So you want to be a forensics super-sleuth, piecing together clues and puzzles to catch the bad guys? An exciting career solving mysteries awaits with the right college degree in forensic science.
These interdisciplinary programs blend concepts from chemistry, biology, criminal justice, psychology and cutting-edge tech to train students in evidence analysis and crime scene investigation. You’ll learn how to collect, preserve, analyze and present physical traces to uncover facts and administer justice.
According to U.S. News‘ latest forensics program rankings, around 140 colleges offered related bachelor’s or graduate degrees as of 2021. Admissions are moderately competitive with average admit rates around 60% for undergraduate applicants.
I‘ve compiled this list of the 30 best forensic science schools to launch your crime-fighting education and career. From OSU’s forensic anthropology program to NYU’s forensic pathology with NYC’s Chief Medical Examiner, these outstanding colleges feature top-notch academics, training facilities and career support.
I’ll highlight what makes each university uniquely qualified to kickstart your forensic science journey. You’ll discover program perks like advanced labs for hands-on practice, faculty mentors who are active field experts, abundant internship and research opportunities, interdisciplinary curricula and high graduate employability.
Let’s get started on identifying your perfect forensic school match!
The Best Forensic Science Colleges
Miami University‘s interdisciplinary Forensic Science Bachelor’s introduces concepts from both natural sciences and criminal justice. The flexible curriculum covers techniques in crime scene investigation and related computer technologies. Students also select either a chemistry or biology concentration to align with desired specializations.
UCO’s forensic science program focuses on evidence analysis, management and communication skills. Students choose to concentrate in chemistry, molecular biology or digital forensics while gaining well-rounded knowledge to prepare for varied forensic science subfields.
With over 100 campus research centers, University of Nebraska – Lincoln is well-equipped for practical learning. Its forensic science major enables students to concentrate in either biochemistry or crime scene investigation. An optional pre-law track is also available for those interested in legal forensics applications.
Eastern New Mexico provides a flexible forensic science curriculum covering everything from human anatomy to evidence management without overspecialization. Students can concentrate in chemistry, biology or anthropology while still gaining broad exposure to diverse forensic career paths.
AIU pairs a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Science minor. The program emphasizes real-world skills in crime analysis and crime scene protocols. Coursework focuses on legal frameworks with instruction in areas like ethical conduct, chain of custody procedures and expert witness testimonies.
St. Mary’s undergraduates combine a major in forensic science with a minor in either biology, chemistry or criminology. This cross-disciplinary structure provides specialized expertise while developing a strong general science foundation. The program also delivers valuable internship experience and access to professional crime labs.
Marshall’s digital forensics program equips students to investigate cybercrime and electronic data. The Bachelor’s degree in Digital Forensics and Information Assurance provides comprehensive instruction in IT, network security, threat analysis and digital evidence handling.
George Mason University hosts a dedicated forensic science department enabling access to advanced research facilities. Students gain practical skills in investigative analysis, forensic anthropology, crime scene photography and laboratory examinations. The well-designed curriculum prepares graduates for roles in both public and private settings.
Thanks to an on-campus medical center and anatomy lab, Boston University delivers exceptional biomedical and forensic anthropology training integrating the latest research technology. Undergraduates utilize the excellent facilities while learning to apply forensic techniques in both lab and field environments. Abundant research and internship opportunities derive from BU’s Medical School partnerships.
The Ivy League University of Pennsylvania integrates cutting-edge DNA analysis methods and forensic technologies into both undergraduate and graduate programs. Cross-departmental electives allow customization for students looking to specialize in a niche sub-field like forensic nursing, investigation or criminology.
GWU offered one of the first dedicated forensic science departments in the U.S. Today the school offers six specialized Master‘s programs combining advanced coursework with 500+ hours of field training. Areas of concentration include high-tech crime, global security, investigative forensics, forensic molecular biology and more.
At Saint Louis University, students train to collect, process and analyze evidence within a state-of-the-art, 1000 square foot forensics lab. Undergraduates pursuing the forensic science major take courses in genetics, biochemistry, quantitative analysis, microscopy, spectroscopy and more. Graduates emerge fully prepared to launch forensics careers.
Texas A&M’s Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Investigative Sciences has two concentration options: a science track emphasizing biology/chemistry competencies or a pre-professional option developing skills for legal practitioners and other non-lab roles. Both concentrations leverage TAMU’s excellent campus resources and faculty talent.
Loyola University Chicago’s forensic science program stresses applying academic concepts directly to real-world contexts. Utilizing Chicago’s crime labs and law enforcement ecosystem for training, undergraduates build career-ready skills in analysis, critical thinking and communication. Over 40% attain positions in forensic science or criminal justice post-graduation.
Syracuse University takes an integrative approach by incorporating specialty concepts from anthropology, sociology and psychology into the core forensic curriculum. This provides students a uniquely versatile perspective to succeed in diverse forensic science roles either in the laboratory or the field.
VCU leverages its strength as a medical college to deliver exceptional forensic science training focused on DNA analysis, drug chemistry and trace evidence examination. Undergraduates also receive thorough grounding in criminalistics and legal protocols to prepare expert court testimonies.
