Most Affordable Bachelor’s Programs in Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Science for 2025

University of North Alabama
Department of Politics, Justice, Law, & Philosophy
Florence, Alabama
Website

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Minor in Crime Scene Investigation

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $38,400
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in Alabama

Accredited by SACSCOC

• All courses are available online as well as in traditional or hybrid formats
• Some evening and weekend courses are available
• In-the-field practicum exercises and internship placements allow you to get real-world experience with partner programs

UNA delivers a broadly interdisciplinary education in criminal justice, shaping graduates for roles in both public law enforcement posts and private sector security and investigations. The Criminal Justice bachelor’s program sharpens your critical thinking skills and combines them with writing, research, and practical learning experience to prepare you for either employment or to move on to an advanced degree. The CSI minor adds experience in criminal evidence assessment and collection, including forensic lab experience, crime scene reconstruction, and bloodstain pattern analysis for a solid overview of CSI practices today.

Miami Dade College
School of Justice
Miami, Florida
Website

Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Management – Crime Scene Investigation Track

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $15,587
In-state tuition $4,784 LESS than the state average for CSI programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Courses are available fully online or in a mixed hybrid format, offering great flexibility with superlative education
• Nationally recognized for academic excellence and exceptional training opportunities
• Program is open to all students, but focused particularly on holders of AA, AS, or AAS degrees looking to extend their CSI education and skills training

This one-of-a-kind degree combines rigorous classroom study with practical hands-on experience. By pursuing the CSI track, you’ll receive an in-depth education in criminal investigations, including crime scene safety, modern fingerprinting technology, and evidence-gathering. As an applied degree, the subjects you learn will prepare you for immediate employment as a CSI technician after graduation, opening up opportunities with agencies like the FBI, DEA, ICE, the U.S. Marshals Service, and others.

Purdue Global (public)
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Indianapolis, Indiana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation Concentration

Semester Credits: 180
Estimated Program Cost: $39,600
The only public bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in Indiana

Accredited by HLC

• 100 percent online program allows attendance from anywhere, fitting into your own schedule and personal life
• 97 percent of faculty members hold advanced degrees and have demonstrated a commitment to continual improvement by logging more than 50,000 professional development hours in the past year
• Current law enforcement officers may receive credits on the basis of POST certification
• An accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s option can put you on a fast path to earning your master’s degree in less time than if pursued separately
• In addition to selecting this concentration, the university’s unique ExcelTrack personalized learning experience allows you to customize your course plan

As a comprehensive criminal justice program, the Purdue Global BSCJ delivers a broad liberal arts education with an interdisciplinary skillset in current criminal justice practices. You’ll find yourself graduating with advanced skills in criminological theory, law, research methods, leadership, operations, and technology. The CSI track builds on that basic, solid foundation to teach you how to locate, collect, and analyze physical evidence at crime scenes. Forensic psychology and criminology coursework round out the training, giving you a head start on modern challenges in forensic investigation.

Washburn University
College of Arts & Sciences
Topeka, Kansas
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Emphasis in Forensic Investigation

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,000
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in Kansas

Accredited by HLC

• Real-world training takes place in the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory, located right on-campus
• Lab facilities constructed in 2015 are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology
• Internship opportunities are available with KBI, the Kansas Highway Patrol, BATF, FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service, among other major investigative agencies

An active and in-depth partnership with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation makes this affordable program one that also offers some of the most realistic training environments and real-world exposure in the country. With the state crime lab located on campus, you’ll have significant exposure not only to real-world cases and the latest technology, but you’ll also be learning from professionals who are actively working in the field, ensuring that your lessons reflect actual trends in crime scene investigations. Simulated scenes are constructed to accurately reflect some of those actual cases, and you’ll be studying in a brand-new facility with luxuries like a crime scene reconstruction room and dedicated vehicle bay for learning the ins and outs of processing vehicles used in crimes.

Missouri Southern State University
School of Arts & Sciences
Joplin, Missouri
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration – Crime Scene Investigation Minor

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $29,160
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in Missouri

Accredited by HLC

• Learn procedures and skills for photographing, diagramming, and collecting physical evidence
• Program teaches the practical aspects of both writing CSI reports and presenting evidence in court

Building on top of an already impressive course of instruction in criminal justice administration, you can specialize in crime scene investigation at MSSU with this inexpensive minor in CSI. The minor adds courses in photography, crime analysis, and homicide investigation, together with electives available in criminal law and criminal procedure. You’ll learn how to apply constitutional and criminal law to real world issues and problems and how to document and present your findings.

University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Lincoln, Nebraska
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – Crime Scene Investigation Option

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,240
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in Nebraska

Accredited by HLC

• Unique courses in highly specialized areas like taphonomy and insect-based remains analysis make this bachelor-level degree feel like an advanced program in forensic science
• Current faculty maintain close ties to law enforcement and investigative agencies, exposing you to the most current techniques and thinking in the field
• Small class sizes offer the opportunity to develop close relationships with both instructors and fellow students

The CSI option of the highly-respected and affordably-priced Forensic Science program at UNL emphasizes the applications of scientific principles to the acquisition, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of evidence. If that seems like a tall order to fill for a bachelor’s program, get ready to be amazed… with course requirements ranging from insect biology/identification to organic chemistry to human remains, you’ll get all the scientific education you need and more. Special electives go even further, bringing in esoteric analytical methods like pollen analysis and forensic taphonomy to expand your skills. On top of that, courses in crime scene management, forensic photography, and comparative analysis techniques teach you how to document and present your findings in reports and in court.

State University of New York – Canton (public)
School of Science, Health, & Criminal Justice
Canton, New York
Website

Bachelor of Technology in Criminal Investigation

Semester Credits: 121
Estimated Program Cost: $28,280
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited public school in New York

Accredited by MSCHE

• Hybrid program offers many courses in an online format
• Unique Bachelor of Technology degree focuses in on the latest developments in field detection and collection instrumentation
• Upper-level core courses are offered exclusively in a face-to-face, total-immersion style that maximizes your instructor contact
• An optional 600-hour internship is available to hone your investigative skills with real-world agencies, including BATF or the RCMP
• Faculty have tremendous experience and maintain active roles in organizations such as the IAI, IACP, INEOA, and American Criminal Justice Association

A unique degree at a low cost, the BTCI from SUNY Canton offers advanced training in criminal investigations. The program places a strong focus on hands-on, technology-based techniques for detecting forensic evidence, preserving and analyzing crime scenes, and collecting and processing evidence for further investigation and presentation. With a series of upper-level courses that are conducted entirely face-to-face and hands-on, you get the most important parts of your education with the undivided attention of highly experienced instructors, many of whom continue to work in consulting roles with local, regional, and national law enforcement agencies.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice
Greensboro, North Carolina
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Certificate in Forensic Science – Crime Scene Investigation

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $26,627
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in North Carolina

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Program adheres to the directives and recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences and National Institute of Justice for crime scene investigation education
• Student-organized groups such as the Judge E.A. Ralston Criminal Justice Society and the Mock Trial Team offer outside-the-classroom learning and networking experiences

This certificate program is squarely focused on preparing you for in-the-field crime scene examination and processing. Understanding the professional ethics, safety protocols, and evidence collection and preservation protocols is the focus, with a strong component in effective written and verbal communication skills to help you document and describe your findings. Courses in abnormal psychology and juvenile delinquency help you understand the mindset of perpetrators, while technical classes in investigative photography and statistical methods boost your trace evidence identification and documentation skills.

University of North Dakota
College of Arts & Sciences
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – Evidence Technician Track

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $32,847
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited school in North Dakota

Accredited by HLC

• The Summer Field School allows students to practice hands-on forensic anthropology studies in the field
• Active campus groups, including the Forensic Science Club, allow additional learning and networking opportunities
• Attend annual meetings of the industry group American Academy of Forensic Sciences
• Graduates have gone on to jobs with law enforcement nationwide

The natural and physical sciences that underly forensic examination are emphasized in this affordable program. It’s the only forensic science bachelor degree available in North Dakota, but it’s a stellar example of excellence in CSI training when compared to any other program in the country. The underpinnings of the field are layered with all the special considerations for the legal use of evidence, taught in a dedicated forensic laboratory setting where you will learn about security, chain of custody, and forensic report writing. The lab work is backed up by field experience, exploring aspects of human osteology and anthropology in simulated scenes that expose you to the same challenges you will find as a real-world evidence technician.

Miami University
Department of Justice and Community Studies
Miami, Ohio
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $22,674
In-state tuition $11,888 LESS than the state average for CSI programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Strong scientific core courses in organic and molecular chemistry, microbiology, and physics prepare you with a strong understanding of the analytical process for physical evidence
• Required courses in GIS, IT assurance and security, and personal computers gives you a strong preparation for digital forensics work
• Degree can be completed at regional university locations in addition to the main campus

The Miami U BSFI goes beyond the crime scene and into the courtroom with courses in criminal defense and adjudication and evidence law and expert testimony, preparing you to assess and collect evidence with a view toward making it stick in court. The strong scientific basis for that analysis includes courses in forensic chemistry, archeological theories and methods, GIS, and aerial photographic analysis… advanced applications that most programs don’t offer.

California University of Pennsylvania (public)
Department of Criminal Justice
California, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Investigation Concentration

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Cyber Forensics Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited public school in Pennsylvania

Accredited by MSCHE

• Instructors have illustrious backgrounds in both law enforcement and academia, including the architect of the first professional Doctor of Criminal Justice Degree in the U.S.
• Hybrid program involves both on-site courses, for hands-on, realistic training, and flexible online offerings to allow you to adjust your schedule to fit your life
• Cyber Forensics concentration partners with CompTIA to allow you to earn security credentials before you graduate

When your instructors have been formally recognized by the Virginia state Senate, received the United Nations Medal, or have been called in as consultants in high-profile investigations like the Smiley Face Killer case, you can be sure you’re getting high caliber instruction in forensic investigations. That’s exactly what you can expect at California University, where dual bachelor’s concentrations give equal coverage to both the eternal challenges of physical crime scene investigation and the new world of cyber forensics. With a solid grounding in a nationally-respected core criminal justice curriculum that gives you a complete perspective on the criminal detection, investigation, and prosecutorial processes, you’ll be well-equipped to find, analyze, and present supporting evidence to close any kind of case.

Weber State University
Department of Criminal Justice
Ogden, Utah
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $19,960
In-state tuition $364 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by NWCCU

• Weber State faculty are highly respected, regularly publish books and research in the field, and serve in consulting roles in active investigations
• Some courses may be available at remote campuses in Davis and Salt Lake City for greater flexibility
• A number of recommended minors are available in subjects like computer science, art, anthropology, and photography to strengthen your skills as a forensic investigator

With the Weber BS in Criminal Justice – CSI concentration, criminal justice theory and the ethical and legal aspects of investigations and prosecutions will all come into focus as you study the science, methods and protocols behind crime scene investigations. Photographic theory and methods, the laws of evidence, friction ridge analysis, and courses in human anatomy and physiology take you deep into the theoretical aspects of forensic investigation, while a professional practice course shows you how to put that theory to good use.

West Virginia University (public)
Department of Forensic and Investigative Science
Morgantown, West Virginia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Investigative Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $39,264
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited public school in West Virginia

Accredited by HLC

• Head start progression available through High School ACCESS program that allows high school students to take online, on-campus, or dual credit courses in forensic studies for college credit
• Hybrid program, with some courses available online for maximum flexibility in attendance
• The WVU Forensic and Investigative Science Club opens up networking and extended learning opportunities to students, while focused residence hall communities keep you in contact with fellow forensics students
• School boasts the largest forensic science and crime scene training complex in the U.S., including four separate mock crime scene houses and a vehicle processing garage
• Students have full access to ForensicsNETBase, providing the latest research in the field

It’s hard to know where to start talking about the superlative WVU forensic examiner program; the rigorous junior year internship that places students anywhere from the Texas DPS to the FBI? The available two-year J. Edgar Hoover Foundation scholarships? Extensive fingerprint and trace evidence investigative labs? The included AFIS terminals and the more than 20 compound and stereomicroscopes? Access to professional-grade blood stain pattern analysis software from Hemospat? Wherever you look, WVU has best-in-class facilities, instructors, and curriculum, with extensive partnerships in the law enforcement community. Add in some of the lowest tuition costs in the nation, and you can’t go wrong with this superlative CSI degree.

Salem University (private)
Department of Criminal Justice
Salem, West Virginia
Website

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $64,600
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited private school in West Virginia

Accredited by HLC

• Courses available both on-campus and online or in a hybrid approach that mixes both
• Unique monthly course format offers focused presentation of material that ensures you absorb and retain the lessons

With the Salem University BS in Criminal Justice – CSI concentration, you’ll find a comprehensive program in criminal justice, with strong courses in criminal evidence and the constitutional aspects of conducting searches, along with constitutional law, and criminal justice research. You’ll build on those core CJ courses with additional instruction in crime scene photography, latent fingerprint lifts and analysis, blood pattern analysis, ballistics and firearms identification, and general crime scene processing and documentation instruction. A dedicated course in digital evidence also builds your skills with respect to the newest frontier in crime, sure to be in great demand among law enforcement and private employers alike.

University of Wisconsin – Platteville (public)
Department of Criminal Justice
Platteville, Wisconsin
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation – Crime Scene Area of Emphasis

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $31,688
The only bachelor-level CSI program offered at an accredited public school in Wisconsin

Accredited by HLC

• The first school in Wisconsin to offer a baccalaureate in criminal justice, demonstrating a commitment to leadership in the field
• Learn your skills both in the classroom and in simulated crime scenes constructed by expert faculty members to reflect real-world conditions
• Criminal Justice Association offers speakers, field trips, and social events throughout the year for networking and additional learning opportunities
• Learning environment includes a new Forensic Investigation Laboratory with AFIS terminals and down flow workstations, along with other high-tech evidence-handling equipment
• The Forensic Investigation Research Facility offers outdoor CSI training on mock crime scenes, the first of its kind in the Northern U.S.

Get ready to get your hands dirty in the UW-Platteville Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House, where instructors concoct simulated crime scenes in a space that can mimic the look and feel of either a home or a commercial structure. Equipped with advanced closed circuit digital video, your every move through the scene can be monitored and dissected to help improve your processing and analytical techniques. But it’s not just interior scenes that get the hands-on treatment here; the 1.5 acre Forensic Investigation Research Facility provides a space for training in search methods, clandestine gravesite detection and investigation, and multiple-scene training that blows away the facilities that most schools can offer. Backed by significant theoretical training in pattern analysis, photography, and cybercrime investigation, you will be better prepared for any CSI scenario after earning your bachelor’s here.

