Forensic Science Colleges in North Dakota

Forensic science can be a terrific career for those interested in different fields of science and its intersection with crime and law enforcement. So much unique knowledge is needed to work as a forensic science technician, with programs generally providing instruction in anatomy, anthropology, biochemistry, biology, and chemistry as part of a bachelor’s degree. And the learning doesn’t stop there. Programs are so interdisciplinary that they may include clinical laboratory sciences, criminal justice, math, molecular biology, physics, and psychology.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) reports that a bachelor’s degree is typically needed to enter the forensic science field. Colleges in North Dakota (ND) can help lay the foundation in the natural sciences or forensic science for dedicated students.

In addition to bachelors-level programs, both associate degree programs and graduate-level programs are available. However, because forensic science programs are fairly limited in North Dakota, students may have the best luck finding a program that suits their needs with online learning.

The curriculum available through forensic science schools typically prepares graduates to work in a forensics lab, but this could mean employment in a police department, a private facility, or a crime laboratory, such as with the North Dakota Attorney General’s office. Some programs focus more on crime scene investigation (CSI), which shows students how to collect and properly handle and store evidence at a crime scene. Learning how to testify in court may also be part of any available CSI programs in North Dakota.

Keep reading for more details on what types of forensic science technician and crime scene investigator programs and jobs are available in the Peace Garden State.

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How to Become a Forensic Scientist in North Dakota

In a forensic science lab, a technician performs biological, chemical, or physical analysis of evidence that comes from a crime scene. This detailed scientific analysis is why a bachelor’s degree is so important to entering the field. Following is one of the most common paths to make a start in forensic science, including earning that initial degree.

Step 1: Enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in the natural sciences or forensic science. Most often the bachelor’s degree takes four years to finish and provides students with foundational knowledge in a variety of scientific disciplines. Some 35 percent of forensic science technicians in the U.S. have a bachelor’s degree, according to CareerOneStop, showing just how important this degree can be.
Step 2: Consider a graduate-level certificate. Graduate certificates may be best for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field or in the forensic sciences who are not quite ready to commit to a full degree but are interested in advancing their knowledge. Most certificates require completion of four to six classes, and some may be later transferable toward a master’s degree.
Step 3: Move on to a master’s degree. Not everyone pursues a master’s degree in forensic science. Still, it may help advance to a leadership or management role or for those who have an undergraduate degree in specific natural science and want to integrate forensic science studies and pursue a career in the field. Some forensic science programs at the master’s level can be completed in as little as two years but can take longer, up to five years, for students who enroll part-time.
Step 4: Give thought to a doctoral degree. Just 3 percent of forensic scientists have a PhD or other terminal degree, according to Career One Stop, yet this terminal degree can help manage a forensic science lab, engaging in research, or providing instruction at a post-secondary institution. A PhD could take from two to five years to complete, and could also be appropriate for someone who has a master’s degree in a related field but wants to expand their forensic science skills.
Step 5: Pursue related forensic science certification. Individuals can pursue certification through a broad number of organizations depending on their specific field of forensic science expertise. (The American Academy of Forensic Sciences, or AAFS, breaks down the field into 12 disciplines, including criminalistics, engineering and applied sciences, general, jurisprudence, pathology/biology, and others. An individual’s education will drive the type of certification they seek, and credentialing sometimes requires passing a certifying exam. A full list of certifying agencies is provided further below.

Natural science skills are not the only essential ones to becoming a forensic science technician. Knowledge about criminal justice, courtroom procedures, the law, and communication can also be important. In fact, the BLS says that communication skills are essential because forensic science technicians need to be able to communicate with a variety of people, present information in courts, and compile reports.

Following these steps, aspiring forensic science techs in North Dakota may seek jobs in various contexts, such as psychiatric hospitals, police crime labs, and government at all levels, to name a few.

The AAFS also lists a variety of characteristics that are important to becoming a forensic scientist. These include:

Having curiosity, integrity, and the ability to be unbiased
Having solid speaking skills, as well as note-taking and observation skills
Possessing writing skills to be able to write scientific reports

In all, it could take four or more years in North Dakota to be able to work as a forensic scientist. However, it is up to the individual to decide if they want to pursue forensic science beyond four years and complete either a master’s degree or even a PhD, which could add multiple years to their education.

