Online Forensic Science / Crime Scene Investigation Degrees
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The degree options in forensic science and crime scene investigation is multidisciplinary in nature; it draws upon many different academic areas such as physics, biology, psychology, and chemistry. Therefore, graduates from this degree program are well versed in social sciences as well as traditional sciences, since they often go hand-in-hand when solving a crime or investigating a case. Job growth in the forensics and crime scene investigation is expected to be excellent for the next several years, especially among government and state agencies.
What comes to mind for most when they think about forensic science and crime scene investigation is television shows that often show various aspects of the field. However, in real life, the job can be somewhat less glamorous than Hollywood portrays. Some forensic scientists work in laboratories and may test various specimens or DNA. Crime scene investigators, on the other hand, tend to work at the actual crime scene by collecting evidence that is later processed in the lab, such as fibers and hair.
Because of the various types of crime scenes and tests that must be performed by a forensic scientist, at least a bachelor's degree is required, but for advanced positions, a master's degree may be needed. Typically, in order to work in this field experience is needed; therefore, many follow their bachelor's degree with an internship of some type to acquire hands-on experience.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Forensic Science / Crime Scene Investigation Degrees
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Learn more about Kaplan University - Criminal Justice Programs
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Forensic Toxicology: The toxicology specialization prepares students to work in various laboratories, as it provides them with an understanding of various drugs and pharmaceuticals.
- Forensic DNA: The DNA concentration provides graduates with a solid foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry, interpreting blood splatter, and genetics.
- Drug Chemistry: The specialization in drug chemistry allows students to gain an understanding of drug pharmacology, drug chemistry, and forensics, and provides the student with skills in analytical approaches to forensics.
What degree levels are available?
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
- Doctoral Degree: 5 to 7 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
The degrees available for forensic science and crime scene investigating area available from the associate to the master's level. There are PhD programs, as well, but these are generally in criminal justice allowing students to specialize in forensic studies. Forensic science and crime scene investigation is a relatively new area of study. The associate degree can provide students with the skills access to entry-level positions, but if the field is something that the student wishes to make a career, they will need at least the bachelor's degree to remain competitive in the job market. Because the field is becoming more popular and is expected to grow at a moderate pace, requirements for gaining these jobs may become more competitive in the future. Advanced degrees such as the master's will qualify students with several years of experience to work in management positions.Currently, the forensic science and crime scene investigation does not have a formal certification that graduates are required to take. This means that everything falls on experience and education when it comes to landing the best jobs.What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
The types of classes required in a forensic science program will depend on the type of degree you choose to pursue. Unlike forensic programs at the bachelor's level, master's programs are specialized in a particular area of forensic science. For example, some schools offer chemistry and biology degrees in forensics, which focus on different types of laboratory and diagnostic techniques. Other schools take it one step further, specializing the degrees in areas such as forensic toxicology or drug chemistry. Some of these programs are professional degrees, which only require students to complete a number of courses in their chosen focus area; other programs require students to do a significant amount of original scientific research.
Despite the differences between programs, most advanced forensic science and crime scene investigation degrees begin with science coursework in their specialty area, along with practical laboratory classes. For example, a master's program in forensic DNA might require first-year students to take course work in Molecular Biology and Metabolic Biochemistry; these classes discuss the scientific principles that underlie many of the diagnostic tests used to analyze forensic evidence.
Along with these theoretical classes, students take practical labs which prepare them for a crime scene investigation career. For example, in the forensic DNA master's program, a course in Blood Distribution might accompany the science-based classes. In this course, students learn how to analyze blood patterns at crime scenes, in order to determine the setting and cause of the crime. Courses in Biological Evidence and Forensic Analysis of DNA are practical labs which address the skills forensic scientists need in order to match the DNA of the crime scene evidence to suspected criminals.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
It depends on the degree program you choose. All require hands-on training, but each program differs in how that training may be completed. Some programs require students to come to campus to do diagnostic laboratory tests, while others are designed to allow current forensic professionals to do this work under the guidance of the laboratory supervisor at their workplace.What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
Individuals who already have a solid background in biology or chemistry might be interested in pursuing shorter certificate programs in forensic science. Certificate programs in forensic toxicology or DNA analysis cover many of the same courses as their equivalent master's program. Other certificates, such as those in forensic death investigation or environmental forensics, focus more on the collection of evidence and analysis of the crime scene. These certificates might be better suited to individuals interested in investigation positions rather than clinical ones. Many standard master's programs in chemistry or biology can be tailored to cover topics in forensic science, depending on the student's course selection and research focus.
