What Kind of Degrees Are Offered at Forensic Science Colleges?

One of the important things to know about studying forensic science is that there isn’t one specific degree path to a career in criminal forensics. There are a variety of forensic science colleges and other online colleges and universities offering an array of degrees related to the field that will put you on the road to working as a forensic science technician.

For instance, Kaplan University offers multiple online degrees related to forensic science. They offer a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice that allows students to choose one of several emphasis areas, including crime scene investigation, another term for the field of forensic criminology. The degree focuses on the techniques used in collecting and analyzing crime scene evidence and how to study crime scenes for valuable evidence. The university also offers a certificate in forensic nursing for registered nurses looking to advance their careers with a track in criminal justice. A forensic nurse’s duties include working with detectives at crime scenes to collect evidence and log blood and tissue samples, as well as the identification of injuries and deaths and determining their causes. The degrees target different types of students but both lead to rewarding careers in forensic science.

Similarly, American InterContinental University offers an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic science, designed to prepare students for working with evidence in a variety of vital roles within the criminal justice system. There are also lower level degrees available from forensic science colleges, such as Everest College Online, which offers an associate’s degree in criminal investigations. The program is designed to give students a background in crime scene work, fingerprinting, and other specialties to help them find work with investigation units or with state, local, or federal government.

This is just a sampling of the degrees on offer from forensic science colleges. But whether it’s an associate, bachelor’s, or certificate, a degree in forensic science will give you training in vital criminal justice investigative techniques.