technicians—one of many career possibilities for people in this field—is projected to grow considerably in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) anticipates that the nationwide openings for this occupation will increase by 14 percent between 2023 and 20323, which is much faster than the average growth expected of all occupations during that time period (4 percent).
In addition to the 17,520 forensic science technicians currently working nationwide, 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 private and public sectors in New Hampshire can benefit from people with training and credentials in forensic sciences or related subjects. Local law enforcement agencies and the state government are both good starting places. While smaller law enforcement agencies may not have the resources for full-time laboratory staff, they still may appreciate someone trained in modern investigative and evidence-gathering methods.
The New Hampshire State Police operates a certified Forensic Laboratory that analyzes evidence from 220 city, state, county, and federal law enforcement and fire agencies. The lab can process DNA, fingerprinting, ballistics, controlled substances, and other submitted evidence, all of which require specially trained forensics personnel.
Forensics Salaries in New Hampshire
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reported that there were 40 forensic science technicians in the state.
Furthermore, BLS found that the salary figures are somewhat higher 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 NH, the average salary in this field is $73,210.
In more detailed terms, here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country compared with those in NH (BLS May 2023)—the latest data available as of January 2025:
| United States | New Hampshire | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed | 17,520 | 40 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $71,540 | $73,210 |
| 10th percentile | $41,410 | $54,160 |
| 25th percentile | $50,480 | $61,300 |
| 50th percentile | $64,940 | $72,780 |
| 75th percentile | $84,720 | $86,440 |
| 90th percentile | $107,490 | $90,360 |
The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (January 2025), 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
While the figures for New Hampshire are somewhat higher than the national salary ranges found by the BLS (May 2023), it’s important to note that the cost of living is also substantially higher than in many other US states. For illustration, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2025) found that NH ranked 39th among all American states with respect to affordability.
Featured Forensics Programs in NH
Students looking to attend one of the forensics colleges in New Hampshire will find that they have a limited number of options. In fact, there are currently no programs in New Hampshire that have been accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), although that accreditation does apply specifically to forensic science programs (as opposed to related ones), and relatively few schools nationally are FEPAC-accredited. In short, there are quality programs available that need to be FEPAC-accredited, as evidenced below.
Part of the value of formal training in forensics is that students receive a foundation in a variety of subjects. Rather than simply drilling deep into one scientific discipline, university-level forensics and justice programs provide more breadth in inquiry, discussing topics such as sociology, philosophy, political science, and psychology. This interdisciplinary insight can make a job candidate more marketable and easier to adapt their skills into different career areas, rather than basic lab tech work.
Here are some outstanding schools offering forensics programs in NH:
University of New Hampshire – College of Liberal Arts
The Justice Studies major at the University of New Hampshire College of Liberal Arts of Durham offers a comprehensive understanding of U.S. and international justice systems, incorporating humanities, psychology, and social sciences. Students in this program explore diverse topics such as cybercrime, counterterrorism, and racial justice. The program features internships in Washington, D.C., and New England, and a study abroad opportunity in Budapest.
A major public research university, the university also encourages students to engage in research projects through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. This justice studies dual major is intended for those who are looking for careers in the justice system or who seek graduate training in law or social sciences and humanities related to the law.
Notably, students with an interest in forensics may also consider the forensics minor. The curriculum includes courses such as introduction to forensic anthropology; introduction to forensic sciences; technology, crime, and society: a forensic exploration of high-tech and digital crime; forensic psychology; psychology of crime and justice; and politics of crime and justice.
Graduates are prepared for careers in the justice system or further studies in law and related fields. They will be ready to take up careers such as criminal investigators, police officers, private investigators, probation officers, and drug court directors.
A master’s program is also available in justice studies.
- Location: Durham, NH
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Franklin Pierce University of Rindge also provides a minor in forensic psychology with training in how psychological principles apply to law and criminal investigations. The 24-credit minor can supplement the knowledge of someone pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree in psychology. It can benefit those interested in careers in counseling, law enforcement, or law-related fields.
The minor covers courses such as introduction to psychology; forensic psychology; statistics for behavioral science; research methods; violence and aggression; criminology; psychology of terrorism; child abuse and neglect; crisis intervention; and family and intimate partner violence.
Franklin Pierce University also offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice that explores the interdisciplinary study of crime, alongside the function of the criminal justice system. Students in this program will study core concepts of justice and learn about all facets of the justice system. Coursework in corrections, criminal theory, investigations, court procedures, and issues of gender and racial justice will prepare students for a wide variety of careers in security, law enforcement, corrections, criminal courts, social services, and crime prevention.
- Location: Rindge, NH
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University of Manchester has a bachelor of arts program in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology which focuses on research, mental health, criminal behavior, the legal system, and rehabilitation methods. This concentration prepares graduates for careers within the criminal justice field, in areas such as investigative research, crime analytics, and psychological assessment.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as fundamentals of forensic psychology; criminal minds; evaluation of special populations; seminar in forensic psychology; abnormal psychology; scientific investigations; and theories of social psychology.
