List of Bachelors in Forensic Science Programs – Campus & Online

Forensic science is a multifaceted field with a plethora of career opportunities. Unlike the jack-of-all-trades characters commonly portrayed on television, forensic scientists in real life are a master of one. As a forensic scientist you can collect evidence at crime scenes, analyze the chemical, biological, or physical characteristics in a laboratory, and provide expert testimonials of your findings in a courtroom.

The field of forensics you choose to study can determine how often you’re “in the field,” what type of evidence you process, and how often you’re asked to appear in court, if at all. A BS in Forensic Science degree program is designed to provide fundamental knowledge of forensics as a whole, while developing specific practical skills in areas like chemistry, biology, anthropology, or crime scene investigations.

Where Can I Earn My Bachelors in Forensic Science Degree?

While you’re listening to the podcast, check out our list of schools with forensic science programs in the US. For each school, we provide a few highlights, including program offerings, course breakdown, and accreditation.

Click on the links below to jump to a specific state’s programs. You can also skip ahead to our Quick Facts about a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, or information about degree types and accreditation.

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Colorado Technical University Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	Colorado Technical University offers a BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Science. This program is designed to introduce students to three components of the American Criminal Justice system – Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections – with a specific focus on the science of identifying, gathering, and analyzing evidence
Purdue University Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	At Purdue Global University, students can earn a BS in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation degree that is designed to prepare students for graduate study and entry-level positions in this field. Students can learn how to collect and analyze crime scene evidence, in addition to identifying the boundaries of a crime scene and determining items of evidentiary value.

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Arizona

Grand Canyon University Accredited by HLC

At Grand Canyon University, students can earn a BS in Forensic Science. This program combines theory and practical application, and covers a variety of subjects, such as chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, crime scene processing, organic chemistry, and pathophysiology.

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Colorado

Colorado Technical University Accredited by HLC	Colorado Technical University offers a BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Science. This program is designed to introduce students to three components of the American Criminal Justice system – Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections – with a specific focus on the science of identifying, gathering, and analyzing evidence
University of Northern Colorado Accredited by HLC	University of Northern Colorado offers a BS in Chemistry with a Forensic Science emphasis. This program is designed to prepare students to enter the field of forensic science by providing them with background courses in chemistry, physics, sociology and criminal justice along with laboratory experiences as research and an internship.

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Connecticut

University of New Haven Accredited by NEASC

The Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science at the University of New Haven offers a BS in Forensic Science. This program provides students with working crime-scene labs and high-tech visual displays, and serves as a go-to resource for law enforcement agencies around the globe.

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Florida

University of Central Florida Accredited by SACS

Through the Department of Chemistry at the University of Central Florida, students can earn a BS in Forensic Science. This program is designed to provide students with an educational background in the professional specialty of criminalistics.

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Georgia

Piedmont College Accredited by SACS	Piedmont College provides students an opportunity to earn a BS in Forensic Science. This program provides students with a strong background in the biological, physical, and social sciences as the foundation of forensic science, crime scene investigation, and evidence collection and preservation.
Savannah State University Accredited by SACS	The Savannah State University Forensic Science program offers to tracks for students to choose from: BS in Forensic Science (Biology Track) and BS Forensic Science (Chemistry Track). This program is designed to provide forensic science majors with a scientific understanding of the applications of forensic science to the judicial system.

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Hawaii

Chaminade University of Honolulu Accredited by WASC

The BS in Forensic Sciences at Chaminade University of Honolulu is designed to provide students with an understanding of the scientific method, legal system, and various forensic science disciplines. In this program, students can take classes like Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Anthropology, Courtroom Advocacy, Forensic Taphonomy, and Medicolegal Death Investigation.

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Idaho

University of Idaho Accredited by NWCCU

At the University of Idaho, students can earn a BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Forensics. Students can learn about how the properties of chemicals and other substances can interact with each other, the changes they undergo, and why those changes happen, and apply this knowledge to a forensic setting.

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Illinois

Illinois Institute of Technology Accredited by HLC	The Illinois Institute of Technology offers a BS in Forensic Chemistry. This program provides students with a strong background in both traditional chemistry areas and chemical, biochemical, and instrumental techniques for analysis, detection, and characterization of forensic and controlled substances.
Loyola University Chicago Accredited by HLC	Loyola University Chicago offers a BS in Forensic Science that provides students with a broad range of knowledge and skills in chemistry and biology and an understanding of the criminal justice system and rules of evidence. This program also combines coursework from anthropology, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, mathematics and physics.
Western Illinois University Accredited by HLC	Western Illinois University’s BS in Forensic Chemistry degree can prepare students for forensic science graduate study, or a career in a forensic laboratory setting. In this program, students can take classes like Pharmacology, Forensic Toxicology, Rational Drug Design, and Forensic Serology and DNA Analysis.