Athens State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Athens, Alabama
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Minor in Forensics and Investigation

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $25,544
In-state tuition $13,245 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Chapter of the Criminal Justice Students Association offers networking and learning opportunities outside the classroom
• Courses in government, ethics, and public administration broaden your perspective on forensics

The Athens State BS in Criminal Justice lets you add a minor in forensic investigations, building upon a solid, well-established bachelor’s program with lab skills focused on deriving useful information from evidence collected at crime scenes. Courses in crime scene management, criminalistics lab skills, and cyber-crime round out the program. Mock court events help hone your testimonial skills so you can present your findings with devastating effect when it matters most.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Department of Physics, Chemistry, & Mathematics
Huntsville, Alabama
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Minor in Forensic Chemistry

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $34,440
In-state tuition $4,349 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Degree offered by a diverse department with strong academic programs
• Learn in state-of-the-art laboratories and computational facilities for access to the latest instrumentation

Add the forensic chemistry minor to your BS in Chemistry at Alabama A&M and you’ll be learning how to develop admissible evidence in a department that has acquired the most advanced lab equipment through major grants from the NSA, DoD, DEA, and National Science Foundation. As a bachelor’s student here you’ll receive an education with heavy exposure to innovative research that prepares you to work in crime labs, serving local or federal law enforcement agencies.

University of West Alabama
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Livingston, Alabama
Website

Bachelor of Chemistry – Forensic Track

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,400
In-state tuition $2,389 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Extracurricular opportunities available through the campus student affiliates of the American Chemical Society and an Undergraduate Research Symposium

With an introduction to criminology and extensive training in genetics, cellular biology, instrumental analysis, and forensic chemistry, with the University of West Alabama Bachelor of Chemistry – Forensic Track you’ll get the kind of education and practical laboratory training you need to succeed in any criminal forensics laboratory. Additional courses in anatomy and physiology give you expertise outside the narrow focus of chemistry to provide a footing in other important topics relevant to conducting effective forensic investigations.

University of Alaska – Fairbanks
Department of Chemistry and Biology
Fairbanks, Alaska
Website

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $37,032
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in Alaska

Accredited by NWCCU

• American Chemistry Society-approved curriculum shows how serious this program is about general chemistry knowledge
• Learn problem-solving, laboratory, and safety skills through hands-on experience with modern chemical instrumentation
• Emphasis on communication and presentation skills develop your report-writing and courtroom testimonial abilities

A solid, well-respected, ACS-approved bachelor of chemistry from the University of Alaska gets turned into a comprehensive, lab-intensive education in forensics with the addition of courses in criminology, ethics and justice, and procedural law. An additional course in research methods where you’ll work under the guidance of award-winning faculty members with extensive publication history gives you even more analytical skills in the area of forensic investigations.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Department of Biology and Chemistry
Prescott, Arizona
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology

Semester Credits: 123
Estimated Program Cost: $52,767
$6,322 LESS than the state average for forensic programs available at accredited private schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Students are encouraged to travel to the annual AAFS conference with faculty for networking and learning opportunities on the national stage
• Four brand new laboratories are stocked with professional equipment and instructors who are experts in their fields
• Undergraduate research is encouraged in specialized subject areas
• Study abroad options include visits to internationally recognized crime labs and scenes of famous crimes
• Close connections with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office leads to fieldwork opportunities in their lab and internship options with the VIP program working on actual local criminal cases

Embry-Riddle is careful to recruit faculty from science, law enforcement, and judicial backgrounds to ensure that undergraduates in the BS in Forensic Biology program get the benefit of both their professional experience and a broad perspective on forensic applications. State-of-the-art laboratory facilities include the Forensic Biology Lab and the Forensic Crime Science Investigation Lab, which are stocked with the right equipment to analyze any sort of evidence, from fingerprints to DNA. Tissue sample and biological specimen analysis help you hone your trace evidence examination and identification skills. Graduates have taken those skills and gone on to employment with the FBI, Armed Forces DNA Identification Lab, and local and state crime labs among other prestigious employers.

American InterContinental University
School of Criminal Justice
Chandler, Arizona
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science Specialization

Quarter Credits: 180
Estimated Program Cost: $58,500
$589 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by ACCJC

• Program is offered entirely online for maximum flexibility in your scheduling and study options
• Mobile-friendly courses further expand your ability to consume course content while on the go
• A senior capstone project helps tie together all the threads of knowledge the program offers, ensuring you graduate with a complete understanding of forensic science work

A well-rounded program with a significant general education component ensures that you have all bases covered regardless of what specialization or career goals you come to AIU with. Their highly-flexible online program will take you through criminal theory, the U.S. legal system, victim studies, and constitutional procedure. You’ll be learning from experienced industry professionals who are tied in with a high-tech learning management system that gives you 24/7 access to e-mail and message boards for direct answers to your important questions. Everything from cybercrime to medicolegal death investigation is covered and then tied together with a senior capstone project, ensuring you have a strong command of every element of forensic science by the time you graduate.

Southern Arkansas University
Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry
Magnolia, Arkansas
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science Option

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $25,680
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in Arkansas

Accredited by HLC

• Dedicated faculty have received numerous awards for teaching, research, and service, and go the extra mile with additional review sessions and individualized attention
• Affiliation with the SAU Natural Resource Research Center provides additional opportunities for investigation in water and soil chemical analysis

As a student of the SAU BS in Chemistry – Forensic Science Option, your stellar preparation in forensic science starts on day one. You’ll start working with specialized lab equipment early as you begin to explore courses in physical chemistry, thermodynamics, and genetics to develop your knowledge. This lays the foundation for learning all the practical aspects of the field in courses in forensic chemistry and criminal evidence and procedure.

Sacramento State University (public)
College of Health and Human Services
Sacramento, California
Website

Bachelor of Science/Arts in Chemistry/Biological Science with Minor in Forensic Investigations

Bachelor of Science in Biological Science – Forensic Biology Concentration

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,968
In-state tuition $3,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by WSCUC

• Students have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and unique facilities for both coursework and independent research projects
• Strong academic programs emphasize hands-on experience and direct interaction with highly experienced professors
• Department of Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society; students in a Chemistry major with graduate with a certificate from ACS

With the flexibility of adopting either a core education in chemistry or in biological sciences, a forensic science education at Sacramento State sets you up for specialization in both of the major roles in forensic investigation. On either path, you can expect to be involved in basic or applied research under the watchful eyes of experienced professors, honing your lab skills in toxicology, pharmaceuticals, molecular biology, and more. Offering dedicated concentrations in forensic biology/chemistry, the minor in forensic investigations is available to students on either degree plan, and offers a more broadly structured approach to forensic science that prepares you for generalist roles in any crime lab.

California State University – Long Beach (public)
School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, & Emergency Management
Long Beach, California
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Minor in Forensic Studies

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,968
In-state tuition $3,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by WSCUC

• First-rate faculty is built of teacher-scholars with national reputations in their areas of expertise
• A comprehensive internship program allows students to integrate classroom knowledge with in-the-field experiential learning
• The Criminal Justice Student Association offers memberships to students interested in further learning and networking opportunities outside the classroom

Interdisciplinary studies are a watchword at CSU Long Beach, so you can expect a strong program in criminology that draws on the latest research in the fields of psychology, political science, philosophy, and public health as well as criminology and criminal justice. Life-long learning is stressed for every student, and the bachelor’s program here not only offers direct knowledge in forensic science, but also trains you in the tools and techniques to continue to stay on top of the field for the rest of your career. That includes learning in forensic psychology, forensic pathology, and digital crimes, offering you avenues to advance in almost any aspect of forensic science available today.

San Jose State University (public)
Department of Justice Studies
San Jose, California
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

• Biology Concentration
• Chemistry Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,968
In-state tuition $3,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by WSCUC

• Interdisciplinary research funded by agencies such as the Keck Foundation, NSF, and the California Association of Criminalists
• An active Forensic Science Student group runs a seminar series and volunteers at local events and conferences for extra networking and study options
• Curriculum meets the AAFS Forensic Education Program Accreditation standards
• Students have the opportunity to present at local, regional, national, and international science meetings and conferences as well as publishing in major journals

A focused course of study with an AAFS approved curriculum and active, involved faculty and fellow students is always a winner in forensic science degree programs, and finding one at an affordable price like this BS at SJSU makes it a no-brainer regardless of what aspect of the field you hope to enter. With concentrations in biology or chemistry, you can tailor your coursework to the type of sciences that will be most effective in your career path, while receiving a grounded education in ethical applications, communications, and general criminal theory to improve your professional effectiveness.

California State University – East Bay (public)
College of Science
Hayward, California
Website

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Forensic Science Option

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Bioanalytical and Forensics Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,968
In-state tuition $3,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by WSCUC

• Development of a new Applied Sciences Center is underway, offering two floors and 20,000 square feet of brand new classroom and laboratory space on campus
• High-tech laboratory equipment such as NMR spectrometers, capillary gas chromatographs, and fast protein liquid chromatographs ensure you gain experience on the latest lab technology available
• ACS-affiliated Alchemist Club is available to students majoring in Chemistry for networking and learning opportunities outside the classroom

The CSU-East Bay College of Science fosters an environment where students, faculty, and staff all work collaboratively to expand knowledge in their respective disciplines. Whether you pick the biological sciences or chemistry undergraduate degrees with their respective forensics concentrations, you benefit from that environment as well as the diverse, well-equipped laboratory spaces that abound on the university campus and further afield. While the BS in Biological Sciences forensics option adds criminal investigation and forensic research options, the Chemistry bioanalytical and forensics concentration is unique in diving heavily into genetic analysis and organismal biology, offering a strong crossover point between biological and chemical forensic sciences.

California State University – Fresno (public)
Department of Criminology
Fresno, California
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Behavioral Sciences

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,968
In-state tuition $3,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by WSCUC

• An elective directed policing internship offers direct field experience with a sponsoring agency for up to 480 hours of on-the-ground work
• Annual Criminology Career Day puts you in direct contact with potential employers and offers networking opportunities
• A Mock Trail program offers not only the opportunity to practice your prosecutorial or testimonial skills, but also results in course credits

The BS in Forensic Behavioral Sciences at CSU Fresno offers a unique approach to forensics education that brings topics in the behavioral sciences (psychology, anthropology, and linguistics) to bear on criminal investigations. The affordable CSU Fresno bachelor’s prepares students for both traditional criminal justice careers and forensic science roles. Your skills in the psychological analysis of crimes and crime scenes will help put you in a rare category of forensic scientist who can look beyond the purely physical evidence to help solve crimes through profiling criminal behaviors.

Fort Lewis College (public)
School of Arts & Sciences
Durango, Colorado
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minor in Forensic Studies

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $28,224
In-state tuition $13,565 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Campus chapters of the American Chemical Society and the Biochemical Society open up extracurricular networking and learning opportunities
• The Colorado Commission on Higher Education named the Chemistry Department a Program of Excellence, and the department ranks in the top 20 percent of schools whose graduates go on to the PhD level according to the NSF
• Chemistry degree is ACS-certified
• Small class sizes allow a high degree of professor/student interaction and individualized instruction
• Participate in a mock trial in class to prepare for a career presenting evidence effectively in courtrooms

A small school with a big forensic studies minor, Fort Lewis offers you the complete range of skills you’ll need to succeed in a forensic laboratory, medical examiner’s office, or even as an independent consultant. Small class sizes mean more in-depth studies under the careful supervision of experienced instructors. Hands-on case studies in forensic anthropology and molecular biology extend your training far beyond the solid base of chemistry you receive in the main degree track, while instruction in courtroom testimony and legal procedure and effective evidence-handling and documentation prepare you for the realities of work as a forensic scientist.

Colorado Technical University (private)
Security Studies
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Investigation Concentration

Quarter Credits: 182
Estimated Program Cost: $55,510
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited private school in Colorado

Accredited by HLC

• Many courses available online for a hybrid degree program that maximizes your flexibility; choice of Colorado Springs or Aurora campuses for on campus courses offers further attendance options
• Trademarked CTU Fast Track exams allow you to test out of courses where you already have command of subject matter, giving you credit for past experience

With a solid theoretical foundation in law enforcement and court systems under your belt, the forensic investigation concentration delivers additional training in aspects of criminalistics and evidence analysis such as medicolegal death investigations and criminal profiling that go above and beyond the training most forensic scientists receive. Advanced courses in ridgeology hone your fingerprint identification techniques, while the gritty details you’ll pick up in the Bones, Bugs, & Teeth course will give you invaluable training in the recovery and identification of human remains.

Southern Connecticut State University
Department of Anthropology
New Haven, Connecticut
Website

Bachelor of Science in Anthropology with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $41,112
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in Connecticut

Accredited by NECHE

• A 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio offers tremendous opportunity for individualized instruction from experienced professors
• University commitment to a mission of social justice offers a unique learning environment for forensic science professionals committed to ethics and justice
• An active Office of Career and Professional Development can help you land the job you are dreaming of after graduation
• Anthropology Department field experiences courses offer either U.S. or international options for on-the-ground study

An interdisciplinary minor backed by the biology, chemistry, psychology, and sociology departments in conjunction with the Department of Anthropology gives this degree plan a broad basis in all of the components of forensic science that you will draw upon in the lab after graduates. Crime scene documentation and reconstruction, DNA analysis, criminalistics, and other general skills courses complement the advanced study in forensic anthropology and biology that you receive as part of your major.

Delaware State University (public)
Department of Biological Sciences
Dover, Delaware
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology

Semester Credits: 123
Estimated Program Cost: $33,032
In-state tuition $9,792 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Cross-campus partnerships bring in courses in criminal justice, chemistry, mathematics, and psychology to offer a broad perspective on forensic investigations
• Faculty members are accessible, offering individual attention to each student in the program
• Outside forensic experts are brought in for special courses that reflect both basic science and the latest analysis techniques being used in the field
• Partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, Dover Air Force Base, and other organizations allow first-hand experience and interaction with professionals in the field

DSU goes the extra mile to ensure that students here are exposed to conditions they will face in actual crime labs by bringing in outside forensic experts and maintaining strong partnerships with local labs and investigative agencies. The program includes a particular emphasis on DNA analysis, a hot-spot in forensic science today that ensures you will have skills that are in great demand after graduation. A capstone course cements and integrates your learning, with options to pursue either independent research in ground-breaking forensics work, or to take part in an internship for additional on-the-ground experience.

Wilmington University (private)
College of Arts and Sciences
Wilmington, Delaware
Website

Bachelor of Science in Biology – Forensic Science Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $45,720
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited private school in Delaware

Accredited by MSCHE

• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities at the Brandywine and New Castle locations include laminar flow hoods, biosafety cabinets, and cryogenic freezers among other modern equipment
• Cooperative learning through affiliations with INBRE, NASA, and dozens of other labs through the state offers networking and internship skills

A well-rounded, skills-based program in biological sciences builds on success by delivering a forensic science concentration that develops laboratory, qualitative analysis and reasoning skills with a biological basis, and adds in the right mix of criminal justice, investigation, and anatomy and physiology. This combination will make you a formidable addition to any crime lab. You’ll graduate with the ability to perform fundamental biological sample analysis, use core laboratory techniques, and effectively communicate both in writing and in person to deliver your findings with authority.

