Forensic Science Masters Degree | Master in Forensic Science

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Online Forensic Science Degree Programs


Forensic science utilizes scientific principles and methods to settle legal issues. The occupation has earned recognition due to several popular television shows, but the everyday responsibilities of forensic science play a significant role in helping law enforcement. Forensic scientists are essential factors in solving crimes. They analyze the physical evidence, write reports for law enforcement, and provide expert witnesses testimony in trials. Despite the glamorous portrayal this career sees on television, most of what the forensic scientists do is very technical, but still very intriguing.

Forensic science is divided into many divisions, including:

* Criminalistics: the study of evidence in a crime lab and use science to explain
* Digital forensics: the recovery of evidence from electronic/digital media
* Forensic anthropology: the examination of skeletal human remains
* Forensic archeology: the use of archeological techniques in seeking evidence
* Forensic DNA analysis: the examination of human DNA
* Forensic entomology: the inspection of insects on or near human remains
* Forensic geology: the study of soils, minerals, and petroleum
* Forensic meteorology: the study of past weather conditions
* Forensic odontology: the study of teeth
* Forensic pathology: the combining of principles of medicine and pathology
* Forensic psychology: the study of the minds of suspected criminals
* Forensic toxicology: the measurement of the effect of drugs/poisons in the body
* Forensic document examination: the examination of elements of disputed documents, such as handwriting.


Forensic Science Masters Degree Programs

Forensic science degree programs accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Science are provided online for many degree levels. Your educational goals will dictate whether you select an associate's degree in forensic science, a bachelor's in forensic science or forensics and pathology, or a bachelor's in biology, toxicology, meteorology, natural science, or geology with a focus on forensic science. You can also pursue a master's or a PhD in forensic science. You can also earn a certificate in forensic science.

Although coursework differs depending on the desired degree, you will gain a solid foundation in science and math with electives in biology, calculus, physics, and chemistry. You will be instructed on quantitative analysis and statistics, and you can enroll in classes specific to forensics such as courtroom testimony, forensic microscopy, and criminal evidence.

Forensic Science Masters Degree Graduate - Career Options

As a forensic scientist, you can find employment as a generalist or as an expert in any of the fields listed above. If you want to focus on a particular area of forensic science, you should find a degree program with enough courses offered in that particular focus area. For example, if you want to specialize in forensic geology, you should also take courses in earth science, geology, and/or geography.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forensic science technicians can expect excellent job growth in the next decade, a 31 percent jump from 2006 through 2016. According to the BLS, the average salary for forensic scientists was 47,680 in 2007.


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