Key Information:
- Top forensic science colleges offer continuous improvement in forensic science, with a focus on the scientific foundation and courtroom testimony credibility.
- The #1 school in our ranking is Texas A&M University, followed by Penn State University.
- Industry professionals emphasize the importance of practical skills and critical thinking in forensic science education programs.
In the era of true crime documentaries, TV series, podcasts, books — essentially every type of entertainment — forensic science has become a fascination for millions. If you are passionate about science or criminal investigation, then forensic science might be a great field of interest to you.
Originally published in May 2023 and revised in January 2024.
Forensic science is not one thing, but an interdisciplinary blend of:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- DNA Analysis
- Law
- Computer Science
Forensic science technicians play a vital role in law enforcement agencies and criminal justice. Today, from chemistry and biology to forensic psychology to digital forensics, it’s one of the fastest-growing and most desirable criminal justice career paths in the US.
Related Rankings:
Best Online Forensic Science Degree Bachelor’s Programs
Fastest Online Forensic Science Degree Bachelor’s Programs
Most Affordable Online Forensic Science Degree Bachelor Programs
Getting a Forensic Science Bachelor Degree
Making a forensic science definition is very simple: forensic science applies the scientific method to a criminal investigation. Forensic science technicians employ techniques to identify criminals like:
- DNA analysis
- fingerprint tracking
- computer science
- chemistry
Thanks to the development of forensic sciences in recent years, investigators are able to track down criminals in a more effective and precise way. However, the specialized skill sets that forensic science demands require a lot of specialized schooling.
While forensic science technicians may begin their career in forensic science with an associate degree, that will only provide entry-level forensic science jobs. For better-paying jobs with more potential for promotion, a forensic science bachelor’s degree is the way to go.
The best schools for forensic science programs will provide students with not only the coursework they need, but labs, forensic science internships, experiential learning opportunities, and networking for the job market.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Top Forensic Science Colleges
To rank the 15 Best Bachelor’s in Forensic Science Degree Programs, the Bachelor’s Degree Center started with programs accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). FEPAC is the foremost standard for forensic science education, so all of the programs featured in the ranking guarantee top-notch training.
From there, BDC editors ranked programs according to 5 factors:
- Cost
- Reputation
- Alumni Salary
- Graduation Rate
- Job Placement Rate
Data is drawn from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche.
15 Top Forensic Science Colleges
1. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University’s BS in Forensic and Investigative Sciences degree programs offer two emphases, Pre-Law and Science. Its forensic science bachelor’s degree program is the only degree program in the state of Texas accredited by the FEPAC.
A&M’s BS is one of the best forensic science bachelor’s degree programs for those seeking an occupation in the courtroom or criminal justice field with the skills to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence. A&M allows up to 65 credits to be transferred upon acceptance.
Texas A&M University was established in 1871 under the Morrill Land-Grants Act. It is also classified as a sea-grant, space grant, and senior military college. The university is home to the George Bush Presidential Library. Its main campus is 5,300+- acres and is considered one of the largest campuses in the country. Washington Monthly has recognized Texas A&M as the top institution of higher learning based on the criteria of research activity, social mobility, and service.
2. Penn State University
Penn State University’s BS in Forensic Science is for those students who wish to enter investigative careers. The forensic science bachelor’s degree program has been accredited by (FEPAC). FEPAC promotes the education quality of forensic science degree programs across the country. The forensic degree programs offer two degree options:
- Chemistry
- Forensic Biology
Penn State’s forensic science program is nationally recognized.
Penn State University is a flagship university with numerous facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania. It was established in 1855 under the Morrill Land Act and is currently recognized as a sea-grant, space-grant, sun-grant, and land-grant institution of higher learning. Student enrollment at Penn State nears 100,000. The Center for World University Rankings recognizes the university among the top universities across the globe.
3. Towson University
Towson University’s BS in Forensic Chemistry comes from the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics. TU’s forensic science bachelor’s degree programs are available with three distinct concentrations:
- General track
- DNA track
- Drug Analysis/Trace Evidence track
Each forensic evidence chemistry track requires 120 credits to graduate. Towson University is one of 38 forensic science programs to be accredited by FEPAC.
Towson University is a member school of the University System of Maryland and one of the largest institutions of higher learning in Maryland. It was established in 1866 by the general assembly. Towson is well known for its service programs; the school offers a transportation shuttle at no cost to students.
Towson has also partnered with the Baltimore City Public School System and the city government to rebuild neighborhoods in need of rehabilitation.
4. The George Washington University
The George Washington University’s forensic science bachelor degree offers a combined forensic science bachelor’s degree program where students graduate with both a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Forensic Sciences.
Essentially, students in the BS Chemistry program are fast-tracked through a Master’s degree that creates a solid foundation for students to complete coursework that includes the examination of accelerants & textiles as well as the effects of drug abuse on the human body. This FEPAC program is generally completed in 5 years with coursework that exemplifies a great forensic science program.
The George Washington University is a private institution of higher learning named in honor of the first president. The US Congress chartered the school in 1821. GW operates three integrated campuses — the Mount Vernon campus, the Foggy Bottom Campus, and the Virginia Science & Technology campus.
