10 College Programs for Crime Scene Investigation (2025)

Crime scene investigation includes the analysis of a crime scene, as well as discovering, collecting, and documenting evidence.

To work as a crime scene investigator, you'll need special training. Keep reading to discover the top ten crime scene investigation programs in the United States.

Top Crime Scene Investigation Programs

Education in crime scene investigation is offered through specialized training programs and degrees in crime scene investigation or forensic science.

We've listed the top ten crime scene investigation programs below in alphabetical order.

1. Crime Scene Investigators Training Program

The Crime Scene Investigators Training Program is a specialized program offered by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, a government organization for law enforcement training.

This is a seven-week advanced forensics technical program built in response to the specialized training requirements of military criminal investigative organizations' forensic science agents.

Students attend this program in Glynco, GA, and receive comprehensive and specialized training in the application of forensic science to crime scene investigations.

2. George Mason University

George Mason University is a public research university in Fairfax County, VA. It offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in forensic science.

The bachelor program covers topics like crime scene investigation, forensic DNA, forensic chemistry, trace evidence, firearms examination, fingerprints, arson, and drug analysis.

In the master's program, students can choose a concentration in crime scene investigation, which covers crime scene analysis and trace and physical evidence.

3. National Forensic Academy

The National Forensic Academy is a 10-week intensive forensics boot camp offered by the Law Enforcement Innovation Center in Oak Ridge, TN through the University of Tennessee.

This program uses classroom instruction, lab activities, and field practicums to train law enforcement officers in evidence identification, collection, and preservation.

Upon completion, students receive a crime scene investigator diploma and certificates of completion in shooting scene incident reconstruction and bloodstain pattern analysis.

4. National University

National University is a private university based in San Diego, CA. It offers an online certificate in forensic and crime scene investigation.

This program is made up of seven courses that cover topics like crime scene investigation, advanced criminalistics, and fingerprint analysis.

Students interested in pursuing a master's degree can apply the credits from this program toward the university's Master of Forensic Science degree.

5. Purdue Global

Purdue Global is the online campus of Purdue University, a public university in West Lafayette, IN. It offers a crime scene technician certificate.

This program provides students with a foundational understanding of crime scene analysis as well as the documentation, collection, and preservation processes for handling evidence.

The program takes about eleven months to complete and interested students can apply their credits toward a degree.

6. Stevenson University

Stevenson University is a private university in Baltimore County, MD. It offers a Master of Science and a graduate certificate in forensic investigation online.

These programs prepare students to effectively conduct interviews, collect physical evidence, and analyze documentary and testimonial evidence.

The certificate program requires six courses, while the master's degree requires 12, including a capstone project. Credits earned in the certificate program can be applied toward the master's program.

7. University of California, Riverside

The University of California, Riverside is a public research university in Riverside, California. It offers an online professional certificate in crime scene investigation.

Students learn the basics of crime scene management, including the proper collection and preservation of evidence and chain-of-custody issues.

This program requires ten courses for a total of 20 credits. Most students finish this certificate in about a year.

8. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is a public research university in Orlando, FL. It offers an online undergraduate certificate in crime scene investigation.

This is a 15-credit program that teaches students to assess crime scenes, use crime scene technology, and process evidence.

The university also offers a Bachelor of Science in forensic science with a biochemistry track and a chemistry track.

9. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university in Richmond, VA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic crime scene investigation.

The major itself provides a broad educational background with professionally oriented courses in the student's area of interest.

The forensic crime scene investigation concentration trains students in crime scene processing and evaluating as well as applicable crime scene investigation equipment.

10. West Virginia University

West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, WV. It offers a bachelor's and master's in forensics.

The forensic examiner Bachelor of Science teaches students to tackle the investigation of a crime from start to finish with courses in crime scene investigation, fingerprints, and bloodstain pattern analysis.

The Master of Science in forensic and investigative science is primarily science-focused, covering topics like chemistry, biology, and pattern evidence. A Ph.D. in forensic science is also available.

FAQs About Crime Scene Investigation Programs

Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about crime scene investigation programs.

How Long Are Crime Scene Investigation Programs?

Crime scene investigation programs can vary in length. Some training programs and certificates take a few weeks, while bachelor's degrees take four years and master's degrees take two.

Are Crime Scene Investigation Programs Offered Online?

Some crime scene investigation programs, including a few listed above, are offered online.

What Degree Do I Need to Be A Crime Scene Investigator?

Typically, a bachelor's degree is the minimum required to become a crime scene investigator. However, this can vary between jurisdictions.

Find Crime Scene Investigation Programs

Students can find crime scene investigation training through several programs in the United States. Check out the ones listed above to get started today.