Drexel University‘s forensic science degrees include both undergraduate and graduate programs. Students gain broad exposure to core principles in biology, chemistry, toxicology and criminal investigation. They also complete faculty-mentored research and develop specializations. Outside the classroom, students participate in internships and the Drexel Forensic Science Society.
John Jay College offers one of the country’s most extensive assortments of forensic science degrees including over 13 specialization tracks. Undergraduates take foundational science courses and participate in research or lab internships to gain practical experience. The school provides a seamless pathway between Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
Hofstra University’s forensic science program allows students to apply science to both criminal investigations and legal proceedings. In addition to science fundamentals, undergraduates receive extensive law instruction enabling graduates to pursue careers including crime scene investigators, research scientists, criminologists, paralegals or attorneys.
Middle Tennessee State develops well-rounded forensic science graduates equipped for careers in law enforcement, private labs or public crime units. Students gain scientific expertise through courses in criminal justice, biology and chemistry combined with 500 hours of crime scene investigation training.
Hands-on learners thrive in LIU‘s forensic science program which mandates 500+ hours of internships and field training. Undergraduates directly apply concepts from genetics, molecular biology, criminalistics and other courses within New York-area crime labs and medical examiners’ offices.
Temple University‘s Master of Science in Forensic Chemistry delivers advanced scientific training while honing legal comprehension and communication abilities. In addition to coursework, graduate students undertake professional projects and faculty-guided research assisted by Temple’s Center for Forensic Medicine and Science.
Arizona State University offers an interdisciplinary Professional Science Master’s program covering topics from DNA analysis to ethics and criminal law. The flexible curriculum combines scientific grounding with professional development like resume writing and interview tactics. Students also complete internships and applied research projects.
At Michigan State, undergraduates can complete an American Academy of Forensic Science accredited forensic science program focused on chemistry and instrumental analysis. Students undertake advanced coursework and faculty-mentored research while pursuing funded internships and conference presentation opportunities.
Columbia College empowers undergraduates to attain marketable skills in both criminal justice administration and forensic science applications like DNA testing and fingerprint analysis. Students take an interdisciplinary mix of criminology, sociology, psychology and pre-law courses to prepare for diverse career trajectories.
Montclair State’s BA in Justice Studies provides well-rounded knowledge spanning theories of criminal justice, crime analysis and practical forensic techniques. Students specialize in areas ranging from cybercrime to counterterrorism while taking research methods and public administration courses.
Pitt Bradford‘s undergraduate forensic science program thoroughly covers both lab science and criminal justice topics. Students undertake coursework, lab training and a 600-hour crime scene practicum to gain hands-on forensic analysis experience with evidence including drugs, DNA and fingerprints.
Ohio State offers an exemplary forensic biology program combining a biology major, forensic science minor and abundant anthropology fieldwork. Undergraduates develop expertise in areas like anatomy, human osteology, and decompositional studies while training at OSU’s renowned anthropological research facilities.
The NYU School of Medicine and NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner jointly offer two intensive one-year programs focused on autopsy-based forensic medicine. Students undertake coursework and morgue rotations while shadowing court testimonies, police briefings and criminology conferences across New York City.
The University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science is one of the nation’s preeminent forensic science schools offering Bachelor’s to PhD degrees. Undergraduates learn from faculty with elite FBI, UN and other government backgrounds while accessing state-of-the-art crime labs and technology.
Digging Deeper into Forensic Science Programs
With so many excellent forensic college options across the country, prospective students can feel overwhelmed identifying the best matches for their interests and goals. Beyond reviewing standard rankings, consider digging deeper using these selection criteria:
- Accreditation – Verify program accreditation by FEPAC or other reputable agencies
- Specializations – Match subfield offerings to your desired career direction
- Curriculum – Evaluate course topics, faculty expertise, program flexibility
- Facilities − Assess the technology level and accessibility of labs, research centers etc.
- Location − Weigh the ecosystem around each campus for internships, networking
- Cost – Compare total tuition fees and financial aid availability
- Career Support – Research alumni job placement rates and employment statistics
- Application Requirements – Review competitiveness data and prerequisites needed
Forensic science continues advancing at an astonishing rate with constant technological innovations. Mobile device forensics, biometrics analysis, digital image enhancement and other leading-edge techniques now play instrumental roles in modern crime fighting.
Forward-looking students will prioritize flexible, interdisciplinary college programs that integrate breakthrough forensic developments with core scientific and investigative skills to unlock an array of intriguing career options.
As artificial intelligence, sophisticated sensors, faster DNA sequencing, and expanded computing power improves evidentiary insights and accuracy, forensic science positions will remain in high demand nationwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 17% industry job growth through 2026.
Whether your ultimate dream is appearing on the witness stand, unlocking clues in particles of trace evidence or developing the latest forensic breakthrough technology in a research lab, one of these outstanding colleges will launch you towards meaningful impact.
Good luck identifying your top forensic science program matches!