The university consists of thirteen undergraduate and graduate schools, including the Columbia College of Arts and Sciences/Department of Chemistry.
5. West Virginia University
West Virginia University’s BS in Forensic and Investigation Science prepares students to find the intersection of science and justice. WVU’s program offers coursework that covers the fundamentals found in the forensic science definition.
West Virginia University holds the distinction of providing the largest forensic science technician training facility in the US, with crime scene investigation houses, a ballistics test center, and a vehicle processing center. This FEPAC-accredited program offers three forensic concentrations:
- Chemistry
- Forensic Biology
- Forensic Examiner
The West Virginia State Legislature established West Virginia University in 1867 as a land-grant school under the Morrill Land Act. It holds the distinction of being a flagship, space-grant, and space-grant institution of higher learning. Several buildings on campus are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
West Virginia University offers degree programs from fifteen colleges and schools. WVU’s forensic investigative programs are nationally ranked due to the school’s affiliation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
6. West Chester University of Pennsylvania
The West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s BS in Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry has been accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
This forensic science bachelor’s degree program prepares students with an extensive chemistry background, laboratory experience, and the forensic skills required for successful careers as forensic science technicians and forensic scientists. Forensic science programs require the completion of 122 credits in four years.
The West Chester University of Pennsylvania was established in 1871 as a teacher training school. The school is a member school of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Their 200+-acre campus is home to more than 17,000 students studying for the 188 undergraduate programs offered. West Chester’s proximity to Philadelphia has made it a great institution for job prospects, especially in public services like criminal justice.
7. University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi’s BS in Forensic Chemistry has been accredited by FEPAC and approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Chemistry for Life requirements.
Coursework includes a capstone project in a crime lab. Students graduate prepared as problem-solving experts ready to apply the ever-evolving technological tools. Students vying to become certified as forensic scientists by the ACS must complete certain classes.
The University of Mississippi was established in 1844 by the state legislature; the school opened four years later to educate 80 students. Ole Miss remains the state’s largest institution for higher learning and is one of the most prominent institutions in the Deep South. The Ole Miss Medical Center is recognized as the first place across the globe for the first heart and lung transplant.
8. Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago’s BS in Forensic Science is accredited by FEPAC and nationally ranked. This interdisciplinary degree program integrates classes from the fields of chemistry, anthropology, physics, criminal justice, and physics.
The forensic science bachelor’s degree program requires the completion of 88 credit hours of forensic science program coursework in both the Forensic Biology/DNA track and the Chemistry track, in addition to Loyola’s core curriculum mandates. Graduates have numerous career options as forensic science technicians and forensic scientists in the fields of:
- financial services
- law enforcement agencies
- accounting
- pharmaceuticals
The Jesuits founded Loyola University Chicago in 1870. Today, it is a Catholic research institution of higher learning that consists of 11 colleges. US News & World Report recognizes Loyola as a best-value college and among the top universities in the nation. Loyola is home to more than 17,000 students with a student/faculty ratio of 1 to 14, giving students the kind of support and success that Catholic universities are known for.
9. Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University’s BS in Forensic Chemistry is known as the first program of its kind in Texas. SHSU’s accredited program allows graduates to move forward toward graduate school or for a variety of positions in crime laboratories.
This forensic science bachelor’s degree requires the completion of 126 credit hours. Most forensic science students opt for a minor in biology, while others select a double major in chemistry and criminal justice. Forensic science degree graduates find successful careers in the public and private sectors.
Sam Houston State University is located about an hour from downtown Houston. It was established in 1879. It holds the distinction of the first teacher training school west of the Mississippi River. The Journal of Criminal Justice has recognized Sam Houston State University’s College of Criminal Justice in the top five in the country.
10. Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University’s BS in Forensic Science with an advanced focus on Chemistry is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
This forensic science bachelor’s degree program requires the completion of 26 credits in the fields of chemistry, forensic science, and calculus. Overall program classes include a minimum of 120 credit hours. Graduates find success as forensic scientists in a variety of analytical laboratories across the nation.
Virginia Commonwealth University is a research institution of higher learning that was established in 1838. It was created by the general assembly of the state when the medical department of the Hampden-Sydney College merged with the Richmond Professional Institute. The school operates several campuses across Virginia, but in recent years VCU has earned national recognition for its distance learning platform.
11. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s BS in Digital Forensics prepares graduates for successful careers in the fields of cybersecurity and digital forensics.
UAB’s interdisciplinary forensic science bachelor’s degree program has been accredited by FEPAC, the oversight agency that sets the forensic science definition and standards. Coursework prepares students to manipulate information for digital devices. Degree graduates are required to complete an internship to graduate.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public institution of higher learning that was founded in 1969. The Birmingham campus of the University of Alabama is one of three member schools. The school operates with twelve academic divisions that offer more than 135 programs. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is the only school in the state to have attained the highest research status recognized by the Carnegie Foundation.
12. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis’s BS in Forensic and Investigative Sciences focuses on creative problem-solving tools and techniques that apply where science and the criminal justice system meet.