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Indiana

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Accredited by HLC	The BS in Forensic and Investigative Sciences degree program at IUPUI is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to solve scientific puzzles, testify in court, and collect crime scene evidence. Students must pick a concentration in Biology or Chemistry, and can take core courses like Forensic Microscopy, Professional Issues in Forensic Science, and Forensic Science and the Law.
Purdue University Accredited by HLC	At Purdue Global University, students can earn a BS in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation degree that is designed to prepare students for graduate study and entry-level positions in this field. Students can learn how to collect and analyze crime scene evidence, in addition to identifying the boundaries of a crime scene and determining items of evidentiary value.
Trine University Accredited by HLC	Trine University offers a BS degree in Forensic Science that prepares graduates for a variety of careers and graduate school. The curriculum is grounded in the sciences and prepares students for careers directly related to the analysis of trace evidence left at crime scenes.

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Kansas

Wichita State University Accredited by HLC

Wichita State University offers a BS in Forensic Sciences degree. This degree program is designed to prepare students for entry-level work in a forensic sciences laboratory that operates within the context of the criminal investigation and crime detection processes.

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Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University Accredited by SACS

At Eastern Kentucky University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree, and pursue a concentration in Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology. The Forensic Chemistry concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in public and private sector crime, and the Forensic Biology concentration is best suited for students interested in DNA and biology work.

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Louisiana

Southern University of New Orleans Accredited by SACS

Southern University at New Orleans offers a BS in Forensic Science. This degree requires the completion of 125 credit hours of core and forensic science coursework. The program provides students with the types of skills and information that are necessary for success in forensic science.

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Maine

Husson University Accredited by NEASC

Husson University offers a BS in Forensic Science that provides both a strong core of professional courses as well as a varied liberal arts background. The program prepares students for entry level forensic science positions within crime laboratories, police departments and medical related fields.

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Maryland

University of Baltimore Accredited by MSCHE

The University of Baltimore offers a BA in Forensic Studies, a program developed in partnership with the Baltimore Police Department. During this program, students choose one of two distinct concentrations of study: Forensic Science Concentration or Police Science Concentration.

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Massachusetts

Bay Path University Accredited by NEASC

The BS in Forensic Science degree program at Bay Path University focuses on mathematics, biology, and chemistry, and applying that knowledge to a variety of forensic science and related fields. In this program, students can take classes like Criminalistics Lab, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Anthropology Lab, American Legal System, and Genetics Lab.

Mount Ida College Accredited by NEASC

At Mount Ida College, students can earn a BS in Applied Forensic Science degree aims to give students hands-on experience in a laboratory setting, and with evidence handling, legal procedures, and crime scene analysis and reconstruction techniques. Coursework for this program includes classes like Genetics, Criminal Profiling Strategies, Applied Forensic Science Case Studies, and Investigative Methods and Procedures.

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Michigan

Ferris State University Accredited by HLC	Ferris State University offers a BS in Biology/Forensic Biology concentration is designed to prepare students for entry into the work force or admission into graduate programs. Courses include forensic biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics, forensic DNA analysis, statistics, calculus, and many more relevant to the field.
Madonna University Accredited by HLC	To fulfill FEPAC accreditation requirements, the Forensic Science program at Madonna University consists of a BS in Forensic Science with a minor in Chemistry. Students will receive hands-on experience in the forensic science disciplines, and can take classes like Toxicology, Population Genetics, Principles of Criminology, and Impression and Trace Evidence Analysis.

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Mississippi

University of Mississippi Accredited by SACS	The BS in Forensic Chemistry degree at the University of Mississippi aims to give students the skills to apply chemistry to the justice system through identification and quantification of evidence. This program consists of a minimum of 46-50 hours of chemistry courses like Environmental Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemical Concepts, and Chemical and Physical Methods of Forensic Chemistry.
University of Southern Mississippi Accredited by SACS	The University of Southern Mississippi’s BS in Forensics degree programs are designed to give students theoretical and hands-on experience in a laboratory, in the field, and with courtroom testimonials. Students must choose a concentration in Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, or Criminal Justice.

