Many forensic science positions don’t require a graduate credential, but a master’s degree is essential for individuals pursuing advanced positions and higher pay in criminal justice and public safety. Higher-level roles, such as crime scene investigator or crime laboratory administrator, often require a master’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment opportunities for forensic technicians will grow faster than average for the labor market, and individuals in these roles earn an average salary of $64,940 annually. Other related occupations, such as detectives and chemical technicians, earn median salaries between $55,000 and $75,000.
Most online master’s in forensic science programs require 32 to 36 credits; if a student attends full-time, the coursework should take about two years (four semesters) to complete. Students can expect to pay around $11,000 to $25,000 in total tuition for this degree.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Forensic Science Program
Choose your area of study
This degree is typically offered as a Master of Science (MS). Some programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as forensic chemistry, forensic biology, or forensic psychology. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
You should also look for options approved by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for forensic science education.
Consider the following questions as well:
- What support resources do online students have access to? Even online students should benefit from student-related perks and services. Compare your options for tutoring, career coaching, and technical assistance.
- Does the program require a comprehensive assignment or exam to graduate? Most online master’s in forensic science programs feature an applied project or thesis component.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program. While some forensic science programs have rolling admissions, most have a precise application date. Plan ahead, as there may be delays in receiving official transcripts or letters of recommendation you need for your application. A personal statement may be required as well.
While not required across the board, some forensic science programs mandate GRE scores alongside your application materials; you may need to factor in additional prep time before sitting for standardized testing. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Applying to several programs is costly, so narrow down your top choices that match your background, learning style, and professional goals. You should also consider program affordability in your decision.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Some graduate programs offer scholarships or other funding opportunities, but these are highly competitive. Accredited programs should qualify for federal loans or grants, so make sure you submit the FAFSA. Discuss tuition options with your school’s financial aid and admissions counselors.
Also, many individuals who enroll in an online master’s program continue working while completing their coursework. Share your academic goals with your employer if you currently serve in a public safety or criminal justice role. Some agencies have tuition assistance for employees seeking professional advancement in the field.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Forensic Science Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
We looked for programs that are delivered completely or primarily online to ensure accessibility for the greatest number of students. Several programs are also offered on-campus, and students may have the option of taking classes online or in-person.
All of the schools on this list are regionally accredited. Degrees and credits from regionally accredited schools are widely recognized by employers and are transferable to other postsecondary institutions.
Once we narrowed the list of programs, we evaluated each of them on the basis of outcomes, faculty, flexibility, price, and reputation. Then, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Forensic Science Program?
Interested candidates for an online master’s in forensic science should anticipate a comprehensive curriculum integrating theoretical study and hands-on practice. Forensic science is actively changing, and students will learn about the evolving technologies involved in forensic analysis. They will engage in specific training in quality control, safety procedures, and ethics. Many programs are entirely online, though some may feature limited in-person laboratory assignments or residencies. If attending as a full-time student, you can likely complete the program in 18 to 24 months.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in forensic science program
- Ethics in Forensic Science. In this course, attendees learn the principles and ethics at the foundation of forensic science. Students will read and discuss case studies for common ethical dilemmas.
- Advanced Topics in Human Forensic DNA. This course focuses on current forensic DNA analysis and the technology required for different methods.
- Crime Scene Photography. Students use digital cameras to learn the fundamentals of crime scene photography, including lighting, processing, and printing. Participants will practice their skills via a mock crime scene featuring common examples of evidence.
- Forensic Toxicology. Participants study how drugs and environmental chemicals enter and affect the human body. Students then learn how to test for these substances.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Forensic Science?
Career outlook
There are a variety of career paths available for forensic science technicians. You can be a generalist in this field or specialize in a particular area, such as biology analysis, chemistry analysis, or biometric identity analysis.
Most forensic science technicians work for state or local governments, though they are sometimes also employed by private laboratories that contract with government agencies, law firms, and other organizations involved in criminal justice.
To give you an even better idea of what your options are, here are some of the most common occupations and job responsibilities for workers with a master’s in forensic science:
- Forensic science technician — Collect evidence at crime scenes and analyze evidence in laboratories.
- Median annual salary: $64,940
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 13%
- New job openings projected: 2,600 annually
- Police officer or detective — Conduct patrols, respond to emergency calls, and investigate crimes.
- Median annual salary: $74,910
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 64,500 annually
- Biological technician — Help conduct experiments and tests by preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, and documenting results.
- Median annual salary: $51,430
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New job openings projected: 10,600 annually
Online Master’s in Forensic Science Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in forensic science degree program?
While each institution is slightly different, most completed applications consist of the following:
- A graduate school admission application
- Undergraduate transcripts in a field related to forensic science (such as biology, chemistry, psychology, criminal justice, or physics)
- A resume
- A personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Test scores (many programs still require the GRE)
- An application fee
Some specializations may ask for additional documentation. Many schools also require that your undergraduate GPA surpasses a minimum threshold (typically 2.75 or 3.0). Before submitting your materials, discuss any questions or concerns with an admissions counselor.
How much does an online master's in forensic science degree cost?
You will likely pay between $11,000 and $25,000 in total tuition for a master’s in forensic science degree. Private schools are usually more expensive than public schools, though public schools tend to charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students.
Online students usually pay the same fees as in-person students, including those for technology and library use, student activities, facility maintenance, and student health. Moreover, many schools charge an additional per-credit fee for web-based courses.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in forensic science degree?
If you enroll as a full-time student, most online master’s in forensic science programs require a two-year commitment, though some are just 18 months. The total number of credits varies from 30 to 36. However, the programs will take longer if you complete coursework part-time. You might also need extra time for more complex components, such as a graduate thesis or final project. Note that some master’s programs require that you complete all the coursework within five years.
Is an online master’s in forensic science worth it?
There’s no reason to be concerned about earning your degree online rather than in-person. A Northeastern University study found that most HR professionals believe degrees earned online are just as valuable as those earned on campus. In fact, many hiring managers even believe online degrees are more valuable, as completing an online program indicates that candidates are self-motivated and have strong time management skills.
Also, advancing beyond an undergraduate education and earning a master’s degree would likely be well worth the time and effort. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a master’s earn an average salary of $1,737 per week, while those with a bachelor’s earn $1,493 per week. This difference can add up to a significant sum over the course of your career.