Pursuing CSI in the Peace Garden State

Crime scene investigators, who do different work than forensic science technicians, may be involved in taking photos, making sketches of a crime scene, collecting fingerprints and bodily fluids, and preserving evidence so that it can be taken to a crime lab, according to the BLS. These meticulous skills can be obtained through a CSI program. Often, the education necessary is not as in-depth as required for forensic science programs. Potential paths to a career in CSI include:

Option 1: Work on a certificate or associate degree. Programs in CSI typically take a year to two to complete, either resulting in a certificate or an associate degree. Many CSI programs are offered through community colleges or extension programs at universities. Students typically learn about report writing, fingerprint evidence, and crime scene management, and a practicum experience may be a component of the program.
Option 2: Complete a bachelor’s degree in CSI. Although the BLS reports that a bachelor’s degree is typically the entry point into CSI, many bachelor’s degrees are offered in criminal justice with a specialization in crime scene investigation. This program path enables students to complete much of the same learning as at the associate level but more in-depth and often with choices for electives.
Option 3: Learn about CSI through a police academy. Many people enter the CSI field after completing a police academy and becoming a police officer. Others may train them on the job or take specific courses to enhance their skills.
Option 4: Seek certification of your skills. Certification is a way of showing employers proven CSI skills. The requirements for certification vary depending on the program and an applicant’s experience, but interested students may be able to seek certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI) or the International Crime Scene Investigators Association (ICSIA). Students should be sure to investigate these specific organizations beforehand to learn more about requirements.

Occupational Demand and Salary Data in North Dakota for Forensic Science Specialists

In North Dakota, the biggest cities are Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, which together have a combined population of more than 250,000 people. Cities may be the best place to look for jobs related to forensic science and CSI, but some rural jurisdictions may be in need of employees, too. As mentioned earlier, the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office could be one place that needs trained professionals. The AG’s crime laboratory provides evidentiary support to the state criminal justice system by analyzing, identifying, and comparing physical evidence used in criminal offense cases.

Since North Dakota has a small population, new forensic science technicians may have to look harder for opportunities. Graduates or students looking for hands-on experience may consider IFI DNA Testing and Technologies or the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The BLS (2024) reports that 86 percent of forensic scientists work for local or state government and are most often employed in crime laboratories, morgues, coroner’s offices, or police departments. However, job availability may also depend on the budgets and funding available in these governmental agencies.

From 2022 to 2032, the demand for forensic science technicians across the U.S. is expected to grow by 13 percent, resulting in some 2,300 new positions becoming available—good news to a recent graduate from one of the colleges in North Dakota. The best job opportunities could be available to those who specialize in DNA or digital computer forensics or those who have a bachelor’s degree in natural science and a master’s degree in forensic science.

The BLS does not track salaries for forensic science techs in North Dakota. According to May 2023 data from the BLS, the mean annual wages for forensic science technicians working in the U.S. were $71,540. This is much more than the BLS mean annual wage of $65,470 for all occupations in the U.S. combined.

In more detailed terms, here is a breakdown of the salary percentiles among all forensic science technicians in the country (BLS May 2023):

	United States
Number of Forensic Science Technicians Employed	17,520
Annual Mean Wage	$71,540
10th percentile	$41,410
25th percentile	$50,480
50th percentile	$64,940
75th percentile	$84,720
90th percentile	$107,490

The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, PayScale (August 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: $30,000
50th percentile (median): $55,654
90th percentile: $73,000

When reviewing any state or local salary data, it is important to consider the cost of living in that area. For instance, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2024), North Dakota ranked 16th in affordability, making it more affordable than the majority of states.

Featured Forensic Science Schools in North Dakota

Because there is only one forensic science program available in North Dakota, students may want to look for programs in criminal justice or the natural sciences instead. No forensic science programs offered in North Dakota are accredited through the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), the accrediting branch of AAFS. However, FEPAC accreditation may not be necessary to seek employment. Students interested in forensic science programs in North Dakota can consider any of the following:

University of North Dakota

At the University of North Dakota, in Grand Forks, students can pursue a 120-credit bachelor’s degree in forensic science. The program ties in strongly with the school’s criminal justice program, and the curriculum may best prepare students to become DNA or trace evidence analysts. Once a year, a cohort of students also travels to the annual meeting of the AAFS.