Trinity Washington University
College of Arts & Sciences
Washington, D.C.
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $96,800
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in Washington D.C.

Accredited by MSCHE

• Learn from experienced professors with diverse interests and strong publication track records
• Institution has a strong commitment to the education of women and a grounding in the Catholic tradition

From the basic grounding in ethics you get from a traditional Catholic university to the high-tech education offered here in chemistry and biology, Trinity fires on all cylinders when it comes to preparing students for a career in the crime lab. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, critical thinking, and data analysis, while also teaching you how to effectively communicate with other members of investigative teams and provide accurate, comprehensive courtroom testimony. Whether you are angling for a position in a crime lab or preparing to go on to a more advanced degree after graduation, Trinity will prepare the way for you.

Florida Gulf Coast University (public)
College of Arts & Sciences
Fort Meyers, Florida
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Studies

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $12,608
In-state tuition $5,898 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Forensic Studies degree is offered in a hybrid distance-learning format, with all upper division courses available online
• Undergraduate research opportunities available
• Internship placement at federal, state, and private crime labs are available

Florida Gulf Coast should get double-billing for offering not just one, but two, superlative science-based forensic investigation programs at one of the lowest prices in the entire country. With options to earn a BS in either forensic science or forensic studies, you can opt for the hard science approach, diving into the essential organic chemistry and biology studies that in-depth laboratory analysis requires… or go with a broader, multi-disciplinary approach that combines basic lab work with a more intensive study of criminal investigation, legal and ethical aspects of forensics, and behavioral analysis of criminal activity. Either way, your knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills will all have the polish it takes to be effective in a forensic lab setting at any level of practice.

University of South Florida – St. Petersburg (public)
Department of Society, Culture, and Language
St. Petersburg, Florida
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Studies and Justice

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $12,608
In-state tuition $5,898 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• College maintains relationships with major forensic centers in the Tampa Bay area including the National Forensic Science Technology Center, Special Operations Command, and local, county, and state law enforcement
• Access to the Student Success Center means individualized tutoring is available at any point in your studies for an added boost
• Flexible degree program can serve as a foundation for employment in law enforcement, private investigations, or further academic pursuits

There’s a strong belief at USF that there is a huge potential for science to improve the function and administration of the criminal justice system. The BS in Forensic Studies and Justice is exemplary of that belief, taking scientific knowledge and analytical structure and combining them to avoid bias in investigations and reduce wrongful convictions, while increasing clearance rates and putting away the real criminals. That strong emphasis in ethics and systematic analysis teaches you to avoid cognitive biases and make case-based assessments to assist investigations, while honing your critical thinking and lab skills to give you the tools to be effective in both the lab and the courtroom.

Edward Waters College (private)
Department of Criminal Justice
Jacksonville, Florida
Website

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $54,100
$57,548 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• On-campus clubs for students include the American Criminal Justice Association, Sheriff’s Advisory Council, and the Criminal Justice Leadership Club
• A required internship course puts you into the thick of actual forensic science in the field during the course of your studies

Education, research, and service are all fundamental goals of the Edward Waters Criminal Justice program. Those goals are achieved through an unerring drive to help students improve critical thinking and communication skills, and to help them achieve the personal and social growth required to meet their career goals. Strong critical thinking and technology skills are combined with an awareness of cultural and economic diversity through courses in juvenile delinquency, criminal procedure, and criminology. Digital forensic analysis and molecular diagnostics round out the program, leaving you with a well-rounded education in both investigations and lab work.

Keiser University (private)
Department of Criminal Justice/Homeland Security
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigations

• Investigations
• Science

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Forensics Concentration

Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics/Information Security

Semester Credits: 126/121
Estimated Program Cost: $79,232
$32,416 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• S. News & World Report ranks Keiser among the top schools nationally for 2020
• Programs are available at multiple campus locations and some elements are offered online
• Capstone courses help integrate knowledge from a broad base of technical, scientific, and legal education delivered throughout each program

An affordable private school that offers this many forensic science degree options is a rare find, but Keiser hits all the marks whether you are looking for an emphasis in scientific skills, a broad-based investigative education, or a cutting-edge exploration of cybercrime forensic studies. If your career goals involve spending your days in the lab, using the most high-tech equipment and latest scientific techniques, the science concentration is for you. For lab work with a more general investigative focus, either the BSFI Investigations concentration or the BACJ forensics concentration will deliver both legal and scientific training for a well-rounded approach to forensics. The BS in Cyber Forensics is designed as a transfer completion degree, allowing students with an associate’s in a computer science field to focus on security and digital forensics skills and earn a degree in one of the most highly-paid and in-demand areas in forensics today.

Clayton State University (public)
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Morrow, Georgia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $20,320
In-state tuition $1,711 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Chemistry lab is equipped with advanced instrumentation including spectrophotometers and centrifuges
• Internship and research practicum courses are available

Adding a forensics minor to your BS in Chemistry at Clayton State adds a deeper appreciation of the use of scientific methods of investigation in law enforcement. The core chemistry degree gives you all the in-depth lab experience you need, spread across organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry, with a rigorous background in physics and mathematics. The additional courses required in the Forensics minor build on that with by covering trace chemistry analysis, toxicology, serology, and firearms and tool marks, together with documentation and general jurisprudence instruction.

Fort Valley State University (public)
College of Arts and Sciences
Fort Valley, Georgia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science Concentration

Bachelor of Science in Biology – Forensic Science Concentration

Semester Credits: 125
Estimated Program Cost: $20,320
In-state tuition $1,711 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Ranked as the #1 Historically Black College in Georgia for both 2019 and 2020 by U.S. News & World Reports
• School is #1 in STEM Research funding from the NSF
• Criminal Justice Club on campus offers additional networking and learning opportunities outside the classroom

A forensic science degree from a well-respected, STEM-focused university is a great way to ensure that your lab skills are up-to-date, and FVSU fits the bill with extensive research funding and in-depth programs available in both biology and chemistry. The Forensic Science concentration for each degree is offered in conjunction with the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, which maintains active connections with local police departments courts, business, and other government agencies.

Albany State University (public)
Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science
Albany, Georgia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $20,997
In-state tuition $1,054 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Program is accredited by FEPAC
• Interdisciplinary program equips graduates to launch careers as criminalists, trace evidence specialists, serologists, DNA analysts, toxicologists among others
• Elective courses in rare specializations like bioterrorism and evidence protection and collection for medical professionals offer paths to careers in high-demand forensics fields

Albany State hits all the high points of a basic lab-focused education in the forensic sciences while heaping on added benefits such as dedicated courses in analyzing and protecting trace evidence, mock trial participation as an expert witness, and bioterrorism. You’ll learn how to use high-tech equipment like electron microscopes and digital cameras in the course of documenting and analyzing such evidence, and you’ll bring it all together in a senior capstone seminar near the end of the program.

Savannah State University (public)
College of Sciences and Technology
Savannah, Georgia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

• Biology
• Chemistry

Semester Credits: 125
Estimated Program Cost: $21,166
In-state tuition $865 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Unique 3-D virtual reality crime scene investigation technology opens up a whole new avenue in forensic studies and courtroom presentation options
• Cutting-edge program offers access to the latest technological advances in laboratory instruments and equipment as well as forensic analysis processes

With specialization tracks in either biology or chemistry, you have the option at SSU to focus your education on the identification and analysis of either human remains and trace serological and DNA evidence, or on the chemical analysis of drugs, toxins, explosives, or other elements that might lead to the identification and conviction of suspects. With a groundbreaking investment in VR technology, the SSU program is one of the few in the nation where you can use 3-D technology as a learning tool to explore virtualized crime scenes, and learn how it can be used to reconstruct and represent real-life scenes for both analysis and judicial proceedings.

Truett McConnell University (private)
Michael Sattler School of Public Service
Cleveland, Georgia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

• Forensic Science Biology
  • Anatomy/Physiology
  • Environmental/Ecological
• Forensic Science Chemistry
• Forensic Science Psychology

Semester Credits: 124/5
Estimated Program Cost: $80,448
$8,206 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Teachings are presented from a Christian worldview that emphasizes ethics and justice in forensic proceedings
• Unusual environmental/ecological biology sub-specialization opens up career opportunities investigating the growing number of environmental crimes
• Forensic psychology specialization expands job opportunities beyond the lab by equipping you to work with victims and first responders to both analyze crime scenes and cope with the stresses of processing them

Leadership and managerial skills are taught in this interdisciplinary program to help build your career potential beyond routine forensic lab work. A broad selection of concentrations let you specialize in various aspects of forensic sciences, including rare options in anatomy and physiology or environmental and ecological biology. You could also choose the forensic psychology track as a student of the Truitt BS in Criminal Justice, which will help you get inside the mind of criminals as you analyze the evidence they leave behind.

Chaminade University of Honolulu
Division of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Honolulu, Hawaii
Website

Estimated Program Cost: $104,536

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $104,536
$1,732 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by WSCUC

• 86 percent of graduates have secured science-related positions as forensic investigators or laboratory scientists
• All students are required to complete a rigorous 135-hour internship to acquire hands-on skills in the field with placements at facilities like the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner, police departments in Hawaii and Guam, or the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command’s Central Identification Laboratory
• Study in high-tech laboratories that include advanced imaging systems, molecular scanners, and extensive tissue-processing facilities

A disciplined focus on real-world cases and techniques in the Chaminade BS in Forensic Science helps pave your way to a position with 5-O. The mission and goals of the program are supported by key partnerships with big-name forensics labs like the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, recognized as global experts in searching for and identifying human remains. Students also benefit from Chaminade’s commitment to stocking labs with the most up-to-date equipment being used in the field today. A tough, but eye-opening internship requirement allows you to put your training into practice in a live setting working on real-world cases. Together, it results in a program with a high placement rate for graduates in the industry.

Lewis-Clark State College
Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division
Lewiston, Idaho
Website

Bachelor of Science/Arts in Chemistry/Biology with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $27,928
In-state tuition $3,211 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by NWCCU

• Lewis-Clark State College boasts the lowest tuition rate among all public four-year institutions
• 95 percent of graduates find jobs or go on to advanced degrees
• Options to participate in undergraduate research projects or complete internships are available

The core curriculum at LC State is built around a solid science education in either chemistry or biology, with all the attendant laboratory skills and critical thinking skills that go along with them. This broad base allows students to take their careers in a variety of different directions. Adding on the Forensic Science minor further develops your skills in quantitative analysis and forensics applications to enable you to pursue a position in a forensic laboratory after graduation.

Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville (public)
College of Arts & Sciences
Edwardsville, Illinois
Website

Bachelor of Science/Arts in Criminal Justice Studies with Minor in Forensic Sciences

Bachelor of Science/Arts in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Specialization

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,492
In-state tuition $928 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Chemistry degree program is ACS-certified
• Full access to well-equipped laboratory environments include those from anthropology, biological sciences, chemistry, and environmental science departments
• State-of-the-art technology includes a 3-D laser scanner for full, accurate crime-scene reconstructions, and Raman and IR microscopes funded through an NSF grant
• Faculty frequently publish in prestigious industry journals such as Forensic Science Communications, the Journal of Forensic Science, and the American Journal of Physical Anthropology

Undergraduates at SIU-Edwardsville have two great options for pursuing a career in forensic sciences. For students with a strong inclination toward the basic sciences, a degree in forensic chemistry takes you through the ins and outs of toxicology, biochemistry, and instrumental analysis in a well-equipped lab environment overseen by accomplished and attentive instructors. For a broader footing in investigative forensics, the BS in Criminal Justice Studies with a minor in Forensic Science offers additional training in anthropology and archaeology, biology, criminal procedures and the judicial process.

Western Illinois University (public)
Department of Chemistry
Macomb, Illinois
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry

Semester Credits: 125
Estimated Program Cost: $37,013
In-state tuition $407 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Among the first forensic chemistry degrees offered in the country
• Hands-on research experience available to every student, including some funded trips to state and national scientific conferences for networking and learning opportunities
• Graduates have gone on to jobs in such prestigious labs as the Monsanto Company, ISP’s Morton Forensic Science Center, and the FBI Crime Lab
• ACS Certification available with a specific required course sequence

Excellent student-teacher ratios foster meaningful undergraduate participation in faculty research in this old and prestigious program in forensic chemistry. A comprehensive degree program that covers everything from trace physical evidence analysis to delivering expert witness testimony in court, it’s no surprise that WIU has sent graduates on to the FBI Crime Lab in Quantico. Although forensic chemistry is the major knowledge base you’ll explore, fingerprinting, firearms and tool marks, and the analysis of various biological tissue and fluid sample are also covered in depth. With cutting-edge laboratory skills backing the scientific knowledge you’ll learn, you’ll be a top recruit for any crime lab with this degree behind you.

Purdue University Northwest (public)
Department of Chemistry and Physics
Hammond, Indiana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Physical Science – Forensic Science Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $28,189
In-state tuition $9,164 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Study under doctorate-level faculty members with diverse research and practical experience, including in international postings
• Unique courses in areas like laboratory quality systems theory differentiates this forensics degree from the pack

As a multidisciplinary program covering the various elements of forensic science, the Purdue BSPS ensures that you are learning from instructors with expertise in all those different aspects of the field. Whether you are studying ethics, organic chemistry, criminalistics, evidence handling, or any of the other detailed, technical courses on offer at Purdue, you’ll be engaged by active, research-focused, supportive professors with in-depth expertise in that field. Professionalism is also heavily stressed in this program, with courses in professional practice and courtroom demeanor included in the concentration.

Indiana State University (public)
School of Criminology and Security Studies
Terre Haute, Indiana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Investigations

Bachelor of Science in Cybercriminology and Security Studies with Minor in Forensic Investigations

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,144
In-state tuition $1,290 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Traditional on-campus and online options are available to allow you to build the program around your day-to-day personal and professional obligations
• School has well-equipped laboratories for both traditional forensics and cyber-forensics and intelligence investigations
• Participate in activities and conferences sponsored by the school that allow interaction with both other students and professionals already working in the field
• Other opportunities available with partnerships at other agencies, universities, and organizations both in Indiana and worldwide
• Annual career fair allows students to attract attention and line up jobs with military, nonprofit, private sector, and criminal justice agencies nationwide

A two-pronged approach puts ISU at the forefront of forensic technology in both the traditional, lab-based investigation and analysis of physical crimes, and also the new and fast-growing cyber-forensics aspect of the field. Emphasizing their capabilities in digital forensics, the forensic investigation minor is available entirely online. Coursework covers important elements of forensics that occur inside and outside the lab, including criminalistics, interviewing, laws of evidence, and criminal law and procedure.

