10 Affordable Online Master's in Forensic Science Programs 2025

An online master's degree program in forensic science prepares students for key roles in the field through coursework delivered virtually. These flexible programs are popular choices among working professionals and students with busy personal lives. If you want to pursue this degree and save on tuition and fees, keep reading. Below, we'll highlight some of the nation's most affordable master's in forensic science programs.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Forensic Science?

An online master's degree in forensic science is a graduate program for students interested in learning from home — or from anywhere remotely. Instead of commuting to campus for class, students access forensic science coursework from any location with an internet connection. Courses in these programs are typically the same as in campus-based programs and are often taught by the same faculty members.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Forensic Science Cost?

The cost of earning a master's in forensic science online varies by program and factors such as residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), financial aid eligibility (scholarships, grants, etc.), and enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time). If you want to pursue a low-cost degree, it's possible to find programs charging less than $600 per credit. Some examples include the University of Central Florida and National University.

Cheapest Online Master's in Forensic Science Programs

Are you ready to enroll in a forensic science graduate program? Explore the schools below to discover some of the nation's best forensic science master's programs offering affordable tuition and college financial aid.

1. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers a two-year Master of Science (MS) in chemistry with a forensic science track for students interested in understanding how to use science and technology to resolve crimes. In this online program, students choose from three concentrations within the forensic discipline: forensic professional, forensic analysis, and forensic biochemistry.

• Estimated tuition cost: $327.32 per credit hour (in-state); $1,234.15 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UCF students can save on tuition and fees with scholarships and federal student aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. National University

National University's Master of Forensic Sciences is a 54-quarter-unit program that students can complete in online, on-campus, or hybrid formats. Core courses explore forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, fingerprint analysis, and digital evidence. A supervised research project, topics in forensic sciences elective, and specialization in criminalistics are also included.

• Estimated tuition cost: $455 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships and grants, like the National University Key Grant, alongside federal student aid, make graduate study at National University more affordable.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

3. Oklahoma State University

The Master of Science in forensic sciences at Oklahoma State University is a 32-credit degree offering fully online pathways to completion. This program, which prepares students for forensic science practice and education delivery, offers tracks of emphasis such as:

• arson
• explosives
• firearm and tool mark investigations (AEFTI)
• forensic investigative sciences (FIS)
• forensic psychology
• forensic biology/DNA (only the non-thesis option is fully online)
• forensic chemistry/toxicology (only the non-thesis option is fully online)

Graduate admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or better.

• Estimated tuition cost: $489 per credit hour (in-state); $530 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships and financial aid are available to reduce the cost of tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Alliant International University

Alliant International University offers two master's programs for students interested in the field of forensic science. The MS in forensic behavioral science teaches students to prevent, investigate, and mitigate conflict and violence, and offers the following concentrations:

• conflict resolution and peace studies
• criminal behavior
• forensic victimology
• professional protection and security management
• trial consulting

In the MS in forensic science, investigation, and technology program, which teaches contemporary forensic science techniques, learners can focus their studies with concentrations. These include criminalistics and technology, crime science and incident investigation, and criminal investigative intelligence and analysis.

• Estimated tuition cost: $569 per credit
• Financial aid: Institutional, public, and private scholarships, as well as federal student and military aid, can help students save.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

5. University of Florida Health

The University of Florida Health, a medical network affiliated with the University of Florida, offers a forensic science concentration as a part of the school's MS in pharmacy with a major in pharmaceutical sciences. This online program, which prepares students to work in crime laboratories, medical examiner offices, and hospitals, features core and elective courses in advanced criminalistics, crime scene investigation, and beyond.

