Bachelors Degree – Forensics
A Bachelors Degree in Forensics will prepare you for various entry level positions in the field of criminal justice. While high level positions like forensic pathologist, forensic anthropologist, and forensic dentist require doctorate degrees, there are many professional positions that do not. Graduates with a Bachelors Degree in Forensics can expect to enjoy rewarding and lucrative careers like forensic tech, crime laboratory analyst, crime scene examiner, forensic engineer, psychological profile expert, polygraph analyst, or even composite artist.
Forensics is the science of identifying the cause and time of death and also classifying substances, materials, and other evidence typically found at a crime scene; or perhaps even profiling individuals who may be involved in a crime. The science of forensics is generally employed when there are legal issues or questions surrounding the death of an individual. Forensic scientists help identify criminals or criminal negligence by analyzing the physical evidence that is collected and then publishing a report of their findings. This report will be used by the legal system as an irrefutable prosecuting tool in legal proceedings, and the forensic scientist may be called as an expert witness at trial if necessary.
Earning a Bachelors Degree in Forensics will provide you with the opportunity to learn the technology associated with DNA analysis, and how to conduct tests on hair, skin, nails, and bodily fluids in order to aid in crime investigations. As a forensic science student, you can also specialize in learning laboratory techniques to examine ballistics, drugs, fibers, fingerprints, body decay, or the integrity of structures. You will learn to manage crime scenes, including data collection and storage for police departments and government agencies. You will also learn laboratory procedures and recording techniques in order to generate reports that will be presented in a trial or court proceeding, possibly along with your testimony.
To earn a Bachelors Degree in Forensics, you will be required to take your curriculum in two parts. First, you will earn your associates degree, with a heavy concentration in biology, math, and chemistry. Classes related to your forensics degree may be electives, but should include gross anatomy, biochemistry, statistics, introduction to psychology, algebra, microbiology, reasoning and critical thinking, computer-aided engineering graphics, physics, physiology, introduction to philosophy of science, and organic chemistry. These classes will put you further ahead when it comes to studying in your chosen field of forensics.
Classes to complete your forensics degree in general will include crime detection and investigation, criminal and delinquent behavior, legal aspects of law enforcement, the courts, substantive criminal law, introduction to research methods and criminology, abnormal psychology, evidence collection and analysis, laboratory procedure, DNA typing, proper data collection, and data recording techniques. There will be lab work, and an internship may be required to earn your degree.
Career Opportunities in Forensic Science
Career opportunities in forensic science are readily available for forensic techs who want to work for state, federal, or private crime laboratories. Forensic scientists can also work for the local medical examiner’s or coroner’s office, or in hospitals, universities, and toxicology laboratories. In larger cities, where there is more crime, forensic scientists can work in police departments as crime scene examiners or as independent forensic consultants. Forensic scientists can specialize in psychological profiling, administering lie detector tests, and rendering composite drawings, or can also specialize in forensic engineering to work in claims investigation for insurance companies.
The featured colleges below offer bachelor degrees in Forensics
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Kaplan University
Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher
Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges
and Schools. |
Kaplan University instructors have both the academic background and professional experience to teach real-world knowledge. Our degree programs feature various emphasis areas and a comprehensive curriculum geared toward your career goals.
 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Forensic Psychology
Learn the value of psychology within the context of the criminal justice system. In this program you will enhance your ability to identify and interact with mentally ill individuals, intervene in crisis situations, and understand the impact of crime on its victims and the community. As a graduate, you may qualify for advanced positions within police departments and law enforcement agencies, as well as opportunities in social services and the judicial system. Courses include: Psychology, Introduction to Forensic Psychology, Police Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Crisis Intervention.
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American Intercontinental University
American InterContinental University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. |
The AIU Online degree programs allow students the freedom to study online anytime to achieve their Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degrees in an ever-expanding range of degree programs.
Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice - Forensic Science
The Forensic Science degree program prepares students to demonstrate knowledge and abilities in criminal justice and juvenile justice processes, criminology, law enforcement, law adjudication and corrections. The primary goal of this program is to prepare students to become qualified criminal justice professionals. The opportunity for public service through law enforcement work is attractive to many because the job is challenging and involves much personal responsibility. Forensic science personnel investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Often, they specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination, performing tests on weapons or on substances such as fiber, glass, hair, tissue, and body fluids to determine their significance to the investigation. Forensic science personnel also prepare reports to document their findings and the laboratory techniques used, and they may provide information and expert opinion to investigators.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Computer Forensics
This BIT degree completion program features a concentration in Computer Forensics that allows students to focus their education on this fascinating and rapidly changing field of study, which combines technical skills and knowledge with an interest in the detection and prevention of computer crime. The Computer Forensics degree can help prepare students interested in developing and advancing a career opportunities including Computer Forensics Specialist, Security Network Analyst, IT Investigator, Counterintelligence Analyst.
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Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. |
Students can enjoy relevant, real-world courses, taught by professors who are experienced in their fields, and a truly innovative and revolutionary online educational delivery system.
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
The CTU Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is a unique program in that it offers students a component of forensic study not usually available at the undergraduate level. In addition, you can earn four Professional Certificates as you work toward the completion of your degree. Included are resume building certificates that can help you advance in your career even before you graduate in as little as 15 months. Certificates include Corrections Technician, Crime Scene Investigation, Law Enforcement Skills, Legal Studies and Court Process.
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