Calumet College of Saint Joseph (private)
Biophysical Chemistry and Mathematics Department/Public Safety and Criminal Justice Department
Whiting, Indiana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Forensic Criminology Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $77,600
$34,595 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• Study in biology, chemistry, and physics labs equipped with the latest in high-tech analytical equipment
• Ethics and professional standards of behavior are taught alongside the theoretical and practical elements of forensic investigations

An affordable private school program in forensic science can be hard to find… so to find not only one, but two, at a reputable institution like the Calumet College of Saint Joseph opens up a gold mine of opportunity. With options to focus on the investigative elements of forensic science, through the BSCJ with a forensic criminology concentration, or to dive into the science side of the game with a BSFS, Calumet offers solid foundations in bioscience, criminalistics, and psychology delivered by expert professors in well-equipped laboratory facilities. In either case, you’ll be developing the kind of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills required to succeed in forensic investigations.

Oakland City University (private)
School of Arts and Sciences
Oakland City, Indiana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Investigative Forensics Option

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $99,960
$12,235 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• A diversity of interests and specializations available in the criminal justice program encourages cross-training and broad perspectives leading to excellence in leadership, service, research, and innovation
• Oakland City emphasizes hands-on experiences in the classroom and on field trips
• A crime scene house and vehicle processing garage provide 1,200 square feet of realistic, well-equipped space for ballistics training and vehicle processing
• With classes typically ranging between 10 and 15 students, intensive instructor interaction is guaranteed

Not only will you be exposed to important concepts in criminal investigation and forensic processing here at Oakland, but you’ll also have a chance to explore a variety of other criminal justice specializations, including corrections, criminal law, and juvenile justice. That diversity builds resilience and perspective into the investigative forensics program here, combining classical theories with the cross-pollination that leads to developing contemporary ideas and approaches to forensic science. You’ll become proficient in both the basic techniques of forensic investigation as well as more advanced analysis through exposure to realistic lab environments and cutting-edge research.

Fort Hays State University
Department of Chemistry
Fort Hays, Kansas
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science Emphasis

Semester Credits: 129
Estimated Program Cost: $22,678
In-state tuition $8,000 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Curriculum approved by the American Chemical Society
• Students have the opportunity to conduct their own research and present at the Wichita and Midwest Regional American Chemical Society Meetings and during FHSU’s Research and Creative Activities Week
• Summer internship opportunities are available for real-world forensic lab experience

Learning by doing is a central tenet of the Fort Hays Chemistry program, which means you can expect to spend plenty of time with hands-on projects both inside and outside the lab while you earn this degree. Extensive training in state-of-the-art lab facilities is supplemented by opportunities to participate in faculty research projects and take on summer internships, accumulating valuable industry experience and making connections to help boost your career prospects. Courses in administration of justice and criminal law and procedure add knowledge of practical investigate processes to the lab skills you’ll develop.

Wichita State University
School of Criminal Justice
Wichita, Kansas
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $26,834
In-state tuition $3,844 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Founded in 1934, the Criminal Justice program at WSU is the second-oldest program of its kind in the United States, bringing tremendous institutional knowledge to your education
• Dedicated faculty members assist you in developing the professional judgement and behavior to become a skilled forensic investigator
• Unique course in 3D laser scanning offers special skills in high-tech crime scene reconstruction and measurement

Chemistry, biology, and anthropology form the triad of science on which this comprehensive degree in forensic science is build. You’ll get a grounding in elementary statistics to help inform your investigations, and surprisingly deep explorations of forensic toxicology and serology to understand the effects of alcohol and illicit drugs. A course in arson analysis equips you for studies into conflagrations and fires set to destroy evidence.

Murray State University (public)
Department of Chemistry
Murray, Kentucky
Website

Bachelor of Arts/Science in Chemistry – Forensics Track

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,672
In-state tuition $3,398 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• The Chemical Services Laboratory on campus provides state-of-the-art chemical analytical services and expertise in areas like controlled substance analysis, tissue analysis, and bioassays using high-tech gear similar to what is in forensic labs
• Enjoy full access to the Hattie Mayme Ross Science Library for research and study materials
• The partially National Science Foundation-funded Polymer and Materials Characterization Laboratory offers training in making thermal and material identifications of a wide range of trace evidence

A host of specialized and high-tech laboratories at Murray State familiarize you with the kind of gear that you will be expected to master in forensic science, and you’ll get the expert guidance and training you need to do exactly that through the bachelor’s in chemistry forensics track. The PMCL gives you the opportunity to work with tiny amounts of trace evidence, characterizing and identifying them, and also includes spin coating and 3-D printing capabilities for reconstruction efforts. Your in-depth scientific education is joined by courses in law enforcement and criminal behavior, offering perspectives on suspects and investigative procedures, while a class in public speaking helps prepare you for delivering expert witness testimony.

Eastern Kentucky University (public)
Department of Chemistry
Richmond, Kentucky
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Biology

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $37,064
In-state tuition $3,006 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• FEPAC-accredited degree program (Forensic Chemistry and Biology tracks)
• A 3+2 combined bachelor’s degree plus master’s degree in chemistry is available for an advanced education in the forensic sciences
• An internship initiative sources placements for students in science-related organizations, helping garner both on-the-job experience and networking for career goals
• A peer mentoring program brings together students with similar interests for mutual support and academic and social events
• Facilities include a state-of-the-art crime scene house and fully functional chemical stockroom

Eastern Kentucky proves that affordability and an exceptional student experience can go together. The EKU BS in Forensic Science is one of the oldest programs of its kind in the country, and the experience shows! With FEPAC-accreditation and two separate specialization tracks available, not to mention a path to a master’s degree through a combined five-year program, you have the opportunity to take your career in any direction with this degree under your belt. Internship and networking opportunities further extend the possibilities, giving you a chance to train under active professionals working on real-world cases in the field. As a student of EKU, you can even choose to participate in independent or faculty-lead research projects.

Northern Kentucky University (public)
College of Arts and Sciences
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensics Track

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Forensic Science Track

Semester Credits: 121
Estimated Program Cost: $39,648
In-state tuition $422 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• An emphasis on undergraduate research gives you the opportunity to learn how to write grant proposals and structure research programs while you study for your degree
• Most courses and labs conducted in the Dorothy Western Herrmann Natural Science Center with 172,000 square feet of space and classrooms and laboratories equipped for state-of-the-art investigations
• Low student-to-faculty ratio ensures that you receive personalized attention and instruction from your highly-qualified instructors

Mentoring and encouragement are two of the components that are most integral to the NKU undergraduate experience. Whether you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or the biological sciences, the support and attention you’ll receive from your highly capable instructors will help make the difference as you pursue the forensic science tracks. Each program offers excellent cross-training in the other area through interdisciplinary studies, together with criminal investigation and criminal justice courses to get you up to speed in legal processes and proceedings.

University of the Cumberlands (private)
Department of Criminal Justice
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensics Concentration

Semester Credits: 128
Estimated Program Cost: $25,472
$64,566 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Program is available either on campus or completely online, offering you the ability to attend on your own schedule and in conjunction with your other personal or professional responsibilities
• Combining an appreciation for diversity with qualitative and quantitative methods of research and analysis offers a balanced, ethical approach to undertaking forensic investigations

As a program focused primarily on enhancing forensic knowledge for professional criminal investigators, the University of the Cumberlands BS in Criminal Justice – Forensics Concentration is heavy on law enforcement and sociological factors surrounding crime and criminal detection. The forensics concentration provides a basic education in chemistry and forensic psychology while diving more in-depth into victimization, homicide, and child abuse investigations.

Grambling State University (public)
Department of Chemistry
Grambling, Louisiana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $20,560
In-state tuition $10,892 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Students at Grambling are encouraged to participate in both on-campus and off-campus research projects
• Chemistry program is fully certified by the American Chemical Society
• Partnerships with Dow, Philip Morris, and NASA all offer real-world experiential learning opportunities in some of the most advanced labs in the United States
• Well-equipped on-campus laboratory equipment include gas chromatographs, spectrophotometers, and thermal analysis mechanical analyzers similar to those available in forensic crime labs
• Chemistry club offers additional preparation for careers in teaching, industry, or research through extracurricular activities

Your full-time, tenure-track faculty at Grambling have all earned terminal degrees in their fields, ensuring they have the expertise to offer guidance in any research area, helping you explore and uncover the answers to any questions. Outside partnerships with companies like Dow and agencies like NASA provide unique research and study options that expand the horizon even further, putting students in contact with top experts in the field. The focus on lab work and chemical principles is extensive at Grambling, but courses in justice and ethics and criminal investigation ensure you are prepared for the rigorous work of a public or private forensics lab after graduation.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (public)
School of Biological & Physical Sciences
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Biology – Forensic Science Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $20,720
In-state tuition $10,732 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Join the student chapter of the American Society for Microbiology for informal social events and projects that expand your knowledge and networking options in this important field
• A senior-level course in primary scientific literature review helps set the stage for more advanced studies in forensic science

Northwestern has a unique commitment to providing every student with an education that develops the exact skill set they need for success. And if forensic investigation is what you are passionate about, the forensic science concentration in the BS in Biology delivers on that promise. With a solid grounding in core biological science courses laid down, you will then move on to specialized courses in forensic entomology, biostatistics, death investigations, police process, and the laws of criminal evidence to equip you with the kind of knowledge you need to be a valuable team member in any crime lab.

Louisiana State University (public)
College of Arts and Sciences
Shreveport, Louisiana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Forensic Science Track

Bachelor of Criminal Justice – Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,089
In-state tuition $9,363 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Numerous teaching and research labs on campus are equipped with computers and state-of-the-art equipment such as refrigerated centrifuges and UV-visible spectrophotometers
• Numerous student organization and honor societies on campus can extend your learning through extracurricular activities

Options are open at LSU for students to either focus on the hard biological sciences behind forensic investigations… or to start off at the other end of the spectrum with a core of criminal justice courses before introducing the scientific and analytical techniques used in the lab to track down and prosecute criminals. Flexible track requirements allow you to build a curriculum that fits your own specific career goals, with guidance and assistance from faculty with impressive academic credentials and real-world experience in the field.

University of New Orleans (public)
Department of Chemistry
New Orleans, Louisiana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensics Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $24,362
In-state tuition $7,090 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Chemistry Learning Center offers free walk-in tutoring five days per week and group meeting and study sessions
• Curriculum follows ACS guidelines
• The campus Chemistry Club allows students an opportunity to participate in science-related community service and outreach while learning and networking
• Distinguished faculty members have a wide range of areas of expertise including analytical, materials, and physical chemistry

The UNO Chemistry department prides itself on offering personalized attention to students while incorporating a big-school experience by providing unprecedented access to resources, research opportunities, and avenues for service. Faculty here are frequently asked to present at academic conferences and co-author articles, and students are often invited to work alongside them on original research projects. In the forensics concentration, students are also encouraged to participate in an internship that will put them in a real-world lab environment for additional experiential learning in the field.

Southern University at New Orleans (public)
Department of Natural Sciences
New Orleans, Louisiana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 125
Estimated Program Cost: $28,921
In-state tuition $2,531 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• One of the few historically black colleges and universities to offer a forensic science degree program
• Significant STEM-focus ensures that your scientific preparation and laboratory skills will be some of the finest in the field

Bringing in experienced faculty from biology, chemistry, physics, and criminal justice, the BSFS at SONU delivers an interdisciplinary education in forensic sciences that helps fulfill the institutional mission of empowering diverse populations. Courses in everything from DNA analysis to forensic microscopy to delivering expert witness testimony will help prepare you for every facet of forensic investigation, from the laboratory to the courtroom. It also prepares you to move on to graduate-level programs in forensic science, criminal justice, or criminology.

University of Maine – Fort Kent (public)
Fort Kent, Maine
Website

Bachelor of Science in Rural Public Safety Administration – Criminal Justice Concentration with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $28,680
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited public school in Maine

Accredited by NECHE

• Program is also accredited by IACBE
• Mock trial prep and staged crime scenes help deliver an experiential kick to your learning experience
• A required internship component ensures that you will get an on-the-ground introduction to real-world rural forensics practices
• Course in wildlife forensics prepares you for a career in environmental law enforcement

The University of Maine – Fort Kent BS in Rural Public Safety Administration offers a unique specialization with its Minor in Forensic Science, and that’s because it’s designed to address the unique challenges of investigating crimes outside of city limits. Rural law enforcement requires a degree of adaptability, independence, and confidence that this program seeks to impart through practical instruction from dedicated, experienced professionals who convert theory into practical lessons. Unique aspects of rural law enforcement are embraced in every course, from forensic anthropology to wildlife forensics, making this degree a real standout in the field.

Husson University (private)
School of Legal Studies
Bangor, Maine
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 130
Estimated Program Cost: $76,700
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited private school in Maine

Accredited by NECHE

• Courses offer a systematic and holistic approach to evidence examination with quantitative and qualitative logic and critical thinking skills being heavily emphasized
• Courses in rhetoric and written and oral communication offer an effective preparation for report-writing and testimony in court

The Husson University School of Legal Studies takes a global approach to teaching evidence examination, training you to look at overall context and the patterns found when analyzing crime scene evidence. The degree program itself takes an overarching view of forensic science in the context of the modern American justice system. The importance of evidence documentation, preservation, and packaging are stressed through their impacts on investigations and court cases. You’ll also look at the presumptive and confirmatory testing of samples, critical to both securing convictions with evidence that is truly beyond a reasonable doubt, and keeping innocent people out of the legal system. On top of that, you’ll get an introduction to judicial and courtroom procedures, ensuring you’re well prepared to testify with confidence about your findings.

Bowie State University
Department of Behavioral Sciences & Human Services
Bowie, Maryland
Website

Bachelor of Arts/Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $22,588
In-state tuition $6,035 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Program also offered at a satellite location in California, MD in cooperation with the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland
• The Criminal Justice Club is open to CJ majors at the school to expand networking and out-of-class learning opportunities
• State-of-the-art criminalistics lab offers access to high-speed cameras and high-powered microscopes
• Frequent field trips and guest lecturers expose students to some of the freshest ideas in the field as well as offering networking and employment prospects
• Full-service SMART classrooms include modern IT and other equipment to maximize the resources available during class
• Internship opportunities include both service and leadership positions

At Bowie State, your foundational preparation for a career in forensic science is taken to new levels with a multidimensional perspective on law enforcement, touching on social justice, community advocacy, and behavioral elements of crime. You’ll learn about the entire criminal justice process, from detection to apprehension to rehabilitation. With the quantitative and qualitative research models taught here, you’ll hone both your lab skills and your overall approach to criminal justice and investigations.

Worcester State University (public)
Criminal Justice Department
Worcester, Massachusetts
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $40,644
In-state tuition $8,053 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by NECHE

• Interdisciplinary course of study offers innovative perspectives on current issues like cybercrime, mental health, and drug enforcement
• The program offers numerous opportunities to apply classroom instruction in real-world settings through services learning, internships, experiential learning, and independent study
• Courses are available in both traditional format and in the evenings to accommodate working professionals

There’s a reason that the BS in Criminal Justice at Worcester State is the second most popular major at the university. With instructors who blend impressive real-world credentials with academic accomplishment and serious research chops, this is a program that pulls in students looking for the best education at the best price. The forensic science minor draws in additional expertise from biology, biotechnology, chemistry, and computer science. With a skill set that is firmly focused on analysis and the application of scientific knowledge to criminal investigation, you’ll be a hot commodity in the job market with a CJ degree from WSU.

