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SAMPLE COURSES
Introduction to Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Safety, Fingerprint Identification and Development, Laboratory Methods, and Interview and Interrogation
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COMMON MAJORS
Criminal Justice
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Forensic Science Technicians, Private Investigator, Crime Scene Investigator, and Loss Prevention Specialist
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AVERAGE INCOME
$41,000
Online Forensic Science Degrees
Those with an inquisitive mind and a passion for the justice system may be well suited to the field of forensic science. Professionals already working in law enforcement, crime laboratories, medical examiners’ offices, and other similar fields can hone their skills and knowledge with an online forensic science degree and advance their career. Forensic scientists often testify as expert witnesses in court and provide psychological profiling in criminal cases. Popular careers include crime scene investigators, medical examiners, or crime laboratory analysts.
The field of forensic science is growing due to advances in science and technology, and professionals have a broad range of opportunities to choose from. Forensic science technicians will see a much faster than average rate of job growth between 2014-2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many working students and aspiring professionals opt to earn their forensic science degree online due to the flexibility an online classroom offers.
“I could still teach full-time and work on my coursework at convenient times for me.”
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Online Forensic Science Degree Overview
Degree | Avg Degree Cost | Avg Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
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Associate | $9,316 | 19.71% | 1+ years | N/A | $54,300 | N/A |
Bachelor's | $10,080 | 9.58% | 4-Mar years | $48,000 | $60,000 | 5.2% |
Master's | $24,043 | 6.13% | 1.5+ years | $55,000 | $78,000 | N/A |
Online forensic science degrees allow maximum flexibility for busy students or working professionals, and many colleges and universities offering an online forensic science degree provide financial aid and scholarships. While an associate degree provides a solid starting point for a career in forensic science, a majority of employers in this field require at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level work, and many forensic scientists choose to pursue graduate degrees for more specialized careers and higher salaries. A doctorate degree in forensic science is highly specialized, and usually pursued by those who wish to work in academia or university-level teaching.
Online Forensic Science Degrees
Online Associate’s Degree in Forensic Science
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science
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SAMPLE COURSES
Arson Investigation, Cyber Crimes, Crime Scene Investigation, White Collar Crime, and Victimology
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COMMON MAJORS
Criminology and Criminal Justice, Computer Criminology, and Forensic Science
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Detective, Crime Intelligence Analyst, Social Services Case Manager, and Law Enforcement
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AVERAGE INCOME
$48,000
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
27% increase
Online Master’s Degree in Forensic Science
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SAMPLE COURSES
Advanced Criminological Theories, Criminal Investigative Analysis, and Trauma and Crisis Intervention
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COMMON MAJORS
Forensic Psychology and Forensic Anthropology
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Clinical Psychologist, School Psychologist, and Forensic Psychologist
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AVERAGE INCOME
$55,000
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
27% growth
Online Doctorate Degree in Forensic Science
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SAMPLE COURSES
Crime Scene Reconstruction, Criminal Law and Ethics, and Organized Criminal Gangs
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COMMON MAJORS
Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology
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POTENTIAL JOBS
College-level Teaching, Academia, and Forensic Science Research
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AVERAGE INCOME
$75,000
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Average Forensic Science Salaries
Forensic Medical Examiner
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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5% | 7,680 | Doctorate | Medical Licensing, 3-4 year residency |
If you are an aspiring doctor or a doctor who has graduated from an accredited medical school and you have an interest in the justice system and crime, obtaining a certification in anatomic, clinical, and forensic pathology may be the right career path for you. Forensic science colleges offer a variety of certifications to propel your career as a forensic medical examiner. These professionals examine bodies post-mortem to determine the cause of death, usually under violent, suspicious, or unexpected circumstances. Because of the highly specialized nature of this field, those who have the proper qualifications and an advanced online forensic science degree will find highly competitive salaries.
Forensic Science Technician
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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27% | 14,400 | Bachelor's | None |
A bachelor’s-level online forensic science degree prepares graduates to become forensic science technicians. Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing data to help law enforcement officials identify, convict, or acquit suspects. Forensic science technicians process and package physical evidence collected at crime scenes, communicate with law enforcement personnel about procedures and protocol, and may be called to testify in court, especially if they have more specialized expertise. Forensic science technicians must be detail-oriented and strong communicators.
Criminologist
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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27% | 14,400 | Masters | None |
Graduates who earn their master’s-level forensic science online degree may pursue a career as a criminologist. Criminologists analyze criminal patterns based on biographical, social, and economical factors that may have motivated a person to commit a crime. This information helps law enforcement, lawmakers, and social workers better respond to crime and evaluate the effectiveness of our laws and policies. If you are interested in human behavior, crime, and its impacts on society, and are detail-oriented and intellectually curious, this may be a good career path for you. Employment opportunities in criminology are projected to grow steadily.
Forensic Pathologist
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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27% | 14,400 | Bachelor's | None |
Forensic pathologists are trained physicians who examine and determine the cause of death of individuals who have died unexpectedly or by violent means. These professionals are also responsible for documenting sexual assault and collecting medical evidence. Because of the nature of this work, forensic pathologists must be able to deal with sometimes graphic or otherwise disturbing situations. Forensic pathologists must also be extremely thorough and accurate, as they are sometimes asked to testify in court and defend their findings. In the next decade, the field of forensic pathology is expected to grow by 27%. Bachelor’s degrees are a necessary starting point in this career. A higher degree earned from forensic science colleges results in higher salaries, and certifications can also make a difference in salary.
Online Forensic Science Degree in Action
Anthony Buffone Forensic Science
Anthony has earned a BA in Biology and a BS Ed in Science Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania as well as an MS in Forensic Science from University of Florida. He has previously taught in The School District of Palm Beach County (FL) and at Armstrong-Indiana Intermediate Unit Adult Education Programs in Western Pennsylvania. He is currently in his 11th year teaching high school Science and Biology at Homer-Center School District in Homer City, Pennsylvania.