Students can choose from three sub-plans to complete this traditional forensic science program. The three sub-plans include forensic biology, criminal investigation, and forensic chemistry. Whichever path is chosen, graduates will get experience in a forensic laboratory and will learn about security, forensic report writing, and chain of custody.

The program’s curriculum includes courses such as introduction to the forensic sciences; analysis of forensic evidence; introduction to criminal justice; criminal procedure; criminal investigation; cybersecurity law and investigations; firearms and ballistics; bloodstain pattern analysis; forensic photography; and trace evidence analysis, among others.

Location: Grand Forks, ND
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

University of Mary

Because studies in forensic science are so limited in North Dakota, burgeoning forensic science technicians may want to search for criminal justice programs that include courses related to the field. The University of Mary, in Bismarck, does offer a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice, but much of this is based on the courts and law enforcement procedures.

Students in this program will explore the major areas of criminal justice, including criminology, juvenile justice, corrections, law enforcement and law adjudication, homeland security, facility and community corrections, private security, and probation and parole.

This 124-credit program includes courses such as dynamics of addiction; introduction to criminal justice; police science; criminal law; corrections; criminal procedure; criminology; forensic psychology; and terrorism & homeland security.

Graduates will be ready to take up roles such as forensic psychologists, crime scene investigators, corrections officers, private investigators, and FBI agents to name a few.

Location: Bismarck, ND
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice that has graduated students who have pursued criminal justice careers in state, federal, and local agencies throughout the United States. Graduates of this program will succeed in both beginning and advancing their criminal justice careers. The program’s 120-credit curriculum includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice; introduction to policing; criminology; introduction to corrections; and criminal law and procedure.

The university also offers a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in criminal justice studies. Again, these are not directly related to forensic science or crime scene investigation, but at NDSU students can also find programs in the natural sciences, like biology and chemistry. Seeking a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields may be helpful to later pursuing a master’s in forensic science.

Notably, exceptional undergraduates interested in pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice may apply during their junior year for admission into the department’s accelerated master’s program. This accelerated program allows students to complete certain courses that will count for both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice, thereby shortening the time it takes to complete the master’s degree.

Location: Fargo, ND
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years

Because there are so few forensic science programs in North Dakota, looking for undergraduate degrees in the natural sciences may be better. Biology and chemistry are exceptionally common offerings at virtually all institutions of higher learning.

From there, students can look for a graduate-level program, either on-campus or online, to help them gain more forensic science-specific knowledge. This may be an optimal path, as the BLS reports that many people entering the field of forensic science often have a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences followed by a master’s degree in forensic science.

Hybrid & Online Forensic Science Programs in North Dakota

Students seeking forensic science programs online will find numerous options. Some, but not all, of the programs listed, result in a degree in criminal justice specializing in forensic science or crime scene investigation. A few of the available online forensic science programs include:

University of Mary

In addition to the on-campus bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, the University of Mary also offers an online bachelor of science program in criminal justice. Through this criminal justice degree, graduates will gain detailed insights into the criminal justice system and its ethical underpinnings, and the many several criminal justice roles for professionals.

The program, which comprises 124 credits, includes courses on gangs and organized crime, terrorism and homeland security, forensic psychology, addictive disorders in society, deviant behavior, criminology, dynamics of addiction, and corrections.

Location: Bismarck, ND
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

North Dakota State University

The North Dakota State University offers an online master’s degree in forensic psychology, preparing students for several psychology-related legal and criminal justice careers. Designed to be completed in about two years, this online master’s degree is designed with working professionals in mind. Graduates can take up careers in the military, law enforcement, hospitals, and social service agencies, among others.

The 30-credit program includes courses in psychology and law, research methods in forensic psychology, readings in psychology, cognitive psychology, eyewitness testimony memory, and diversity psychology.

The North Dakota State University also offers an online bachelor of science program in criminal justice studies, an online master of science program in criminal justice, and an online accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice.

Location: Fargo, ND
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years

Ashworth College

At Ashworth College, students can enroll for a diploma program in forensics that includes various components, such as the crime scene, organic and inorganic analyses, and forensic serology and DNA. In addition, students can work at their own pace and attend a live commencement ceremony upon completion.