Salem State University (public)
Department of Geological Science
Salem, Massachusetts
Website

Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences – Applied Geosciences Forensics Concentration

 

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $45,136
In-state tuition $3,561 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by NECHE

• Small class sizes and a mandatory faculty mentorship program ensure you receive personalized attention as you go through the program
• Faculty are active scientific researchers with funded research underway in areas as remote as the Rockies, Africa, and Iceland
• Access to state-of-the-art geological and environmental equipment including ground penetrating radar, water chemistry probes, and survey equipment
• Funding from the NSF, USGS, Massachusetts Environmental Trust, and other major government bodies and foundations ensure top-quality facilities and equipment
• Summer field courses in Nevada and Montana take your studies outside in the majesty of the American West

If you were looking for a unique forensic science degree to help you stand out from the crowd, look no further. Forensic geology is an ultra-rare and highly specialized field with few practitioners, and even fewer with the kind of education you will receive at Salem State. You’ll become a knowledgeable and valuable member of a close-knit group of colleagues, forming professional relationships you will maintain throughout your career. You’ll master technologies such as ground-penetrating radar and laser and GPS survey equipment, and, better yet, you’ll do it outside… if you love the science side of forensics but don’t want to be stuck in a lab all day, geo-forensics turns the outdoors into your laboratory.

Eastern Nazarene College (private)
Chemistry Department
Quincy, Massachusetts
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 123
Estimated Program Cost: $102,272
$42,108 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by NECHE

• Simulated scenes and scenarios allow students to work under real-world conditions in and out of the lab
• Low faculty-to-student ratio ensures that students are carefully mentored at every step of the program
• Advanced analysis techniques like refractive index measurements of glass, blood spatter, and atomic absorption spectroscopy ensure you have experience in the latest tools and methods by the time you graduate
• Senior research project allows you to explore and contribute original work in the field

A dual-emphasis on research and real-world processing and analysis not only equips you with the latest techniques and methods for performing forensic analysis, but also helps you understand the limitations and ethical considerations inherent in forensic work. You’ll pick up all the chemistry and biology you need to stay on top of evidence in the lab through courses that offer a solid, rigorous grounding in the fundamentals. Then you’ll take an advanced lab in forensic science that takes you through the processes of microscopy, advanced drug detection, and pharmokinetics to master how those sciences apply to crime scene analysis. Finally, extensive examination of the social and ethical problems of forensic science helps you understand how to best apply those techniques in the field to identify and convict criminals while ensuring justice for the innocent.

Northern Michigan University (public)
Chemistry Department
Marquette, Michigan
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biochemistry

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $45,816
In-state tuition $4,238 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Faculty are eager to work with students on research projects
• ACS-accredited curriculum
• Internships available at crime labs throughout the upper Midwest
• Expert faculty and adjunct professors, including a former forensic lab analyst from a local state police crime lab
• Student organizations include the American Chemical Society and Forensic Biochemistry Club

A degree in biochemistry is the way to go if you want the most technical, in-depth preparation possible to become an expert in the hottest aspect of modern forensics: DNA analysis. The NMU program takes that base strength and builds on it with additional chemistry, biology, and criminal justice courses, including core courses on criminal procedure, advanced criminal investigation, and the justice system. Electives range from courses in genetics to medical microbiology, allowing you to flesh out your scientific skills in a field of your choosing.

Lake Superior State University
Department of Chemistry
Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $48,000
In-state tuition $2,054 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Program has been approved by the American Chemical Society, and graduates are awarded an ACS certificate and can qualify for membership
• A low student-to-faculty ratio in capstone courses ensures undivided instructor attention
• Team-taught courses spread out the expertise and perspective available in many classes
• Advanced instrumentation available in school labs gives you hands-on experience with technologies being used in the field today
• Take advantage of the opportunity to engage in a senior research project in your area of focus, and present your findings at the school’s Research Symposium or even national conferences

A rigorous and coherent program with a large helping of both group and individualized research is on tap for you through the LSSU BS in Forensic Chemistry. Working in completely modernized lab environments including the Chemical Preparation Laboratory and the Environmental Analysis Laboratory, you’ll get full access to an array of high-tech machinery that allow you to plumb the mysteries of both student-led and faculty-driven research projects. On campus internships allow you to further participate in those projects, giving you the opportunity to publish or present findings. The school has also had great success in placing students in outside internships, as well as lining up jobs for recent graduates.

Madonna University (private)
Forensic Science Department
Livonia, Michigan
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $92,400
$9,200 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• The only FEPAC-accredited undergraduate program in the state of Michigan
• A hands-on focus is designed to build confidence in using all the common tools and protocols of forensic science
• Instructors are highly experienced and freely accessible to students
• Independent research opportunities are encouraged and may lead to publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Acquire good lab hands through plenty of first-hand work in the Madonna University Forensic Science Research Facility, a Gold Certified LEED facility
• The Forensic Science Community Outreach program is an optional service opportunity that focuses on forensic initiatives to restore justice to the less fortunate members of society

A strong focus on practical career preparation through the Madonna University BS in Forensic Science means a lot of hands-on, experiential learning is delivered here through the capable and experienced hands of instructors. The Franciscan values embodied by the college hold respect, dignity, commitment, and justice in high esteem— and these are exactly the kind of values that will boost your career in forensic investigations. Lab internship placements expand your networking and career opportunities, and participation in the MU Forensic Science Society will help you build both lifelong friendships and professional networks with your fellow students.

 

Saint Cloud State University (public)
Department of Chemistry
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $29,575
In-state tuition $11,849 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Flexible elective options offer an opportunity to explore different aspects of forensic science that you may want to build your career around
• Full range of laboratory instrumentation available to use for both coursework and research projects
• Student organizations like the Criminal Justice Association, Chemistry Club, and the Anthropology Collective allow networking and extracurricular learning opportunities

A broad overview of the discipline of forensic science and an interdisciplinary approach that draws in expert instructors in topics like anthropology, biology, criminal justice, and kinesiology makes the forensic science minor offered at Saint Cloud University the perfect option for anyone who wants to explore the full range of the subject before committing to any particular sub-discipline. By adding the minor on to Saint Cloud’s ACS-accredited BS in Chemistry, you will get all those forensic elements built on top of the technical and communication skills required to make you a first-rate laboratory technician. By selecting the biochemistry emphasis, you can also build your talents in biology, the other core aspect of modern forensics.

Jackson State University
Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences
Jackson, Mississippi
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $33,080
In-state tuition $1,495 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• ACS-certified program, including the most rigorous chemistry curriculum available to prepare for graduate study or a career in forensics work
• The school’s Interdisciplinary Nanotoxicity Center offers research and educational opportunities in the new and exciting realm of nanomaterials, taking trace evidence analysis to a whole new level

The Jackson State BS in Chemistry with the Forensic Chemistry concentration embodies the overall focus on hard science found in the bachelor’s program, and offers unique opportunities for independent and student-faculty research projects. The ACS-certified curriculum offers strong preparation in essential lab and instrumentation skills, while senior-level courses in criminal justice and social and behavioral sciences equip you for broader perspectives on forensic investigations in the context of criminal prosecution.

Southeast Missouri State University (public)
Department of Chemistry and Physics
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Website

Bachelor of Science/Arts in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Specialization

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $26,424
In-state tuition $1,127 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research and coauthor papers for publication
• Attendance at professional meetings held by the American Chemical Society, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, or the Missouri Academy of Science is another perk of the SMSU program
• Graduates have gone on to employment at local, state, regional, or federal crime labs, including the MSHP Crime Lab Division, Army CID, and the DEA
• Degrees comply with AAFS course work and experiential learning recommendations

A strong basis in essential laboratory science is the promise of the SMSU forensics program. The bachelor’s in chemistry – forensic chemistry concentration, is rooted in AAFS and ACS recommendations to emphasize crucial lab skills and fundamental chemistry and instrumentation knowledge. Although you’ll also receive training in criminalistics, the school has found that local and national crime labs vastly prefer graduates who have extensive experiential training in hard science and lab skills. So the majority of your courses here focus on exactly that – from organic chemistry to toxicology to microscopy. These courses build the core of your scientific knowledge and analytical skills to give you the kind of background that would allow you to branch out into any aspect of forensic investigations in the workplace.

Lindenwood University (private)
School of Sciences
St. Charles, Missouri
Website

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology – Forensic Anthropology Emphasis

• Criminal Profiling
• Human Remains

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry – Forensics Emphasis

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $72,000
$40,667 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• Learn from active instructors and researchers who bring their experience into the classroom
• Programs offer opportunities to engage in research work both in the field and in the lab
• Chemistry degree includes a required internship that will place you primarily in area crime labs for hands-on experience
• Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and support

Lindenwood’s two forensic science emphases offer a wide range of possible entry points into the field. With a bachelor’s in chemistry, you’ll find yourself studying hard science, including organic chemistry and cellular and molecular biology. As an anthropology major, you can expect to spend more of your time in the field, assisting in battlefield surveys, investigating shipwrecks, and MIA recovery projects. Both tracks offer extensive lab experience and introductions to criminal justice systems and criminology, but the anthropology degree adds courses in criminal profiling or human remains, which add elements of victimology and psychology, or more extensive explorations in biology and anatomy.

Evangel University (private)
Behavioral and Social Sciences Department
Springfield, Missouri
Website

Bachelor of Arts/Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $94,889
$17,778 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• Instructors combine hands-on training with real-world instruction coming from diverse areas of natural and behavioral science, as well as law enforcement
• Instruction is centered in a Christian worldview that explores social psychology, criminal law, and criminal investigations in America

Psychology, chemistry, and biology are the critical add-ons you’ll study when adding the Forensic Science minor to your bachelor’s in criminal justice here at Evangel University. The additional scientific skills you acquire along the way are critical additions to the firm ethical and moral foundation you will learn through the core program at this highly-respected Christian school.

Columbia College (private)
Science Department
Columbia, Missouri
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $97,280
$15,387 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• Students have the opportunity to work on real unsolved cases with local police departments
• Science Club offers an extracurricular avenue to enhance and expand your knowledge of scientific issues
• Leading-edge lab technology offers you up-to-date training on the latest instrumentation and the newest techniques in forensic analysis

It’s hard to find a stronger accolade for a forensic science program than the fact that students have undertaken cold-case research on a real-world case that has resulted in solving the crime. But at Columbia, it’s happened not just once, but twice, resulting in at least one conviction in a 20-year-old cold case homicide. Generating and organizing up to 500 pages of fresh evidence, a local homicide detective was quoted as saying the students accomplished more in a semester than officers had been able to do in two years. With that kind of real-world experience in processing trace evidence, latent prints, and examining DNA and toxicology, all at an acclaimed private school that costs under six-figures, there’s no better value in forensic science education in the U.S.

Southwest Baptist University (private)
College of Science and Mathematics
Bolivar, Missouri
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry

Semester Credits: 128
Estimated Program Cost: $98,000
$14,667 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• Students work together with expert faculty to conduct groundbreaking research in the college’s SURE (SBU Undergraduate Research Experience) program
• One-on-one academic support and personalized guidance come from close relationships with faculty members, reinforced by the school’s small class sizes
• The school’s Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith focuses on equipping students with the history and philosophy of combining scientific and faith studies

Applying the principles of science to the examination of crime scene evidence comes with certain moral and ethical implications. In the SBU BS in Forensic Chemistry program, you’ll explore those issues in a way that only a Christian college can, while getting the same problem-solving skills and hands-on laboratory training that any top forensic science program in the country should deliver. Understanding crime scene investigations and the importance of evidence collection and preservation are also topics that are covered here, extending your capabilities across the full range of forensic chemical analysis.

University of Montana
College of Humanities and Sciences
Missoula, Montana
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology – Forensic Anthropology option

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $21,408
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in Montana

Accredited by NWCCU

• State-of-the-art laboratories with advanced analytical instrumentation include an NMR facility, biospectroscopy, and the Environmental Biogeochemistry Laboratory
• The University of Montana’s Anthropological Collection Facility houses collections of historic artifacts from archaeological sites across the state, supporting broad research and educational options

The University of Montana manages to offer two interesting bachelor’s-level forensic science options that balance a comprehensive education in their respective specializations with the ability to fine-tune your curriculum to match your own career goals. Whether you choose the anthropology or chemistry option, your program will lay solid groundwork in lab methods and the essential sciences that you can add to with a broad selection of courses covering other lab and field components. With strong cross-disciplinary classes on offer in criminal justice, biology, archaeology, and other important forensic science subjects, you will have no problem putting together a plan that will prepare you for professional success.

Wayne State College (public)
School of Natural and Social Sciences
Wayne, Nebraska
Website

Bachelor of Arts/Science in Criminal Justice and Chemistry – Forensic Science Focus

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $21,780
In-state tuition $4,230 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• 100 percent of recent graduates are either employed or in graduate school
• 87% of full-time faculty have a terminal degree in the field
• Low student-to-faculty ratios ensure you get personal attention in class
• Clubs like the Ironic Bonders Chemistry Club and the Criminal Justice Association offer additional networking and learning opportunities outside the classroom
• Internship opportunities, field trips, and study abroad options can widen your perspectives in forensic science practices
• The Wayne State Service Learning Program has received national awards for outstanding community service, and gives you the opportunity to give back to the community while learning skills beneficial to your career

This formidable double-major program doesn’t compromise on anything… by earning a degree in both criminal justice and chemistry, you’ll develop both forensic science skills and law enforcement acumen. That means getting a comprehensive education in criminology and criminal behavior in combination with a fundamental understanding of chemical processes and material investigation skills. It all comes together in a package that will make you an expert not only in researching, observing, and analyzing evidence, but also in applying the results of those analyses to ongoing criminal cases to secure convictions. A skilled Career Services department contributes to the 100% post-graduation employment or grad program placement rate, ensuring your new expertise will lead to a job you’ll love.

Bellevue University (private)
Public Service, Safety, Security, & Intelligence
Bellevue, Nebraska
Website

Bachelor of Science in Investigations

Semester Credits: 127
Estimated Program Cost: $53,975
$37,691 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• Offered in both traditional and online formats for maximum flexibility in attendance options
• Ranked among the nation’s top military-friendly institutions
• Faculty include both current and former investigators and criminal justice practitioners with both real-world and academic experience

A unique program that comes at issues of forensics squarely from the perspective of the criminal investigator, the BS in Investigations from Bellevue will focus on the practical elements of forensic science. That means a heavy helping of study on the subject of the criminal mind through forensic psychology courses, processing crime scenes for clues, and exploring the steps to take in the collection and preservation of evidence. Instead of the more common approach in teaching the core sciences and then branching into their forensic applications, Bellevue goes top-down, breaking forensics out into topics like investigating property crimes versus investigating crimes against persons. It’s an approach that is sure to resonate with anybody with the mind of an investigator, and it’s one of the only options of this sort in the country!