• Estimated tuition cost: $575 per credit hour
• Financial aid: In addition to federal student aid, enrollees can qualify for the Edward Washington Memorial Scholarship or the MS in Forensic Science Online Graduate Scholarship.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Champlain College

Champlain College is home to an online MS in digital forensics designed for completion in 10 months. Enrollees prepare for roles in the digital investigation industry through coursework exploring operating system analysis, incident response, and digital investigations for civil litigation. To enroll, students need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $595 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for federal financial aid and state grants to reduce costs.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. Arizona State University

At Arizona State University, students interested in advanced careers in forensic science, law enforcement, or medicolegal fields can prepare for key roles by enrolling in the 30-credit online professional science master's in forensic science (PSM) program. Coursework teaches ethics in forensic science, advanced topics in human forensic DNA, advanced forensic botany, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $605 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal aid, military benefits, and employer tuition assistance increase affordability at ASU.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Salem University

Students interested in learning how to manage challenges in criminal investigations and crime scene analysis can develop the skills they need in Salem University's 100% online MS in criminal justice with a specialization in forensic science. In this program, learners take one course per month, exploring criminological theory, forensic toxicology, forensic biology, and beyond.

• Estimated tuition cost: $650 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships and federal student aid can help Salem University students reduce school costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University's master's in criminal justice with a forensic science specialization is a 36-credit online degree that students commonly complete in two years. This program, boasting a nationally recognized criminal justice program director, explores advanced forensic science, crime scene management, and medicolegal death investigation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $695 per credit hour
• Financial aid: This program qualifies for the Next-Level Grad Award, a scholarship covering the tuition costs for the final nine credit hours. Work-study jobs, loans, and other aid can also help reduce costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Stevenson University

The online master's degree in forensic science from Stevenson University prepares students to identify, collect, analyze, and report forensic findings in courtroom settings. In this flexible 36-credit program, students learn about physical evidence at crime scenes, DNA analysis, and trace evidence, and can choose from concentrations in forensic biology or forensic chemistry.

• Estimated tuition cost: $712 per credit
• Financial aid: Stevenson University offers state grants, scholarships, loans, and assistantships to help online graduate students save.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in this ranking list to confirm that each has met the following criteria for delivering a quality learning experience.

• Accreditation: Each institution in this list is accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the NECHE or the MSCHE.
• Affordability: These colleges and universities offer low tuition rates and financial assistance (e.g., federal financial aid, scholarships, etc.) to make learning more affordable.
• Program reputation: All schools are known for providing quality online and on-campus programs.

What To Expect From an Online Forensic Science Master's Program

Online forensic science programs typically explore the same concepts as on-campus programs; however, students access learning materials in a virtual learning platform. Courses, which can include forensic biology, crime scene investigation and analysis, and forensic statistics, usually follow synchronous (scheduled meeting times) or asynchronous (self-paced) learning formats.

Learners can expect to complete 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework over two or fewer years. Common concentrations include criminalistics, forensic toxicology, forensic chemistry, and forensic accounting.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Forensic Science Master's Degrees

Do you want to take the next step in your forensic science career? Review the FAQs below to learn more about low-cost online forensic science master's degrees before getting started.

Can You Be a Forensic Scientist With a Master's Degree?

Yes, it's possible to start a career in forensic science with a master's degree. For some roles, such as the forensic science technician, a bachelor's degree is even sufficient. However, completing a graduate program can make you more competitive in the job market and enhance your skillset, so you're more impactful in your role.

Is an Online Master's in Forensic Science Worth It?

Yes, an online master's degree in forensic science can be worth it. Accredited online programs enable students to prepare for careers in the field while conveniently learning from home or anywhere with an internet connection. After graduating, learners can pursue the same roles as students who completed traditional on-campus programs.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Forensic Science Degree?

After earning a master's degree in forensic science, some students further their education by enrolling in a doctoral program. Others enter the job market and pursue career opportunities like the following:

• forensic scientist
• DNA analyst
• forensic toxicologist
• crime scene investigator
• forensic investigator
• digital forensics examiner

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Forensic Science Online?

Students in forensic science master's programs can expect different time commitments based on their chosen program. While it's common for learners to earn their degrees in two years, some programs can be completed in less than a year. If you want to graduate quickly, consider applying to programs that offer accelerated courses and accept prior learning credits.

How Much Can You Make With a Master's in Forensic Science?

Salaries in the field of forensic science vary by position. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forensic science technicians earn a median annual wage of $67,440. Criminal investigators earn a median annual wage of $93,580.

Discover Online Forensic Science Degrees

Begin your preparations for an exciting career in forensic science by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to discover ways they can help you achieve your career goals.