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Missouri

Maryville University Accredited by HLC	At Maryville University, students can pursue an undergraduate Forensic Science degree with a concentration in Biology or Chemistry. Each degree path consists of a minimum of 128 credit hours. Depending on the concentration chosen, students can take classes like Genetics, Murder to Trial, Forensic Investigations, and Instrumental Analysis.
Saint Louis University Accredited by HLC	The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Saint Louis University offers an undergraduate forensic science degree that focuses on science, mathematics, and medicine, and how they interact with the law. In this program, students can take classes like Molecular Biology, Pharmacology/Toxicology, and Experiments in Genetics.
University of Central Missouri Accredited by HLC	The BS in Forensic Chemistry degree at the University of Central Missouri is designed to prepare students for graduate study and career opportunities in the forensic science field like ballistics, toxicology, drug analysis, forensic psychology, homicide investigation, and medical examination. In this program, students can take classes like Genetics, Criminal Evidence, Forensic Science, and Molecular Biology.

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Montana

University of Providence Accredited by NWCCU

The undergraduate forensic science degree program at the University of Providence is designed to prepare students for graduate study or to pursue entry-level positions in a laboratory environment or as a crime scene investigator. Students in this program can take classes in areas like chemistry, biology, physics, geology, mathematics, criminalistics, and toxicology.

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Nebraska

University of Nebraska Lincoln Accredited by HLC

At the University of Nebraska Lincoln, students can earn a BS in Forensic Science and choose a concentration in Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, or Crime Scene Investigation. Core courses for these degree paths include Forensic Science Laboratory, Current Issues in Forensic Science, and Survey of Criminal Justice.

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New Hampshire

Saint Anselm College Accredited by NEASC

Saint Anselm College’s undergraduate forensic science degree program gives students the option to pursue a general forensic science degree, or specialize in Computer Forensics. Students in these programs can take classes in criminal justice, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, biology, physics, archaeology, psychology, and sociology.

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New Jersey

Centenary University Accredited by MSCHE

The BS in Forensic Science at Centenary University is designed to provide theoretical and practical knowledge of science and criminal investigations. The curriculum begins with a strong focus on liberal arts and natural sciences, and progresses to include courses in analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, and crime scene inspection.

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New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University Accredited by HLC

At Eastern New Mexico University, students can earn a BS in Forensic Science with a concentration in Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Biology, or Forensic Chemistry. Depending on the concentration chosen, students can take classes like Skeletal Analysis, Genetics, Instrumental Analysis, and/or Criminal Investigations.

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New York

Pace University Accredited by MSCHE	The BS in Forensic Science degree program at Pace University aims to prepare students for career opportunities in forensic laboratories, pharmaceuticals, or graduate study in the medical or dental field. Curriculum for this program includes courses in chemistry, biology, physics, criminalistics, and crime scene investigation.
Syracuse University Accredited by MSCHE	Syracuse University offers BA and BS in Forensic Science degrees that are designed to provide broad exposure to this field to prepare students for entry-level position or graduate study opportunities. In these programs, students can take classes in genetics, criminology, forensic toxicology, bioarchaeology, forensic chemical analysis, and firearms and impressions evidence.

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North Carolina

Western Carolina University Accredited by SACS

At Western Carolina University, students can earn a BS in Forensic Science degree with a concentration in Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry. This program is laboratory-based, and places a strong emphasis on science and mathematics. Students can also take classes in anthropology, applied criminology, physics, and psychology.

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North Dakota

University of North Dakota Accredited by HLC

The University of North Dakota’s baccalaureate degree in Forensic Science is designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in law enforcement and evidence analysis, or for graduate study in the forensic sciences. Students can choose to pursue the Evidence Analyst or the Evidence Technician track, and both tracks consists of a minimum of 125 credits.

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Ohio

Bowling Green State University Accredited by HLC

The BS in Forensic Science degree program at Bowling Green State University gives students the option to pursue a concentration in Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, or Forensic Examination. Core classes required for all forensic science degree paths include Criminal Justice Ethics, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Law, Evidence, and Procedures in Forensic Science.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Christian University Accredited by HLC	OC’s BS in Forensic Science degree program aims to provide students with a foundational knowledge of the biological and chemical sciences to prepare them for entry-level laboratory positions or graduate studies in the forensic sciences. In this program, students can take electives like Genetics, Psychology of Crime, Pathogenic Microbiology, and Drugs and Psychopharmacology.
University of Central Oklahoma Accredited by HLC	At the University of Central Oklahoma, students have the option to pursue a general BS in Forensic Science degree, or choose a concentration in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or Digital Forensics. Each degree path consists of a minimum of 124 credit hours, and students can take electives like Wildlife Forensics, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, and Forensic Arson Investigation.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State University Accredited by MSCHE

The BS in Forensic Science at Penn State University is designed to prepare students for careers as scientists in a forensic laboratory, or pursue graduate study in areas like psychology, pathology, entomology, toxicology, or law. Coursework for this program includes subjects like criminalistics, crime scene investigation, and forensic chemistry and biology.