Through this online forensic science degree, graduates will learn the foundational knowledge and skills essential to working as forensic science technicians. From crime lab procedures to understanding forensics in the justice system, students will gain a better understanding of solving crimes through forensic science.

Forensic classes include foundations of forensic science; microscopy, impressions, and forensic chemistry; and forensic biology, fire investigation, document examination, and the future of forensic science.

Location: Norcross, GA
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four months

American Intercontinental University

American Intercontinental University provides an online bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with a forensic science specialization. Offering a balanced education in law enforcement practices, investigation methodologies, and science, the program prepares students to conduct death-scene investigations, interpret forensic analysis, leverage technology, methodology, and data, and process and preserve evidence.

This 180-credit program includes courses such as criminalistics; criminal investigation; medicolegal death investigation; aspects of forensic psychology; medicolegal death investigation; cybercrimes; criminal investigation; and forensic biology, among others.

Location: Chandler, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

National University

National University offers a graduate certificate in forensic and crime scene investigations for those who are already in law enforcement or wish to enter crime scene investigations. Seven courses are needed to obtain the certificate, which can then be used toward the school’s online master’s degree in forensic science. The master’s program offers two specializations, including criminalistics and investigation.

The certificate’s courses include forensic pathology, crime scene investigation, advanced criminalistics, digital evidence, law and criminal procedure, and fingerprint analysis.

Location: San Diego, CA
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Expected Time to Completion: One to two years

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science program in forensic science. This program shows students how to solve crimes and interpret evidence using the latest technology and science. By teaching professional forensic science techniques and providing hands-on experience investigating crimes, this degree prepares students to work in crime labs at the state, federal, and local levels.

Students in this program must take several science courses including a biochemistry lab and two organic chemistry labs which must be completed in person. These labs are offered accelerated over the summer at ASU’s Tempe and West campuses. Moreover, this online degree ends with an in-person culminating experience on ASU’s West campus. The two-week campus experience allows students to learn lab skills from experts in the field and participate in simulated crime scenes.

Courses in this 120-credit program include sacred crimes: religion and violence; principles of forensic science; fundamentals of forensic analysis; testimony and ethics in the forensic sciences; and analytical chemistry for life sciences.

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Many other online programs are available to students in North Dakota, and they are listed on the AAFS website. The website offers information on undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificate programs, along with information on the Young Forensic Scientists Forum (YFSF) for teenagers.

Other national online schools also provide online forensics and CSI programs that may interest students seeking similar programs in North Dakota.

Program Accreditation & Certification

While graduating from a FEPAC-accredited program is not always possible, it certainly may be advantageous. Keep in mind that FEPAC accreditation does not occur overnight or even in a year, however. In fact, the University of North Dakota formed an accrediting body as far back as 2004 but is still not ready to apply for FEPAC accreditation. Further, FEPAC only offers accreditation to science-focused programs, making criminal justice and CSI programs ineligible for accreditation.

In this case, regional institutional accreditation of a university is important. Institutional accreditation means that the school has been accredited in its entirety by an agency. There are six of these accrediting agencies across the U.S., and in North Dakota accreditation is done through the Higher Learning Commission.

FEPAC accreditation may also be important to seeking certification, although each certifying organization has its regulations and standards. Certification may not be available, and individuals may want to seek out membership instead. For example, the International Crime Scene Investigators Association (ICSIA) offers active membership to employed or recently retired personnel with a law enforcement agency.

Students should remember that not all branches of forensic science offer board certification. To help determine this, the AAFS has 12 different sections of forensic science listed on its website, as well as education and career details, including certification details, if available, specific to each. Students or working professionals can also become members of the AAFS, which has information on career opportunities, provides access to the Journal of Forensic Science, and offers an annual meeting, educational conferences, and more.

Additionally, many organizations offer forensic science and CSI certification or membership that can attest to an individual’s skills and knowledge. There is an abundance of organizations offering national professional certification. The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) has recognized nine agencies. These include:

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.

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Writer

Farheen Gani

Farheen Gani writes about forensics schools across the United States, and has covered topics such as forensic chemistry and forensic science and biochemistry since 2018. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).