Online Forensic Degree Programs

Fight crime with an online forensic degree, also known as an online forensic science degree.

With an online forensic science masters degree, you can work in crime investigation and law enforcement to solve mysteries and crimes. Forensic scientists, also known as crime scene investigators (CSI) are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and investigating the evidence left at the scene of a crime. They also may be required to testify in court cases. Graduates also work in state laboratories or medical examiners offices. Many forensic scientists specialize in an area such as DNA analysis, fingerprint matching, and firearms examination. An online forensic degree at the associate or bachelor degree level is a good starting point for entry-level forensic technicians. Many forensic scientists have attained a master's or doctorate degrees in their specialization.

Forensic Studies Programs

Strayer University

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Computer Security and Forensics

Kaplan University

• B.S. in Criminal Justice / Crime Scene Investigation
• B.S. in Criminal Justice / Forensic Psychology
• Crime Scene Technician Certificate
• B.S. in Accounting / Auditing - Forensic Accountancy
• Forensic Nursing

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Forensic Science

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

• Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology

• Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems - Computer Forensics

• Bachelor of Science in Financial Forensics
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Forensic Education and Training

Areas of online forensic degree include forensic accounting which uses sophisticated technology and accounting and auditing procedures to investigate white-collar crimes. Forensic medicine combines medical/health care with law enforcement, for example forensic nursing or forensic psychology which are used by law enforcement to better understand cases, crime scenes and suspects. Cyber forensic degrees prepare students to investigate cybercrime and computer-related and Internet-related crimes. Forensic science courses may include the following:

• Physical Evidence
• DNA Collection and Analysis
• Trace Evidence
• Toxicology
• Interrogation Techniques
• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Biology
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Genetics
• Bloodstain Evidence
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Crime Scene Photography
• Forensic Anthropology
• Blood Stain Evidence

Forensic Careers

Forensic technicians begin working as trainees under direct supervision of a scientist or a more experienced technician. As they gain experience, they take on more responsibilities and carry out assignments under general supervision. Over time and with experience they can become become supervisors.

An Online forensic masters degree or diploma program will prepare you to:

• Collect, package, transport, and document physical evidence
• Conduct fingerprinting
• Analyze evidence in the laboratory
• Reconstruct a crime
• Testify in court cases
• Produce professional reports and presentations

Areas of employment and job titles include the following, depending on one's type of training:

• Computer Forensics
• DNA Profiling
• Fingerprint Examiner
• Document Examiner
• Forensic Toxicologist
• Forensic Pathology
• Crime Scene Investigator
• State Crime Labs
• Criminalist
• Forensic Anthropologist
• Forensic Accounting
• Ballistics Expert
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Forensic Psychology

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the employment for forensic science technicians is expected to increase by 20% between 2008 and 2018. As of 2008, forensic science technicians earned around $23.97 per hour (BLS).

In 2009, forensic scientists earned an average income of $55,070. The top 25% made $66,240 while the top 10% earned $84,260. Those working for the the federal government earn an average annual salary of $92,100 which is higher than the average.

With an online forensic degree you are on your way to a career with as a forensics scientist or forensic science technician, who's job prospects are expected to increase much faster than the average for other occupations.

Online forensic degree and forensic psychology degree programs