Seton Hill University Accredited by MSCHE

At Seton Hill University, students can earn a BS in Forensic Science degree program that focuses on biology, chemistry, math, physics, and criminal justice, along with practical experience in the field and with crime scene analysis. Students in this program can take classes like Genetics Laboratory, Forensic Science in the Courtroom, Criminalistics Laboratory, and Law Enforcement in the Community.

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Rhode Island

Bryant University Accredited by NEASC

The BS in Forensic Science at Bryant University is designed to prepare students to pursue graduate study in areas like trauma assessment, forensic photography, ballistics, medical entomology, soil and chemical analysis, biochemistry, bioimaging, DNA analysis, pharmaceutical science, or medical studies. In this program, students have access to internship, special training, and certification opportunities.

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South Carolina

Southern Wesleyan University Accredited by SACS

Southern Wesleyan University’s BS in Forensic Science degree program strives to develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills in chemistry, biology, physiology, and human anatomy to prepare students for careers in criminalists, medical examination, toxicology, jurisprudence, and more. Students in this program will also have the opportunity to learn how to analyze items like hair, fiber, tissue, fluid, and glass.

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Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State University Accredited by SACS

The BS in Forensic Science degree program at Middle Tennessee State University consists of an interdisciplinary curriculum within the biology, chemistry, and criminal justice departments. In this program, students can take classes like Genetics Lab, Biotechnology, and Criminal Evidence and Procedures.

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Texas

Texas A&M University Accredited by SACS

At Texas A&M University, students can earn a BS in Forensic and Investigative Sciences degree with a concentration in Science or Pre-Law. Both degree paths consist of a minimum of 120 credit hours, with core courses in math, physics, chemistry, and biology.

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Utah

Weber State University Accredited by NWCCU

The Department of Criminal Justice at Weber State University offers a BS in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science concentration degree program that is designed to prepare students for a career in a full-service forensics laboratory. Students in this program will take classes in chemistry, biology, physics, and math.

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Virginia

Virginia Commonwealth University Accredited by SACS

Virginia Commonwealth University’s BS in Forensic Science degree focuses on providing a science background with hands-on experience to prepare students for a career in forensic science. In this program, students can pursue a concentration in Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Physical Evidence.

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Washington

Seattle University Accredited by NWCCU

The BA in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science specialization degree program at Seattle University is best suited for students who wish to earn a criminal justice degree with a physical science foundation. Students who wish to earn this degree and also pursue a career as a forensic scientist are strongly encouraged to double major in chemistry, biology, or physics.

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West Virginia

West Virginia University Accredited by HLC

At West Virginia University, students can pursue a BS in Forensic and Investigative Science degree program with a concentration in Forensic Biology, Forensic Examiner, or Forensic Chemistry. Each of the degree paths are designed to prepare students for graduate studies in that specific field.

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Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin Platteville Accredited by HLC

The BS in Forensic Investigation degree program at the University of WIsconsin Platteville is designed to provide students with a comprehensive liberal arts background, while developing the critical thinking, practical, and theoretical skills needed for a career in this field. Students in this program can pursue a Crime Scene or Laboratory degree concentration.

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Bachelors in Forensic Science Quick Facts

Here is a brief snapshot of what to expect and look forward to with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science.

Quick Facts
Common Pre-Enrollment Requirements:	High School Diploma or GED (associate’s degree is optional)
Common Core Subjects Covered:	Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Criminal Investigation, Legal System, Evidence Collection and Analysis
Non-Classwork Required:	None (internship is strongly recommended)
Expected Time to Complete Bachelor’s Degree:	4 years
Common Next Steps:	Entry-Level Position, Master’s Degree
Most Common Career Fields:	Criminal Investigations, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Computer Examination/Digital Forensics, Ballistics

Exploring Degree Types and Accreditation

While a BS in Forensic Science degree is the most common undergraduate forensics degree, there are other types of programs available too:

• BS in Forensic and Investigative Sciences – a four-year degree program that covers the basics of forensics, and will often require students to pick a concentration in areas like chemistry, biology, examiner, or pre-law
• BS in Forensic Biology – a four-year degree that focuses on theoretical and practical skills needed for forensic biology, covering areas like genetics, anatomy, and DNA analysis
• BS in Forensic Chemistry – a four-year degree that focuses on theoretical and practical skills needed for forensic chemistry, covering areas like the detection, analysis, and characterization of substances
• BS in Chemistry, Forensic Science – a four-year degree that is designed to provide students with a foundation in chemistry with a few classes that teach students how to apply it to a forensic setting
• BS in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science – a four-year degree that is designed to provide students with a foundation in the criminal justice system with a few forensic classes, usually related to crime scene investigation field work

Accreditation is important for all degrees, ensuring you receive a qualified education. The accrediting bodies featured in our list are:

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