College of Saint Mary (private)
Department of Chemistry
Omaha, Nebraska
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 128
Estimated Program Cost: $83,000
$8,666 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• Special encouragement for female students in the form of the Marie Curie Scholar’s Program, offering both financial support and other resources for academically talented young women in the STEM fields
• An innovative curriculum builds critical thinking and scientific reasoning to give you lifelong problem-solving skills
• Access to interactive lab equipment and the latest instrumentation ensures you are qualified to work in any crime lab in the country
• Program enjoys a 100 percent employment or advanced studies rate within six months of graduation

The College of Saint Marie forensic science minor takes the strong laboratory and professional preparation from your core chemistry degree and tacks on the advanced anatomy and physiology and forensic applications work required to turn you into a skilled forensics investigator. A combination of lecture, discussion, laboratory research, and fieldwork expose you to all the various theoretical and practical aspects of the profession you need to be well-qualified to work in the field. And with 100% of graduates finding employment or going on to graduate studies within six months of completing the program, the CSM BS in Chemistry with Forensic Science Minor definitely delivers.

University of New Hampshire
College of Liberal Arts
Durham, New Hampshire
Website

Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies Dual Major with Minor in Forensics

Semester Credits: 128
Estimated Program Cost: $62,080
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited public school in New Hampshire

Accredited by NECHE

• Unique program format ensures that you graduate with two bachelor’s degrees
• Mock Trial Program offers the opportunity to hone your courtroom skills before you graduate

The unique structure of the justice studies program at UNH can work to your advantage with a little planning and ambition. The bachelor’s degree may only be taken in conjunction with another, previously declared major in another field. That gives you the opportunity to stack on an additional bachelor’s degree in a hard or soft science that complements your forensics studies, delivering additional expertise at one low cost. With the interdisciplinary studies in biology, psychology, and sociology that are already baked into the forensics minor, you will graduate with an exceptionally broad skillset.

Kean University (public)
School of Natural Sciences
Union, New Jersey
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Biology – Forensic Science option

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $39,740
In-state tuition $7,282 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Colleges for Social Mobility for 2020
• College is equipped with state-of-the-art labs with some of the most advanced analytical equipment available today
• Chemistry degree is certified by ACS
• Kean offers many study-abroad opportunities for international perspectives in the field
• Engage in research programs with world-class faculty members and enjoy chances to publish or present findings in professional forums
• Strong job-placement and internship programs that align with your career goals

The Kean BS in Chemistry or Biology with Forensic Science option represents an affordable, comprehensive degree with strong scientific roots that provides a practical education in forensic investigations. The fact that you can earn your degree in either chemistry or biology allows you to specialize in the type of forensics that best suits your career goals. In either case, you’ll get some exposure to the other field, along with forensic science fundamentals, the basic elements of criminal justice in America, and an education in detecting, processing, and preserving trace evidence. You’ll learn both on-the-job through Kean’s strong internship and experiential learning partnerships, and in some of the most advanced labs in the state working with modern instrumentation under the guidance of skilled instructors.

Eastern New Mexico University
Department of Physical Sciences
Portales, New Mexico
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Biology
• Forensic Chemistry

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $15,984
In-state tuition $4,598 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Three specialization options allow you to customize your program to fit the forensic investigation niche that interests you the most
• Core program is based on FEPAC requirements
• An extensive skeletal teaching collection offers a range of experience with real human and animal bones
• Faculty are involved in consultation on active cases in the state
• The student-run Forensic Science Society offers opportunities to take on leadership positions on campus and explore events and facilities off-campus

You know a program is special when it can offer a wide range of specialization options without compromising rigor in any one of them, but that’s exactly what you’ll find with the Eastern New Mexico University BS in Forensic Science. The ENMU Department of Physical Sciences is staffed by experienced faculty in each area, whether biology, chemistry, or anthropology, and the sort of dedicated resources and lab support that it takes to build out genuine expertise in each of those areas. Faculty are regularly called in to consult on active, real-world criminal cases, which offers one avenue for you to stay up on the latest developments in the field. Placements in either the on-campus lab or in a position with a local, regional, or state agency round out the program with unmatched opportunities for experiential learning.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice (public)
Department of Sciences
New York, New York
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

• Criminalistics
• Molecular Biology
• Toxicology

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $27,720
In-state tuition $524 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Required internship ensures you have practical, on-the-job experience in the field by the time you graduate
• Undergraduate research involves you in original faculty-sponsored laboratory research that can be presented at meetings or conferences
• Faculty at the school include 3 Pulitzer Prize winners, 7 Distinguished Professors, and 3 Presidential Scholars
• The Lloyd Sealy Library on campus hosts one of the world’s premier criminal justice libraries, offering all the research and reference material you will need

If you’re planning a career in law enforcement, even one in the lab, then why not consider a college that is entirely dedicated to the profession? In New York, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice is your affordable option for exactly that kind of program. At John Jay, justice is a theme that underlies every degree program, and the BS in Forensic Science is no exception. With opportunities to specialize in three different aspects of forensic investigation, you can tailor your studies to deliver a realistic, justice-focused education in core elements of evidence preservation, detection, and analysis, while at the same time developing additional expertise in some of the most in-demand subjects practiced in the field today.

Mercy College (private)
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensics Specialization

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $75,736
$66,649 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• As a nonsectarian Christian school, program applicants are admitted without regard to race, religion, or national or ethnic origin
• The professional and academic diversity of the faculty is one of the key drivers of excellence for this program

You’ll find that forensic science is taught with a special emphasis on the psychology of the criminal mind here at Mercy, with a dedicate course on forensic psychology joining the usual curriculum subjects of forensic science, criminology, criminal investigation, and research methodologies. Your instructors in these courses will include law enforcement officers, attorneys, and other professionals with hands-on roles in the criminal justice system. That’s a program ingredient that offers realistic perspectives based on live field experience and helps develop your theoretical knowledge into practical expertise.

Hilbert College (private)
Criminal Justice Studies Division
Hamburg, New York
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $90,800
$51,585 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• A new, state-of-the-art science laboratory is currently under construction with nearly $500,000 in grants, with high-tech equipment and a flexible design allowing individual or team studies and more student/faculty research projects
• Program involves more than 400 classroom and lab hours of hands-on training and practice
• Faculty have years of experience in the fields they are teaching in
• Enjoy internship placements with forensic labs, law enforcement agencies and other interesting and instructive positions including the DoD Defense Forensics Science Center and local medical examiner’s offices

A strong focus on core elements of basic science is part of what is driving Hilbert to construct a brand new forensic science laboratory on campus, further strengthening an already extensive education in chemical and biological sciences. The school’s forensic DNA analysis methods and interpretation education is some of the most advanced in the field. At the same time, you’ll learn about elements of forensics such as the importance of maintaining the chain of evidence, respecting legal precedent, and the aspects of sociology that apply in forensic investigations. Training in providing effective and bullet-proof expert witness testimony rounds out your education in this well-balanced degree program.

Fayetteville State University (public)
Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $11,928
In-state tuition $7,645 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• A 10 to 1 student to teacher ratio delivers personalized attention from highly-qualified instructors
• A focus on developing technical skills using state-of-the-art equipment means you will spend plenty of time in high-tech lab environments
• The first and only FEPAC-accredited program in the state of North Carolina

At Fayetteville State University you’ll enjoy close, supportive relationships with your instructors, all part of the FSU plan to offer personalized, hands-on training to each and every forensic science student in the program. The curriculum has been accredited by FEPAC and includes not only the hard science lab work that agency demands, but also extensive preparation in report-writing and serving as an expert witness. This kind of preparation includes mock presentations before a board of experts who will critique your style and offer feedback designed to teach you to be cool and confident under pressure.

University of North Carolina – Pembroke (public)
College of Arts and Sciences
Pembroke, North Carolina
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic track

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Criminal Justice – Forensic track

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $13,959
In-state tuition $5,614 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• The unique BIS degree in criminal justice offers an easy option for transferring community college credits if you already have an associate’s degree
• Many classes are offered online for additional flexibility

Between its traditional BS in Chemistry with a forensic track and a unique Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Criminal Justice, UNC Pembroke has forensic studies options to cover students from any background. The BIS is designed as a transfer program, meant for students coming in with an existing associate’s degree, but the broad structure of the curriculum makes for an easy way to specialize in forensics regardless of what you may have been studying previously. Both degrees cover criminal law and investigation principals, while the chemistry degree will have you diving into subjects like biochemistry and DNA analysis with extensive lab time.

North Carolina Central University (public)
College of Arts and Sciences
Durham, North Carolina
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science Concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $14,912
In-state tuition $4,661 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• On-campus resource centers include the Center for Science, Math, and Technology Education and the Center for the Advancement of Justice Studies & Policy
• Develop your skills in labs including the Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, a multidisciplinary facility with 40,000 square feet of high-tech research laboratories and libraries
• Seminars and classes at the Institute for Homeland Security and Workforce Development will hone your law enforcement skills and prepare you to enter the world of forensic investigations

An affordable and effective education is what North Carolina Central University promises, and the BS in Chemistry with a Forensic Science Concentration delivers. If you are looking for a strong program in general chemistry, molecular biology, and organic and inorganic chemistry to base your career on, look no further. Courses in criminal investigation and forensic science applications take your skills out of the theoretical realm and into practical, lab-based investigative techniques, practiced in state-of-the-art facilities with expert instructors always there to offer support.

Appalachian State University (public)
Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Science
Boone, North Carolina
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $16,968
In-state tuition $2,605 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Students typically graduate to multiple job offers and the ability to work within any area of the profession
• State-of-the-art lab technology at ASU includes high performance liquid chromatographs, spectrophotometers, and infrared spectroscopes
• Professors focus entirely on undergraduate education and frequently involve students in research projects and presentations at the national and regional levels
• Learn from weekly seminar discussions that bring national leaders in the field to campus for lectures and learning opportunities
• Participate in meetings of the Forensic Club or the Appalachian Chemical Society (the local ACS chapter) for even more extracurricular networking and learning

Appalachian State is an extremely affordable school that nonetheless has a stellar reputation in the forensic science field. Most students have multiple job offers by the time they graduate and go on to work at major crime labs, including with the FBI, local police departments and the North Carolina State Crime Lab. More than half of students go on to post-graduate education, finding easy acceptance at major universities like Wake Forest and Duke. Your options are wide open with a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State, and your bank account will thank you for it.

University of North Carolina – Wilmington (public)
Department of Sociology and Criminology
Wilmington, North Carolina
Website

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $17,768
In-state tuition $1,805 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Core criminology degree courses are offered both on campus and online, while forensic classes are delivered in the traditional format, allowing a flexible hybrid degree plan

A wide array of elective options drawing from both social and behavioral sciences allow you a lot of latitude in designing a focus as a student of the University of North Carolina BA in Criminology-Forensic Science minor. Those course options allow you to build a program that aligns closely with your personal goals in forensic investigation. Whether you want to dive into the rigors of anatomy, genetics, and biochemistry, or focus more on abnormal and forensic psychology and bioethics, this highly respected interdisciplinary program has you covered. The core criminology degree can be taken either on campus or online, making this an option that is as flexible as it is affordable for forensic studies.

East Carolina University (public)
Department of Criminal Justice
Greenville, North Carolina
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $17,808
In-state tuition $1,765 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Extraordinary learning and leadership opportunities include student organizations, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, and strong field and internships experiences, including study abroad options
• An annual career fair provides networking and engagement opportunities with potential employers
• The new JUST Connect alumni and supporter network will keep you in touch with peers and other alumni throughout your career
• The department offers consulting and research services to law enforcement agencies, exposing you to current cases and real-world advances in the course of your studies

A minor in forensics from some schools can be a little underwhelming, but that’s not the case at Eastern Carolina! You’ll get a full-spectrum exposure to the forensic aspects of criminal investigation, from biometric identifiers, to bodily fluid and ballistics analysis, to tool marks, to blood pattern mapping. It’s all delivered through a combination of classroom, laboratory, and mock crime scene study, utilizing high-tech tools and techniques like computerized faction reconstruction, digital fingerprint mapping, and 3-D crime scene reconstruction. With expert instructors bringing years of real-world experience to bear, and a solid research program that involves outside agencies and current topics in forensic science, you’ll graduate from ECU fully prepared for a career in any crime lab.

University of North Dakota
College of Arts & Sciences
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – Evidence Analyst Track

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $32,847
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited school in North Dakota

Accredited by HLC

• The Summer Field School offers opportunities to practice hands-on forensic anthropology in the field
• Opportunity to attend annual meetings of the AAFS, giving you the chance to build a strong network in the field even before graduation
• The campus Forensic Science Club offers social gatherings, presentations, and other educational outreach efforts
• Graduates have gone on to take positions in law enforcement and other fields in at least seven other states

Human osteology, anatomy, forensic anthropology… these are just a few of the courses you’ll take in the University of North Dakota BS in Forensic Science – Evidence Analyst Track, a program that puts practical forensics work above theoretical science. The Evidence Analyst track puts you in the lab, but it’s lab time that is aggressively focused on applied forensics work, using studies of biometry, organic chemistry, and biology to build your expertise in forensic analysis. You’ll also study public speaking, and undertake an applied experience course that develops your critical thinking skills and offers an opportunity to both integrate and apply your knowledge by working with real cases in a real-world environment.

Miami University (public)
Department of Justice and Community Studies
Oxford, Ohio
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and Investigation

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $22,674
In-state tuition $10,517 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Regional locations allow you the flexibility to find a nearby location to attend classes
• Graduates have gone on to work at labs including the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office Crime Lab, the Miami Valley Regional Criminal Lab, and the FDA Forensic Chemistry Center among other locations

The Miami University program in forensic science finds its place alongside other degree programs at the school covering criminal justice and forensic investigation. This means you get exposure to both the hard science and laboratory elements of criminal investigation, alongside broad-based, interdisciplinary exposure to the overall criminal justice process. You’ll hone your analytical and critical thinking skills, engaging in hands-on problem solving with cutting-edge technology, all while boosting your quantitative literacy and practicing what it means to be an ethical and civic-minded forensic scientist today.

