Forensic Science

Overview

Forensic science programs prepare people to examine evidence found at a crime scene.

Forensic science programs prepare people to evaluate physical evidence and human testimony. Students learn to study physical evidence such as blood, DNA, and fingerprints. They also learn to use many laboratory tools to collect and test data.

Forensic science programs include topics such as:

Forensic medicine
Forensic dentistry
Laboratory technology
Autopsy procedures
Pathology
Anthropology and psychology
DNA and blood pattern analysis
Crime scene analysis

Schools

Several community colleges offer associate degree programs in forensic science. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Several colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in forensic science. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.

Some universities offer graduate degrees in forensic science. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced Biology courses
Advanced Chemistry courses
Anatomy and Physiology
Calculus
Physics
Psychology

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Undergraduate degree or significant course work in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Abnormal Psychology
Anatomy
Biology
Calculus
Chemistry
Crime Scene Investigation
Criminology
Forensic Anthropology
Laboratory Measurements and Techniques
Organic Chemistry
Physics
Physiology
Statistics

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate study in forensic science typically includes:

Required courses
Laboratory rotations
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Most employers will perform a criminal background check before you are hired.

An associate degree prepares you to work as a forensic science technician.

Some schools combine criminal justice and forensic science into a single bachelor's degree program.

Some schools offer forensic science as a minor. In these cases, most students major in biology or chemistry.

Programs in forensic science are considered good preparation for future study in law, medicine, criminal justice, or additional study in forensic science. In fact, it is becoming common for employers to require a graduate degree in forensic science. Because of this, many students get a bachelor's degree in a science, such as biology or chemistry, and then get a master's in forensic science.