Is a Forensic Science Degree Right for Me?

A forensic science degree prepares students to work in criminal investigations and help law enforcement agencies solve crimes. Forensic science programs can pave the way for an exciting career path, but it's important to first make sure a forensic science degree is right for you.

Find out how to assess your needs and goals to determine if a forensic science degree matches your abilities and interests.

What Is a Forensic Science Degree?

A forensic science degree is an academic program that teaches students how to use scientific methods to evaluate physical evidence in crimes. This degree is typically earned as a bachelor's degree in forensic science. Students who want to move up into higher positions in their forensic science careers can also pursue graduate degrees in forensic science. Always check the accreditation status of a forensic science program to ensure the best return on your investment.

What To Expect From a Forensic Science Degree

To become successful forensic science professionals, students will need a strong grasp of the natural sciences. Many common methods, such as DNA analysis, toxicology, and ballistics, draw heavily from areas of science such as biochemistry, molecular biology, and physics.

Common Forensic Science Degree Programs

Forensic science is a broad field with many different specializations and subfields. The type of degree pursued will determine the depth of study and the range of topics covered.

An associate degree in forensic science will provide students with an overview of basic concepts in forensic science and familiarize them with crime scene investigation (CSI), crime labs, and the criminal justice system. An associate degree may qualify students for entry-level jobs in some cases, but it is more commonly seen as a stepping stone to study further.

A bachelor's degree in forensic science covers a wide range of topics within forensic science and prepares students in specific areas of specialization. Forensic science bachelor's degree programs typically require 120 credits and take around four years to complete. Here are some topics that will likely be covered in a forensic science degree:

• forensic biology
• forensic chemistry
• forensic toxicology
• ballistics
• criminology
• odontology
• forensic psychology
• criminalistics

A graduate degree in forensic science typically allows students to select a specific area of forensic science and develop specialized skills that will generate career options in forensic laboratories, police departments, government agencies, and other professional organizations. A master's degree in forensic science usually takes one to three years to complete.

How To Decide If a Forensic Science Degree Is Right for You

Here are some questions to ask as you decide whether a forensic science degree is right for you.

Determine Your Career and Life Goals

While there are benefits to studying any topic, forensic science is quite a career-specific degree. Studying forensic science makes the most sense for individuals who want to work in the field of forensic science after graduation.

If you are unsure of your career goals, it might be a good idea to take more general education courses and complete an internship in the field to get a sense of day-to-day life as a forensic science professional.

Forensic science has a strong connection to criminal justice. Forensic scientists may witness violent crime scenes and many types of physical evidence, so it is important to determine your sensitivity to these stimuli.

Examine Your Skill Set

Forensic science is also a technical field that requires specific skills. Much of forensic science is based on methods developed in the natural sciences. While it is not necessary to have expertise in every area, students can reflect on their coursework to recall areas of strength and weakness. It might also be a good idea to examine the prerequisites to a forensic science degree program to ensure that you will be well-prepared for academic and career success.

Common skills required in forensic science professions include:

• analytical reasoning
• technical precision (lab-based roles)
• attention to detail
• ability to work under pressure

Consider Your Financial Situation

Finances are another important factor to consider when deciding whether a forensic science degree is right for you. Completing a college degree is a financial investment that can often pay off due to increased career earnings over a longer period of time. Students should ensure they have enough money to complete the degree and determine their finances before they begin their studies.

Speak with the financial aid office at any potential institution to find all sources of financial aid. Need-based forms of aid can help students from families with lower incomes. Merit-based aid rewards students for their academic performance or standardized test scores. Students can also benefit from departmental grants or scholarships that may be specific to forensic science programs.

Speak With a Forensic Scientist

Speaking with a professional in the field can help you determine if a career in forensic science is right for you. Keep in mind that there are different roles within the field of forensic science, but any forensic scientist will likely be able to give you an overview of the industry.

Here are some questions to ask a forensic scientist:

• Why did you choose to become a forensic scientist?
• What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of your job?
• What part of your training or education has benefitted you the most?
• If you started your career over, what would you do differently?

FAQs About Forensic Science Degrees

Find answers to common questions about forensic science degrees.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Forensic Science Degree?

The time needed to complete a forensic science degree depends on the level of study. Students pursuing a 60-credit associate degree can typically finish the program in two years of full-time study.

A bachelor's degree in forensic science usually requires 120 credits and takes about four years to complete. Master's degrees can take between one and three years.

Students interested in accelerated learning should explore online degrees. Online degrees and competency-based formats can enable faster graduation times for some students. Forensic science professionals with years of experience in the field may benefit from competency-based programs when going back to complete a degree.

What Are Common Career Paths for Forensic Science Majors?

One of the strengths of a forensic science degree is the diversity of career options graduates will have. Students who are interested in a specific area of forensic science begin specializing even at the undergraduate level. Graduates can work in various roles in fields like criminal justice, law enforcement, and forensic engineering. Some common career options include:

• forensic investigator
• forensic toxicologist
• forensic pathologist
• forensic science technician
• forensic document examiner

Forensic science students can select internships in these fields to decide whether it suits them before committing to a long-term career.

Is a Forensic Scientist the Same as a Crime Scene Investigator?

Not all forensic scientists are crime scene investigators. For example, forensic science professionals may work in a medical examiner's office or crime laboratory. Crime scene investigators go directly to the scene to look for trace evidence and coordinate with police officers.

Would a Master's Degree in Forensic Science Advance My Career?

Yes, a master's degree in forensic science can provide a strong credential in the field. It can qualify graduates for a range of careers in forensic science and criminal justice. A master's degree allows students to develop a specific identity related to their skill set and target more specialist roles in forensic science.

For example, students may focus on ballistics in their master's and pursue roles requiring this skill after graduation. Forensic science professionals can still progress professionally without a master's degree, but it may require additional years of experience and on-the-job training.