IUPUI’s forensic science undergraduate degree program requires the completion of a minimum of 124 credit hours and a capstone project. FEPAC accredits forensic science programs, which means the program meets the standard for forensic science technicians and forensic scientists. Students have the option of selecting the Biology or the Chemistry concentration.
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public university that was established in 1969. Their urban 500+-acre campus is located on a peninsula next to Indianapolis’ downtown. IUPUI is a member school of the Indiana University system and came about as a unique collaboration between the Indianapolis branch campuses of Indiana University and Purdue University. The school holds the distinction of being the site of the 2nd largest research facility in the state of Indiana.
13. John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY)
The John Jay College of Criminal Justice BS in Forensic Science is designed to give students the knowledge and experience needed to find employment in research, teaching, or forensic laboratories.
The Forensic Science degree blends chemistry, biology, law, and physics to give students real-world experience and research to focus on quality data collection and the value of ethical decisions in science. Students can select concentrations in:
- Criminalistics
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Part of the City University of New York, John Jay College is one of the world’s foremost criminal justice schools. Students at John Jay College gain a foundation in the principles and concepts of the sciences. They learn to review scientific literature and use it in their research. They develop written and oral communication skills.
Students begin to understand the scientific process and incorporate it into their own careers as forensic science technicians. From this students learn how to come to proper conclusions from data and physical evidence.
14. University of New Haven
University of New Haven’s BS in Forensic Science is fully FEPAC accredited. Students will study at the Henry C. Lee Institute for Forensic Science.
The Institute is a state-of-the-art working crime scene investigation lab with innovative and technologically advanced displays. In this degree program, students blend science and technology to find physical evidence with which to testify in regard to court cases. Students will develop stronger observation skills and begin to identify physical evidence for criminal cases.
UNH forensic science students will interact with mock crime scene investigation exercises and learn the most up-to-date crime-solving techniques and resources while using the most innovative equipment.
They will develop skills to enable themselves to recreate crime scenes, collect physical evidence, and analyze evidence such as fiber and hair. Students will have the opportunity to participate in an internship program or research projects, helping improve their job market options as forensic technicians after graduation.
15. Cedar Crest College
Cedar Crest College’s forensic science bachelor degree programs include two possibilities: a BS in Forensic Science or a BS in Genetics with a concentration in Forensic Biology. These programs are FEPAC accredited.
Cedar Crest believes in a general philosophy when it comes to their degree in forensic science because they feel this gives students a stronger foundation in the entire field of forensic science. Students are given a broad education reading them for employment in various jobs. Cedar Crest offers a genetic engineering degree with a concentration in forensic biology for students interested in DNA testing for forensics.
Students in the Cedar Crest forensic sciences programs will receive a base in natural sciences while developing their ability to think critically and make sound decisions about forensic problems. Students will learn how to use the latest technology, such as a Raman microscope, with the most current tools for a forensic science investigation.
Upon graduation, students will be able to find employment as a crime scene investigator, toxicologist, trace evidence examiner, or crime scene investigator. Students have found jobs with police departments, crime scene investigation forensic science departments, cosmetics, and medical research.
Frequently Asked Questions
When determining where to study forensic science, focus on the quality of academic instruction, cost of attendance, and graduate outcomes. Find out about the university’s regional and program accreditation, read reviews, check the curriculum and concentrations, and learn about student support, career development services, internship programs, and job placement services.
On-campus Forensic Science programs delivers a structured curriculum and personalized guidance to students. The education and training happen in a classroom, a laboratory, or field settings for hands-on and collaborative learning. Face-to-face interactions with your professors and students open doors to networking opportunities. You also get direct access to to the school’s resources, facilities and amenities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forensic science technicians earned a median annual wage of $63,740 (May 2022) with the lowest 10% earning $39,710 and the highest 10% earning $104,330 and above. Incomes in this field vary widely based on your place of work, educational attainment, relevant experience, and specific position and job responsibilities.
According to ZipRecruiter, these forensic studies-related jobs have the highest average annual salaries:
* Forensic Pathologist: $219,325
* Forensic Architect: $139,334
* Forensic Engineering: $128,375
* Senior Forensic Consultant: $117,804
* Computer Forensic Examiner: $116,713
* Forensic Psychiatrist: $266,404
* Forensic DNA Analyst: $90,605
* Forensic Accountant: $85,177
Forensic Science is the most obvious choice because it provides the comprehensive knowledge in crime scene investigation and forensic analysis and techniques. However, you can also be a Biology major with a strong background in the biological aspects of Forensic Science. Chemistry majors are also expected to have a solid analytical knowledge of toxins, drugs and fibers. Similarly, a degree in Biochemistry is useful for analyzing biochemical processes in Forensic Science, such as toxicology.
There’s no single best field in forensic science because they all serve unique purposes.
Forensic Toxicology detects and analyzes toxic substances. Forensic Entomology uses expert knowledge of the biology and behavior of insects in crime scene details. Forensic Pathology is the examination of deceased persons in the determination of their manner and cause of death. Forensic Odontology examines dental evidence to identify victims in criminal cases and disasters.
