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An online forensic science degree offers a flexible route to mastering crime scene investigation and evidence analysis, with hands-on training in DNA testing and toxicology. Graduates are prepared for careers in law enforcement, forensic labs, and private investigation, with coursework covering ethics and legal standards.

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.

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.

If you're not sure about pursuing a forensic science degree, you may want to consider programs in related fields. Learn more about online bachelor's degrees in criminology, cybersecurity, or law enforcement.

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:

• Crime Scene Investigation: This course covers the fundamentals of processing a scene and following legal methods for evidence collection. Techniques include photography, fingerprinting, hair and fiber collection, and witness interviews. Faculty emphasize the importance of the chain of evidence in the criminal justice system.
• Forensic Chemistry: Professors in this class discuss the uses and limits of chemistry for analyzing evidence. Students use common lab equipment to analyze samples of various substances, including fibers, paint, hair, and soil. Online students may use a local facility for lab experience or may receive a lab kit for home use.
• Forensic Criminology: Students learn the role of forensic science and technology in understanding and prosecuting criminal acts. The curriculum generally ranges from gathering evidence at crime scenes to answering questions in court. Topics can include technology advances through the years, the "CSI effect" on jury expectations, and the role of DNA in correcting miscarriages of justice.
• Introduction to Forensic Psychology: A forensic psychology class is designed to help students understand criminal behavior. Students learn the history of behavioral analysis in law enforcement and psychology's impact on criminal defense and sentencing reform. The curriculum also introduces the basic methodology for writing psychological profiles to be entered into evidence.
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice: Learners use the scientific method to design studies and test the results. As a final project, they map out an original research project seeking to answer a question relevant to forensic science. Professors may also share cutting-edge research in the field and discuss the methods researchers used in their designs.

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.

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 , who earn a median annual salary of $67,440 and can expect a job growth rate of 13% through 2034.

• Crime Scene Investigator: CSIs collect and document physical evidence from crime scenes and ensure its safe passage to a crime laboratory. They often assist medical examiners during autopsies to document evidence and contribute to toxicology reports. Many CSIs are sworn police officers who specialize in this field, but others are civilians. Job requirements vary by department.
• Criminalist: These are the crime laboratory technicians who analyze and interpret forensic evidence, including trace evidence. They must be organized and meticulous because any procedural misstep could damage an investigation or trial. Criminalists typically specialize in a particular field of forensic evidence, such as toxicology, ballistics, or explosive residue and debris. The offers certification exams in eight specialties.
• Digital Forensic Analyst: These forensic analysts examine data from computer and mobile devices to use as digital evidence and detect both traditional crime and cybercrime. They are trained to recover deleted computer files, track people's locations using GPS information, and interpret security camera footage and audio recordings. Depending on their expertise, a digital forensic analyst might join one of several professional organizations for career development and support.
• Forensic Document Examiner: These analysts are experts in writing instruments and technology, writing materials, and handwriting. They might authenticate a document by analyzing its ink, restore a damaged document to legibility, or compare handwriting samples to convict or exonerate a suspect. The provides continuing education on methods and materials and also certifies examiners.

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 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 , 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. 

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 (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. 

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. 

If you're looking for ways to save money on your education, be sure to check out our lists of the most affordable online criminal justice bachelor's degrees, criminal justice master's degrees, forensic accounting bachelor's degrees, and forensic science master's degrees.

If you’re interested in science and have a desire to help victims of crime, forensic science may be a great career option for you. Overall, forensic science technicians , putting the field in the top 34% of occupations in terms of career happiness. After earning an online degree in forensic science, you can pursue a career that is satisfying and fulfilling.

Every student has different aptitudes and abilities, so what is easy for some may be more difficult for others. To succeed in a forensic science degree program, you'll need to demonstrate your knowledge of various sciences through tests and lab work. You'll also need to write papers on investigative forensics, the criminal justice system, and criminal justice ethics, which may be demanding. 

The best degree for forensic science depends on your career goals. If you want to be a forensic scientist involved in crime scene investigations, you'll want to pursue a bachelor's degree and possibly a master's degree in forensic science. However, you can also be part of forensic investigations with a different degree in the broader field of forensic science, such as forensic psychology or forensic accounting.