Which Colleges in New York Have Forensic Science Degrees?

In New York, you'll find that there are plenty of opportunities for studying forensic science. This article provides overviews of various schools that offer bachelor's and master's degrees in the field.

What You Need to Know

You could enroll in a four-year bachelor's degree program to obtain the training and skills needed to work in forensic science. These programs are available at colleges and universities, and the curricula typically include a mix of general education classes and core coursework in evidence classification, blood pattern analysis and more. Often, you have an opportunity for an internship with police departments or forensic labs, and some programs may require participation before you graduate.

Master's degree programs are also available, and potential specializations can include criminalistics and molecular biology. A thesis is typically required, and you may have summer internship opportunities, as well.

Forensic Science Bachelor's Degree Programs in New York

College of Technology at Alfred

This State University of New York (SUNY) school is located in rural southern New York. The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science program is offered through its Physical and Life Sciences Department and can provide you with a broad background in natural science and mathematics. You can also pursue advanced studies in criminal justice, instrumental methods, law and technical writing.

If you decide to focus on forensic biology, you'll study techniques for DNA fingerprinting and genetic analysis. Students who decide to examine the chemical applications of forensic science learn how to classify physical evidence, such as fibers and soils. An internship with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the New York State Police Western Regional Crime Laboratory or another related organization gives you the chance to use your classroom learning in a real-life forensics environment.

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Technology
• Program Length: Four years of full-time study
• Tuition and Fees: $8,570 for NY residents and $15,395 for nonresidents (2018-2019 academic year)
• School Type: Four-year, public; approximately 3,737 students (all undergraduate)

Hilbert College

Hilbert College is a Catholic school situated on a 60-acre campus just 10 minutes from Buffalo, NY. The curriculum for its Bachelor of Science program combines topics in crime scene investigation with laboratory studies in forensic science. Coursework includes laws of evidence, bloodstain pattern analysis, crime scene photography and fingerprint verification.

The program provides you with internship and networking opportunities. You might also join the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Association. This student organization gives you the chance to visit forensic science facilities and discuss related current events with faculty and peers.

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation
• Program Length: 120 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $22,350 (2018-2019 academic year)
• School Type: Four-year, private not-for-profit; approximately 764 students (732 undergraduate)

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, John Jay College of Criminal Justice is located in Midtown Manhattan. The curriculum for its Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science program includes courses in biology, law, physics, organic chemistry and physical chemistry.

You can also study topics in scientific photography, gunshot residue, genetics or toxic pollutants, depending on your area of specialization. All program tracks require either a 10-week internship or 400 hours of supervised research. In addition to graduate studies, the Bachelor of Science program can prepare you for a career in laboratory work, research or teaching.

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
• Specialization Areas: Criminalistics, molecular biology and toxicology
• Program Length: Four years of full-time study
• Tuition and Fees: $7,270 for NY residents and $14,940 for nonresidents (2018-2019 academic year)
• School Type: Four-year, public; around 15,394 students (13,319 undergraduate)

Pace University

The Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University is located on two campuses: the first in New York City and the second only 25 miles away in Pleasantville. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science program that can prepare you for a career in biological and chemical research or crime scene and forensic investigation. Jobs in the pharmaceutical industry might also be available. In addition to fulfilling the university core requirements, you take classes in DNA techniques, forensic microscopy, genetics and instrumental analysis. You can also complete an internship with a New York City crime lab.

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
• Program Length: 128 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $45,280 (2018-2019 academic year)
• School Type: Four-year, private not-for-profit; approximately 13,326 students (8,677 undergraduate)

Forensic Science Master's Degree Programs in New York

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program is designed for professionals who work in the fields of crime scene and arson investigation, environmental protection or public safety. The core curriculum for all concentrations includes courses in biological evidence, advanced criminalistics, forensic toxicology, instrumental analysis and molecular biology. Depending on your area of specialization, you might also study such areas as firearm examination, microscopy and microspectrophotometry. This program requires the completion of a thesis.

• Program: Master of Science in Forensic Science
• Specialization Areas: Forensic toxicology, criminalistics, molecular biology
• Program Length: 41-43 credit hours
• Tuition: $10,770 for NY residents and $19,920 for nonresidents (2018-2019 academic year)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree with one undergraduate course in statistics
• Admission Requirements: GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, personal statement
• School Type: Four-year, public; around 15,394 students (2,075 graduate)

Pace University

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program is available at Pace University's Manhattan campus. Required courses include topics in analytical spectroscopy, crime scene reconstruction, separations chemistry and thesis writing. You also participate in a four-credit summer internship. The program is designed to give you a broad foundation in science, as well as prepare you to work in FBI and police laboratories, medical examiners' offices or other related agencies.

• Program: Master of Science in Forensic Science
• Program Length: 36 credit hours
• Tuition: $30,408 (2018-2019 academic year)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in physics, biology, chemistry or a related field
• Admission Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, resume, personal statement
• School Type: Four-year, private not-for-profit; approximately 13,326 students (4,649 undergraduate)

If you are interested in pursuing a forensic science degree in New York, College of Technology at Alfred and Hilbert College offer bachelor's degree programs, while John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Pace University offer both a bachelor's and a master's program.