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Manchester Community College offers an associate of science degree in cybersecurity investigations providing foundation-level expertise and preparation common to all computer forensics and intrusion investigations. In the second year of this program, students will use real work tools to investigate cybercrime and network intrusions, including tools used in mobile forensics, network intrusions, and desktop forensics. While enrolled in this program, students will study for Comp TIA certification exams for A+, Network+, and Security+.
This program will prepare students for the digital forensics world and will provide them with a foundation in digital investigations allowing them to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Made up of 63 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to cybersecurity; investigations and evidence recovery; operating system artifacts; digital forensics; ethics; mobile and emerging device analysis; and network intrusions.
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Saint Anselm College offers a bachelor of arts program in forensic science that is based on a core of content in the sciences, specifically computer science, mathematics, and chemistry, with additional options in physics and biology. Additional content within this major includes criminal justice, archeology, psychology, sociology, and fine arts.
The program’s curriculum includes courses such as forensic chemistry; forensic analysis; introduction to the criminal justice system; evidence; digital forensics; darkroom photography; digital photography; criminal procedure; forensic physics; and theories of crime.
The college also offers a forensic science minor that fosters a student’s understanding and appreciation of chemical, biological, and image production concepts in the context of the criminal justice system.
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
For more information on forensics schools and specializations, please visit the forensic programs page.
Online Forensics Programs Based in NH
For residents of rural NH or aspiring forensics students with professional, familial, or other types of commitments, attending an on-campus degree program can be difficult. Luckily there are various distance-based programs available.
Southern New Hampshire University
In addition to offering traditional academic programs at its Manchester campus, Southern New Hampshire University has online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in forensic fields, including forensic accounting and forensic psychology.
The bachelor of science program in accounting with a concentration in forensic accounting and fraud examination teaches students how to trace money and other financial information that may be moved or concealed. These skills can benefit law enforcement, insurance companies, municipalities, attorneys, and private parties. This 120-credit program includes courses such as auditing and forensic accounting; detection/prevention of fraudulent financial statements; interview techniques/legal aspects of fraud; and investigating with computers.
The bachelor of arts program in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology gives an overview of mental health, sociology, political science, deviancy, and aging. Courses include fundamentals of forensic psychology; criminal minds; assessment and testing; evaluation of special populations; and a seminar in forensic psychology.
Southern New Hampshire University also has an online bachelor of science program in criminal justice that exposes students to criminology theories, national and global trends, and effective communication strategies. In addition to the general track, this online program has eight concentration options in corrections; cybercrime; human services & advocacy; security management; criminology & crime analysis; homeland security & counterterrorism; police administration & operations; and substance abuse.
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
New England College of Henniker offers an online master of science program in forensic accounting that teaches traditional accounting theory, auditing and investigative skills, and tactics. Students through this program’s interdisciplinary approach will develop an understanding and expansive knowledge of investigative techniques, forensic accounting, and the proper preparation and reporting process for litigation.
This 40-credit program includes courses such as litigation services, the role of the accountant as an expert; internal audit and risk management; business crime and ethical behavior; fraud risk management and interrogation; accounting for mergers and acquisitions; and federal taxation.
New England College also offers on-campus and online programs for graduates and undergraduates, including online criminal justice programs for associate and bachelor’s degree seekers. Either option could be useful for students currently working in law enforcement who may not have a dependable schedule to accommodate traditional classes.
The associate degree program covers the basics of justice career paths, along with criminal law, psychology, security, and juvenile crime. It offers 15 four-credit courses and takes two years to complete. The bachelor’s program requires 30 four-credit courses, which typically take four years to complete.
- Location: Henniker, NH
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years
Finally, Franklin Pierce University also features both online and on-campus bachelor’s and associate degrees in criminal justice. The online programs are designed to be flexible and customized, especially for people already working in these fields. Someone with professional experience or currently employed in law enforcement, corrections, or the court system can receive up to 45 transfer credits toward their degree respective of their general knowledge and any professional credentialing.
The programs offer in-depth looks at the modern justice system, including research, gender roles, investigation and evidence, white-collar crime, and race/ethnic relations. The associate program requires 60 credits, which could be used to enter the workforce or continue into the bachelor’s program.
Courses include introduction to criminal justice; police work; courts and criminal procedure; corrections; criminology; criminal investigation and evidence; community corrections; criminal law; rehabilitation of the offender; juvenile justice; and special topics in criminal justice.
- Location: Rindge, NH
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Professional Certification in Forensic Science
Although professional certification is not always necessary to secure employment in forensics in New Hampshire, 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 page.
Forensics Program Accreditation
Aspiring forensics students in New Hampshire 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.
Forensics programs in New Hampshire are generally accredited by the regional New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the country’s oldest accrediting association. NECHE currently accredits over 200 institutions across the globe. Some forensics programs nationwide are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), including on-campus programs in nearby Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. As of January 2025, there were no FEPAC-accredited programs in NH.
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.