Youngstown State University (public)
Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies
Youngstown, Ohio
Website

Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Forensic Science

• Anthropology
• Biology
• Chemistry

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with minor in Forensic Anthropology

Semester Credits: 121/120
Estimated Program Cost: $28,438
In-state tuition $4,753 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• The only Ohio university to offer a crime scene lab for hands-on experience for students
• A required senior internship placement ensures that you get real, experiential learning through at least 45 hours working in a forensic laboratory
• Three separate tracks in the BSASFS offer additional specialization opportunities
• Graduates have gone on to employment at regional and national forensic centers such as the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office, Omega Laboratories, and the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory

Realistic mock crime scenes and laboratory exercises are among the hallmarks of the hands-on education you get at Youngstown. Whether you plan to focus on DNA analysis, toxicology and ballistics, or other specializations within the forensic science field, as a student here you’ll get a focused and expert education in the subject. With the option of a dedicated forensic science anthropology track or a full anthropology degree with a forensics minor, the program is well-suited to the study of forensic identification and remains analysis.

Ashland University (private)
College of Arts & Sciences
Ashland, Ohio
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $88,000
$38,557 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• Chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society
• Ashland has received more than $1 million in federal funding for research since 1997
• Study in outstanding facilities with top-notch equipment
• The International Collaboration Research Center at Ashland connects talented undergraduate researchers with a worldwide network of scientists
• Biology degree coursework meets FBI standards for forensic laboratory DNA analysis

Applying biological or chemical principles and the scientific process to criminal investigations is the key focus of both the forensic biology and forensic chemistry degree programs at Ashland. Strong and well-funded research programs help drive home those basic principles, which you will learn in high-quality laboratory environments as you perform hands-on experimentation and analysis. A high level of expertise in forensic toxicology and molecular biology offers advantages for students looking to specialize in those high-demand areas. With students frequently finding placements with the FBI, the Ohio Patrol, and the DEA, that kind of education is clearly valuable in the market for forensics experts.

University of Central Oklahoma (public)
Forensic Science Institute
Edmond, Oklahoma
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

• Digital Forensics
• Molecular Biology
• Chemistry

Semester Credits: 139
Estimated Program Cost: $31,810
In-state tuition $9,495 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• FEPAC-accredited program
• Professional training events offer dedicated workshops on subjects such as Moot Court and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis in conjunction with professional organizations like the Oklahoma Gang Investigator’s Association, U.S. Attorney’s offices, and the FBI
• The campus Center for Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Studies offers rare and comprehensive training for fish and wildlife forensics investigations
• Organizations like the Student Academy of Forensic Science offer networking and extracurricular learning opportunities

UCO offers a lot of opportunities to get involved in the forensics community early on, and the right kind of knowledge to make you a key participant in the lab, the courtroom, or at conferences. With three distinct tracks offering training in the most in-demand branches of forensic science, you can develop your expertise as a key player at the cutting edge in digital forensics, DNA analysis, or toxicology and chemical analysis. Although there is no reason to think you won’t get exactly what you need from the three available specializations, there’s even more flexibility baked into the UCO program… a general studies BSFS can be paired with any degree program at the university to allow you to specialize your forensic expertise in the areas of psychology, sociology, or nursing.

Western Oregon University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Monmouth, Oregon
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Anthropology

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Minor in Forensic Science

Quarter Credits: 163
Estimated Program Cost: $19,0400/$30,807
In-state tuition $4,267 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by NWCCU

• Every student is assigned multiple advisers for a diversity of perspectives on course and career planning
• Students learn how to use maps, measurements, and spatial information to reconstruct crime scenes accurately

You can come at forensic science from two different angles at Western Oregon University, either starting out firmly on the law enforcement/investigative side of the table as a criminal justice major and branching into forensic anthropology, or going hard on the science with a BS in chemistry that tacks on an investigative element in the form of a forensics minor. Both paths deliver hands-on experience and training in the details of analysis that matter in forensic lab work. The chemistry path serves as excellent preparation for specialization in forensic toxicology or DNA analysis, while the forensic anthropology minor offers both DNA education and osteology alongside the sociological aspects of criminal analysis.

Kutztown University (public)
Department of Criminal Justice
Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Studies

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Learn from an up-to-date curriculum taught by experienced professors who are active researchers and scholars with involvement in organizations like the ASC and ACJS
• Students have many opportunities to taken part in exciting, hands-on learning experiences through department connections with many prestigious agencies in the field
• On-campus speaker forums from experts in critical topics in the field further expand your perspectives in forensic science
• A twice-a-year Career Development Day offers networking opportunities and a chance to line up your dream job well before graduation

Forensic science curriculum joins a solid, experience-based BA in Criminal Justice when adding the minor in Forensic Studies at Kutztown. This program will expand your investigative and lab skills far beyond the average. A broad approach ensures that you graduate with experience under your belt in investigative arts ranging from forensic anthropology and archaeological field methods to digital forensics to psychology in law enforcement. It’s a full-spectrum approach to forensic science that prepares you to advance in any specialization in the field, either on the job after you graduate or through advanced studies at the graduate level.

California University of Pennsylvania (public)
College of Liberal Arts
California, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology – Forensic concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Students are fully engaged in both study and research in a department that fosters a strong sense of community, including regular interaction with alumni working in the field
• Students have assisted the Pennsylvania State Police on casework in active criminal investigations
• An active Anthropology Club offers the opportunity to engage in extracurricular networking and learning events
• Students here have won awards at the PASSHE STEM Conference and from the Society for Pennsylvania Archeology
• Cal U’s SAI Farm delivers an in-the-field experience in burial site analysis using laser TOTAL technology and ground-penetrating radar, just like real-world crime labs

You’ll have no problem racking up valuable field experience in the Cal U anthropology program, studying simulated burials at the university’s body farm as well as taking part in live archeological digs both domestically and internationally. All phases of archeological and forensic fieldwork are covered, from unearthing remains to the presentation of findings, an important aspect of building convincing criminal cases. With professors who have served as consultants for popular CSI television programs like Bones and Criminal Minds, you have the chance to brush up against the kind of experiences dramatized in these shows that may have inspired you to get into the field in the first place.

Edinboro University (public)
College of Science and Health Professions
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Graduates have gone on to notable forensic science laboratories, working for agencies like the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Massachusetts State Police
• Hands-on experience with instruments such as infrared and X-ray spectroscopes, mass spectrometers, and chromatographs gives you a state-of-the-art skillset in forensic science technology
• Internship opportunities are available at local, state, and federal forensic science laboratories as well as a variety of private sector labs

A multidisciplinary program at Edinboro offers a strong foundation in the areas of chemistry, biology, and criminal justice with plenty of hands-on experience in modern, state-of-the-art lab facilities guided by accomplished faculty members. Instruction is delivered in small, personalized lectures and lab courses, ensuring you have the right kind of attention from instructors while learning about high-tech equipment and techniques. You’ll also spend time developing both written and interpersonal skills that will serve you well in building rock-solid reports and delivering compelling expert testimony about your findings.

Slippery Rock University (public)
Department of Chemistry
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Small class sizes and high quality instruction offer students the opportunity to engage one-on-one with faculty
• Many undergraduate research opportunities involve hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation in well-equipped laboratories
• Chemistry Club offers another avenue for dedicated students to expand their studies and networking opportunities

At the Slippery Rock University Department of Chemistry BS in Forensic Chemistry, you’ll get a broad-spectrum course of instruction in forensic analysis that includes the principles of biology and genetics alongside extensive training in chemistry and laboratory practices. Classes in criminology and criminal investigation offer a degree that incorporates practical applications alongside the theoretical exploration of forensics, showing you how to apply your knowledge in the field as you develop compelling cases based on hard scientific analysis.

Cheyney University (public)
Department of Natural and Applied Sciences
Cheyney, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Biology – Forensic Science concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Enjoy a supportive and nurturing STEM-education environment that stresses life-long learning and problem-solving
• A university study abroad program delivers a chance at new learning experiences, perspectives, and life-long friendships overseas
• The Academic Success Center provides a resource for scholastic support where every member of the staff is fully committed to improving your confidence, discipline, and skill

With an emphasis on core research and scientific skills, your BS in Biology with a Forensic Science concentration from the Cheyney University Department of Natural and Applied Sciences can help qualify you not only for a successful role in a crime lab, but also for ongoing graduate education or opportunities in other STEM fields. Biology, chemistry, the principles of genetics, and biochemistry and physiology are all among the subjects covered in depth in this affordable program that beats the state average tuition rate by nearly $13,000!

Lock Haven University (public)
Department of Chemistry
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry track

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Lock Haven boasts an ACS-approved degree program, the highest rating available in the United States
• Study in seven large teaching laboratories with specialized equipment and facilities, as well as five smaller research labs for students and faculty
• Major internships are available with large local corporations and through NSF Summer Research Experiences
• State-of-the-art instrumentation available on campus include mass spectrometers, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, and high pressure liquid chromatographs
• Independent and faculty-led research programs are both available and encouraged for students as early as their second year of the program

The Lock Haven BS in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry track includes an interactive, hands-on approach to teaching, comprehensive chemistry curriculum, and lots of time spent in the school’s high-tech labs. The entire learning experience within the Department of Chemistry serves to emphasize your core chemistry knowledge and practices, giving you the hard science grounding you need while getting you familiar with the lab environment and training you in lab protocols and processes so you can step into the role with confidence on day one. For the forensic chemistry track, you’ll study four of the five major areas of chemistry before branching out into biology courses covering DNA analysis and learning criminal investigation procedures to hone your legal and evidence-processing skills.

West Chester University (public)
Chemistry Department
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,864
In-state tuition $12,383 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• FEPAC-accredited degree program
• The teaching and research infrastructure at the school includes state-of-the-art equipment for investigations into chemical separations, structure determination, spectroscopic analysis, and optical and electron microscopy
• Internship work-study course in your senior year places you in a clinical, commercial, government, or industrial laboratory for real-world practice in techniques applicable to forensic toxicology and criminalistics

The BS in Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry at West Chester is designed to cultivate chemistry professionals who enjoy a sound combination of fundamental knowledge in the field of chemistry with the basic forensic science concepts, lab skills, and analytical techniques to achieve success in any forensic science lab or law enforcement environment. In addition to the extensive lab skills, you’ll also acquire scientific writing and oral communication skills to ensure you have the ability to communicate your findings and present effective and convincing expert testimony about them in court.

University of Scranton (private)
Chemistry Department
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry with Minor in Criminal Justice

Semester Credits: 123.5
Estimated Program Cost: $45,390
$83,859 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Program is approved by the American Chemical Society and exceeds National Institute of Justice standards and aligns closely with FEPAC requirements
• High-tech facilities include the Loyal Science Center, equipped with diode-array UV-visible spectrophotometers and high performance liquid chromatographs
• The rigorous, Jesuit-influenced curriculum offers a well-rounded, experiential slate of coursework with strong faculty mentoring
• Excellent research and internship opportunities are available

Scranton offers chemistry graduates a competitive edge through a program that combines strong levels of academic support and mentoring to further boost the progress of ambitious self-starter students. The school is the perfect size, with enough funding and space to offer an impressive array of instruments, while having class sizes small enough to give you plenty of time to master them. Preparation plus support, such as the Center for Career Development, and through organizations like the Chemistry Club, develop graduates who are accepted to graduate programs at nearly twice the national rate.

Keystone College (private)
Turock School of Arts and Sciences
La Plume, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $58,000
$71,249 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Internships are available to help you gain experiential learning opportunities during your course of instruction
• Undergraduates may have opportunities to work with significant faculty-led research projects
• Students often attend professional conferences of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Northwester Association of Forensic Sciences as well as other professional training and networking opportunities
• Study abroad options can take your education overseas and provide opportunities to gain international perspectives in forensic analysis

Keystone delivers a multidisciplinary program that goes through all the natural and physical science elements of biology and chemical analysis, and then delivers an introduction to the law and criminal justice, as well as courses in courtroom procedure and delivering expert testimony that will prepare you to present your findings confidently. You’ll develop the habits of ethical and professional investigative practice while mastering the advanced scientific skills in trace evidence detection, chain of evidence preservation, and analysis that can make or break a criminal case.

York College (private)
Kinsley School of Engineering, Sciences, and Technology
York, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry

Semester Credits: 124/120
Estimated Program Cost: $75,640
$53,609 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• State-of-the-art chemistry and biology labs develop your instrumentation skills through practical, hands-on experience
• Graduates of the program have been employed by agencies like the Baltimore County Police Department, the DC Government Department of Forensic Sciences, and the New Jersey State Police
• Students attend conferences around the country and around the world for additional educational and networking experience

Forensic chemists studying at York combine the sophisticated laboratory science of chemistry with the analytical techniques and legal acumen of forensics required to become top-notch scientists in the field. Graduates from the program have mastered the skills and theory necessary to identify and analyze physical evidence, deduce how it came to the scene, and what the ties may be to suspects in the case. Working with real-life medical examiners and crunching data from real cases, students at York get the kind of experiential learning that molds top scientists in the field of forensics.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (private)
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Integrative Sciences – Forensics concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $95,600
$33,649 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• Study at the only nonprofit science and technology-focused university between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
• Participation in the STEM-Up program offers additional chances for the advancement of working professional women in STEM fields like forensic science

An integrative sciences degree offers a fresh approach to developing the skills valuable to forensic science by acknowledging the commonalities between biology and chemistry and developing a central program that offers the kind of core science education and advanced lab skills required in both fields. That kind of cross-disciplinary approach is perfect for forensic science education, which operates with a foot in both fields. The forensics concentration leverages that strength into a compelling education in lab-based science along with essential aspects of criminal profiling, crime scene investigation, and other legal considerations in the field. The program even has time for a few specialized courses in areas like forensic population studies, forensic entomology, and forensic computing, offering you a chance to hone your skill even further.

Waynesburg University (private)
Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $98,760
$30,489 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by MSCHE

• The Forensic Chemistry degree is an official ACS-approved program
• Recently remodeled chemistry facilities now offer the same instrumentation and layout as professional forensic and chemistry laboratories
• Hands-on classes frequently have fewer than 15 students, giving you plenty of chances to interact with the instructor and handle lab instruments yourself
• Explore mock crime scenes, take advantage of the CSI summer camp, and enjoy opportunities to join professional organizations like the American Chemical Society and on-campus groups like the Forensic Science Club to both network with other professionals and expand your skills

Combining modern biology and chemistry lectures with state-of-the-art lab-based research projects, you’ll enjoy a depth of expertise in the hard sciences behind forensic analysis that few other programs can match. With a cluster of specialized forensics programs available at Waynesburg, you can choose the degree that best matches your professional ambitions while still enjoying all the advantages of a cross-disciplinary education delivered by experts in their respective fields. Go as deep into the hard sciences as you like with degrees in forensic biology and forensic chemistry, or go for the BS in Forensic Science and become a highly-adaptable generalist investigator with skills in both.

