2023 Best Online Forensic Science Degrees

Overview of Online Bachelor's Degrees in Forensic Science

Forensic science is an essential part of criminal investigations. Specialists in forensic science usually work for law enforcement agencies or departments but their work can also touch on other parts of the criminal justice system. No matter what branch of science they use, their work is designed to discover the truth about a crime and aid the courts during trials.

To become a forensic scientist, you'll need to earn at least a bachelor's degree in forensic science. These degrees go by different titles that often reflect a specialization within forensic science, such as crime scene investigation or digital forensic analysis. Regardless of these distinctions, however, most programs result in a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Forensic Science Program Requirements

Online bachelor's in forensic science degrees typically require the completion of 120-124 credit hours. Most students need four to five years of full-time study to complete all of the program requirements. Part-time students may need longer. 

Besides classwork, most forensic science programs require many hours of lab and field work. Programs may include an internship or capstone course that ties together students' knowledge and provides an opportunity to gain real-world experience.

Common Courses in an Online Forensic Science Bachelor's Degree

Online forensic science programs are designed to teach students about criminal procedure and applied research methods. Some concentrations focus on more specific areas of criminal procedures. For example, forensic biology programs teach students to evaluate biological evidence, such as blood and saliva, and determine DNA findings. 

Below, we've listed several examples of courses that undergraduates are likely to encounter in a forensic science program:

What Can You Do With a Forensic Science Degree?

Depending on the program, courses, and electives you choose, a bachelor's degree in forensic science can prepare you for a number of different career paths. You might spend most of your time at crime scenes, collecting evidence and searching for information. Then again, you may work in a crime laboratory, where you'll process and analyze evidence.

Forensic Science Careers

We've listed a few forensic science jobs below that graduates can attain once they've earned a bachelor's degree in forensic science. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) places these jobs in the broad category of forensic science technicians, who earn a median annual salary of $61,930 and can expect a job growth rate of 11% through 2031.

Is a Forensic Science Bachelor's Degree Worth It?

There's no answer to this question that suits every person. You need to weigh the factors that are most important to your lifestyle and goals when deciding whether to pursue a bachelor's degree in forensic science. This degree may lead to a fulfilling job in a growing field but be sure to consider all of the pros and cons before choosing to pursue it.

Potential Benefits

• Forensic science professionals report moderate to high levels of job satisfaction. They tend to point to the importance of their work as a major factor in their happiness with their career.

• Earning a bachelor’s degree in forensic science prepares individuals to earn higher levels of education in this area, such as a Master’s of Science in Forensic Science or Forensic Psychology. An advanced degree may qualify you for higher-paying positions in the field of forensic science.

Potential Drawbacks

• The BLS predicts an 11% job growth rate for forensic science technicians, but the actual number of these jobs is small. The BLS expects only 2,500 new positions each year from through 2031. Jobs in some specialties may be in greater demand than others.

• According to a 2021 scholarly study, professionals who work at crime scenes tend to have higher levels of stress and greater potential for burnout than their lab-based colleagues. 

• Since technology is always improving and new scientific discoveries are constantly being made, forensic science technicians must commit to continuous learning to keep up with new information. 

  
  

How To Choose an Online Forensic Science Bachelor's Program

Selecting a college program is a major decision, so it's important to have as much information as you can before you enroll. One thing you'll want to check on is each school's accreditation status. All of the schools on our list of the best online forensic science degrees are accredited. This means that each school has been reviewed by an authorized, independent authority to make sure that it meets national standards for educational excellence. 

Not only is it an assurance of a quality education, attending an accredited school can also make it easier to qualify for financial aid or to transfer credits to another school. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college may also be required to be accepted into a master's program.

In addition to institutional-level accreditation, individual programs can earn accreditation. The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is the accrediting agency for forensic science degree programs. For a program to be accredited by FEPAC, it must be designed to meet forensic science industry standards. 

You may also want to consider the benefits of enrollment in a forensic science online program. Colleges have offered distance learning programs in the sciences for decades, and many students are drawn to the flexibility of online coursework. Asynchronous courses that allow you to access course materials and complete assignments on your own schedule are especially appealing for some students. However, others prefer the interaction of a classroom and the ability to question professors in real time in classrooms or laboratories.

What Else Should You Consider?

Of course, there are several other factors to consider before choosing a forensic science degree program. Cost is one of them, and tuition is only one part of the total cost of a degree. You'll also need to add in fees, books, and other supplies. 

According to the College Board's 2022 report, the average annual tuition fee for four-year public schools is $10,940 and for four-year private schools is $39,400. The report also states that students spend an average of $1,240 on books and other supplies each year. 

If you're looking to save money, keep in mind that online students don't need to pay for college room and board or transportation, which can lead to considerable savings. Applying for financial aid can also help you reduce costs. Another option is to complete 45-60 credit hours at a less expensive community college and then transfer credits to a four-year university to complete your undergraduate degree. 

Each school's application deadlines and admissions criteria may influence your decision as well. Some colleges are more selective about the students they accept. Depending on the college's admissions criteria, you may need to have earned a high school GPA of at least 2.5 or possibly higher. The most selective schools often set earlier application deadlines, so you may need to apply up to a full year in advance of the fall semester when you plan to start attending classes. 

FAQs About Forensic Science Degrees