University of Rhode Island (public)
Department of Chemistry
Kingston, Rhode Island
Website

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Science/Digital Forensics

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Track

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $116,528
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited public school in Rhode Island

Accredited by NECHE

• The first chemistry and forensic chemistry major offered in a public university in New England, with world-renowned experts in the faculty roster
• Access to the school’s Digital Forensics and Cyber Security Center offers opportunities to work with leading experts and real-world agencies in a state-of-the-art lab
• The Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory is also run by the university and provides scientific support for analyzing trace evidence, firearms, tool marks, and latent prints in active criminal cases
• Forensic Science Seminar series has offered expert speakers from BATF, the DEA, the FBI, various police departments, and medical examiners’ offices
• Practicum requirements in the forensics minor can be completed as a research project or off-campus internship

As a program that is center-stage for many real-world forensics investigations taking place in Rhode Island and New England, the University of Rhode Island degree programs in the forensic sciences offer unprecedented access for students who are anxious to cut their teeth on actual evidence being processed in ongoing criminal investigations. With equally strong resources and expertise on tap in both chemical and digital forensics, you can select either degree plan and be respected in your specialty after graduation. A combination of top-notch scientific training and street-smart law enforcement knowledge is the key feature here, and will set you up with the practical training and theoretical grounding to see to it perpetrators are locked-up.

Upstate University of South Carolina (public)
Division of Natural Science and Engineering
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic concentration

Semester Credits: 126
Estimated Program Cost: $44,832
In-state tuition $5,082 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Program is certified by the American Chemical Society
• Undergraduate research is encouraged, with many students being asked to present at scientific meetings
• The on-campus, student-led Chemistry Club invites guest speakers in a variety of topics, offers hands-on activities, and participates in community projects

An ACS-certified curriculum ensures that the theoretical and laboratory education underlying your BSC at the Upstate University of South Carolina meets all the industry standards that are followed in forensics laboratories. With criminal justice courses integrated throughout the program, you’ll combine that strong scientific education with a practical perspective on social and criminalistics issues that also impact forensic investigations. Finally, studies in ethics prepare you for the high standards of the justice system in pursuing and convicting criminals using scientific methods.

Lander University (public)
College of Science and Mathematics
Greenwood, South Carolina
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Science emphasis

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Forensic Science emphasis

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $46,800
In-state tuition $3,114 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Study in tech-infused classrooms, labs, and lecture halls, where state-of-the-art equipment is used for both lab work and educational support
• A low student/faculty ratio, about 10:1 in upper division courses, ensures that you will receive plenty of individual attention from professors
• Faculty also include accomplished scholars and published researchers, each committed to transferring their knowledge and ensuring your success in the field

If you are intrigued by the physical and chemical patterns left at crime scenes, and have an intense drive to uncover the connections and motivations they reveal, then the Lander University bachelor’s programs offering a forensic science emphasis are the options for you. In the chemistry program, courses in criminalistics, microscopical methods, and toxicology give you the hands-on experience and skills required to be competitive in the job market. The BSES forensic emphasis turns you into a different kind of forensic investigator, one with the knowledge and skills to track crimes at an entirely different level, evaluating pollution incidents and contamination to determine sources and liability. In both cases, your technical and problem-solving skills will be more than equal to the task of building and finishing cases.

Columbia College (private)
Women’s College
Columbia, South Carolina
Website

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Forensic track

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $79,560
$20,274 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• School is one of only sixteen FBI Academy Alliance partner schools in the United States
• The degree is offered on-campus as a Women’s College program, or can be taken online as a co-educational program

A strong core criminal justice degree from Columbia can be enhanced with courses in forensic DNA analysis, studies in toxicology, and a prestigious FBI Fingerprint Recognition and Comparison course that is available at only a handful of FBI Academy Alliance partners. Since Columbia is among those partners, you’re in luck, learning from the most highly-acclaimed experts in the field, studying both theoretical aspects of forensics and real-world case studies to give you a practical edge both in the lab and in the field.

Middle Tennessee State University (public)
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Website

Bachelor of Science/Arts in Anthropology with Minor in Forensic Anthropology

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $36,000
In-state tuition $5,012 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Program qualifies for the Academic Common Market, which may allow you to pay in-state tuition even if you are coming from out-of-state
• A diverse group of students ensure that you will experience new perspectives and a variety of paths into forensic investigations
• Experience cutting-edge research into key considerations in forensic science, including trace evidence processing

The BSFS at MTSU is a joint offering from the departments of biology, chemistry, and criminal justice administration, which means you get an education from experts focused in every distinct aspect of the field. Although some courses touch on aspects of criminal investigations, both the anthropology and the forensic science majors here are primarily concerned with lab-based, practical, hard-science knowledge and experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research in the field as well as join an internship program that will give you hands-on experience in a real lab facility working on actual forensics investigations.

Tennessee Wesleyan University (private)
Department of Social Sciences
Athens, Texas
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science emphasis

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $95,600
$4,774 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• A criminal justice internship offers practical experience and knowledge through an on-the-ground placement with a law enforcement agency in the community

TWU offers an all-encompassing, interdisciplinary, and professionally-oriented approach to criminal justice and forensic science education. You will be exposed to aspects of crime and criminal justice from correctional theory to sociology, all of it helping you to better understand the context of your forensic investigations. Courses in trial practice and the introduction and rules of evidence will give you the skills you need to present your analyses in court to maximum effect.

Texas A&M University – Central Texas (public)
College of Arts and Sciences
Killeen, Texas
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Investigation

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $18,464
In-state tuition $22,554 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Join the student Criminal Justice Association to engage in service in the local community and region, while gaining experiencing and making valuable contacts along the way
• A supportive environment created by highly-qualified faculty members with real-world and scholarly experience ensures that your learning goals are met

The TAMUCT BS in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Forensic Investigation draws on not only the physical and biological aspects of examining evidence, but also delves into the anthropological and social elements of criminal investigations. This well-rounded program even delivers a course in interviewing techniques alongside the more lab-based instruction you’ll get in the hard sciences. Specialized courses in serial murder and medicolegal death investigation prepare you to perform a critical analysis of trace evidence and develop patterns of behavior and evidence that can lead to identifying and convicting perpetrators.

University of Texas at Tyler (public)
Division of Criminal Justice
Tyler, Texas
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Minor in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $26,160
In-state tuition $14,858 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Program is based on current curriculum recommendations from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
• A small department and class sizes typically under 20 students creates a close environment where you will have the full benefit of getting to know both professors and fellow students
• An elective option in GIS offers highly technical and specialized education in crime scene re-creation

A forensic science minor is a valuable addition to the core BS in Criminal Justice at UTT. With specialized classes in forensic chemistry, crime science processing, and courtroom testimony, you get a full-spectrum preparation for detecting, analyzing, and delivering your findings in criminal cases. The minor also has an excellent range of electives available that allow you the option to specialize in areas that interest you, teaching everything from anthropology to entomology to drugs and behavioral analysis.

Wayland Baptist University (private)
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Plainview, Texas
Website

Bachelor of Science in Justice Administration – Forensics specialization

Semester Credits: 124
Estimated Program Cost: $88,288
$47,472 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• A potential double-major offered here with either chemistry or molecular biology can tremendously boost your lab experience and scientific knowledge
• Highly qualified and experienced faculty deliver real-world expertise in criminal and legal subjects

Dedicated to the study of people and the human experience, the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Wayland Baptist might seem like an odd place to study forensic science. But when you understand that the social and psychological aspects that drive criminal behavior also inevitably impact evidence and criminal patterns, the BS in Justice Administration with Forensics specialization here starts to make a lot of sense. Since students are heavily encouraged to combine the degree with a double-major in a hard science discipline, all of the scientific and key instrumental analysis techniques will be covered through extensive lab experience. The courses in criminal law, investigations, forensic psychology, and other behavioral matters that come with the BSJA will round you off as a complete expert in forensic studies.

Utah Valley University
Criminal Justice Department
Orem, Utah
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – Forensic Laboratory concentration

Semester Credits: 126
Estimated Program Cost: $20,488
In-state tuition $2,357 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by NWCCU

• You’ll receive training in a fully equipped state/federal level forensic laboratory
• Students here have received a total of six medals in the SkillsUSA competition, putting the school into first place nationally
• Faculty include former FBI, defense attorneys, local police, and other legal professionals with first-hand experience in forensics
• A brand new crime scene house offers both interior and exterior spaces to replicate real crime scenes

Hands-on is the name of the game at Utah Valley University when it comes to forensic science. Whether it’s examining a buried pig corpse, evaluating evidence retrieved from a mock crime scene house, or torching a vehicle to gain first-hand expertise in evaluating arson scenes, students here better be prepared to get their hands dirty for one of the most affordable and effective multidisciplinary programs in forensics available in the U.S. With a state-of-the-art teaching crime lab with the same equipment you can expect to find in real-world law enforcement labs, you’ll take your theoretical knowledge and demonstrate it through practical evidence evaluations. Ethical, legal, and psychological factors in forensic lab work are also covered, giving you a broad spectrum education at a low price.

Virginia State University (public)
Department of Chemistry
Virginia State University, Virginia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry concentration

Semester Credits: 125
Estimated Program Cost: $22,160
In-state tuition $22,160 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Complete internships with regional partners to get field experience working on real forensics investigations
• Professional assistance helps you develop your own customized research program as well as future plans for employment or entering graduate school

An effective, in-depth chemistry bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University is complemented by a set of criminal justice electives that allow you to customize your degree plan to match your career goals. Forensic and advanced chemistry lab courses here are combined with microbiology and biochemistry classes. This makes sure you get the biology background required for advanced DNA, hair follicle, and other bio-evidence analysis so that you graduate with the kind of superb lab skills that forensics labs are looking for. It’s an exceptional program in its own right, and with a total tuition cost that comes in at more than $22,000 below the average for similar programs in the state, it’s also one of the most affordable.

Liberty University (private)
Department of Biology & Chemistry
Lynchburg, Virginia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $95,200
$33,484 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• Relationships with local, regional, and national forensic science laboratories like the Toxicology Section of the CME for DC, the Virginia Department of Forensic Science, and NMS Laboratories offers internship, research, and partnership opportunities
• The Liberty Washington Fellowship further offers a semester-long internship with the FBI or NCIS, while the New York City Fellowship can put you in the Big Apple to study with some of the finest forensic scientists in the world
• The Center for Natural Sciences has state-of-the-art research laboratories including a cadaver lab, tissue culture facility, and LICOR imager

Interdisciplinary training in chemistry, biology, and criminal justice are the courses at the core of every good forensic science program, and they are center stage here in Liberty University’s BSFS degree. Trace evidence and DNA analysis are covered in depth, while career preparation is conducted both through coursework and the many networking opportunities you will have through various school relationships to local, national, and regional crime labs. Six research laboratories and 20 major-specific teaching labs ensure you receive plenty of hands-on experience with the kind of tools and techniques you’ll be using in the field after graduation.

Hampton University (private)
School of Science
Hampton, Virginia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry concentration

Semester Credits: 126
Estimated Program Cost: $99,800
$28,884 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by SACSCOC

• American Chemical Society-certified degree program
• Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular programs such as the student-affiliate ACS chapter and the National Technical Association
• Facilities include UV-VIS spectrometers, dual chamber digital flame photometers, mass spectrometers, and a refrigerated ultracentrifuge, ensuring you learn on some of the most up-to-date technology available
• The Undergraduate Research Program has you working with Chemistry faculty to develop skills and interest in active chemistry research as early as your freshman year

Hampton University treats the forensic chemistry concentration with their BS in Chemistry as an applied science program, integrating scientific knowledge with skills in detection, analysis, interpretation, and testimony in criminal cases. This means you get the full spectrum of experience, from the initial laboratory work up through preparation in presenting your findings in written reports or at trial. With additional support in content areas such as biology, computer science, and mathematics, you’ll get the kind of training that modern crime labs are looking for.

Eastern Washington University
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Cheney, Washington
Website

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Biochemistry – Forensic Science option

Quarter Credits: 149
Estimated Program Cost: $26,088
The only bachelor-level forensics program offered at an accredited private school in the state of Washington

Accredited by NWCCU

• A partnership with the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory Division provides internship opportunities for students
• Guest lecturers from outside agencies regularly make presentations at the university providing a wide range of perspectives in forensics
• Research and independent study are encouraged

A rigorous course of study in biology, genetics, physics, math, and advanced chemistry lays the groundwork for your forensic investigations in the low-cost EWU BS program in Chemistry/Biochemistry located in scenic Cheney, Washington. An electronics lab course builds your technological acumen, while an array of electives ranging from microbiology to public speaking allow you to tailor your education to fit your career plan. Whatever your path, a senior capstone project helps you tie it all together so you’re ready to hit the ground running when you’re hired after graduation.

Bluefield State College (public)
School of Arts & Sciences
Bluefield, West Virginia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration – Forensic Investigation concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $29,952
In-state tuition $3,437 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• The school has 5,000 square feet of facility space dedicated to undergraduate research, including one chemistry and four biology labs
• Faculty work closely with students, mentoring them both in the classroom and at the lab for a personalized education

The forensic science concentration in the BS in Criminal Justice Administration at Bluefield is aimed squarely at preparing students for careers in federal or state law enforcement. Aiming that high means studying hard and developing a focus, which the school offers through courses in firearms and tool marks, victimology, sexual assault investigations, and legal research. You’ll also have a strong exposure to criminal justice processes and the rules and ethics of practicing criminal procedure and evidence management.

Fairmont State University (public)
Department of Natural Sciences
Fairmont, West Virginia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,952
In-state tuition $2,437 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited public schools

Accredited by HLC

• Curriculum aligned with FEPAC standards
• A Crime House offers hands-on experience in collecting and preserving evidence as well as reconstructing crime scenes
• The Forensic Science Club offers networking and study opportunities outside of class, including field trips to destinations like the National Museum of Crime and Punishment

You will master skills in problem solving, qualitative reasoning, and legal analysis and application alongside the core program of scientific laboratory procedures with the Fairmont State BS in Forensic Science. Designed to support you either in direct employment after graduation or as preparation for further advanced studies in the field, you’ll study biological principles, organic chemistry, and other hard science courses in the lab, while specialized elective options in forensic toxicology, anthropology, osteology, and fingerprint analysis can allow you to zoom in on whatever areas of practice interest you most.

American Public University (private)
Charles Town, West Virginia
Website

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Digital Forensics concentration

Semester Credits: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $34,200
$40,800 LESS than the state average for forensic programs at accredited private schools

Accredited by HLC

• A fully online program with monthly start dates delivers complete flexibility for earning your degree around other personal and professional commitments
• Courses are taught by highly credentialed instructors who have years of experience in key positions with government agencies

It’s fitting that a specialized degree focused on digital forensic science is available entirely online, and that combination offers you amazing flexibility in attending class while still taking in a first-rate education in one of the most cutting-edge aspects of forensics today. Digital forensic investigations are unique and require a combination of skilled programming and analysis techniques with strong knowledge of legal and security considerations. APU covers the entire range, teaching you how to analyze networks and file systems, assess possible corporate and national espionage, and investigate e-mail and wireless attacks. The special subject of digital chain of custody procedures is closely covered, as are initial incident response protocols… a critical part of forensics in a specialty where the crime may be ongoing even as the investigators assess the evidence.