What Math Is Needed for Forensic Science?

With the continued popularity of forensics-based television shows, students pursuing forensic science degrees have grown rapidly.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts that employment opportunities within the forensic science field will experience 11% growth by the end of 2031, which is over double the rate predicted for all occupations.

This growth can't occur without people enrolling in universities to work towards earning a degree in forensics science.

Degrees like forensics science are considered hard sciences, meaning that they need a lot of hands-on math and science.

Even in non-math-centric courses, there will be calculations needed in some of the other courses in the curriculum.

What Math Is Needed for Forensic Science?

Forensic science as a career requires math daily.

To prepare students for the day-to-day requirements of this job, colleges have several math requirements for forensic science.

Most bachelor's degree programs, regardless of subject, include courses that are considered part of a general curriculum, which almost always includes some math class like algebra.

However, for degree paths like forensics science, math requirements will be higher.

Daily work involves chemistry and even ballistics calculations, depending on the job that a person has.

Because of these job requirements, forensic science curriculums usually include algebra, physics, and even calculus.

These classes aren't the only courses that you'll need to do math work in, though.

Any degree with a science focus will involve math in both dedicated math classes as well as the more general science classes.

More science-focused classes like biochemistry, physics, and others will include math-based work.

Why Do Colleges Have Forensic Science Math Requirements?

Although some careers can be performed at high levels without math, forensic science is not one of them.

Hard sciences require math to be used daily for a variety of tasks.

For forensic scientists, everything from calculating toxicology reports to analyzing bullet entry points and directions will require algebra, geometry, and, in many cases, physics and calculus.

These skills are too essential to the required work of a forensic scientist to not include math in the curriculum.

Do Any Forensic Degrees Have No Math Requirements?

Every forensic science degree will have some math requirement.

However, the requirements will be different based on the level of degree that you earn.

Forensics science degrees, like most subjects, come in four primary levels:

• Associate's degree (one to two years to complete)
• Bachelor's degree (four years to complete)
• Master's degree (one to three years on average)
• Ph.D. (seven years on average)

Master's level degrees in forensic science provide other classes involving more specialized learning that could increase some employment opportunities.

However, master's degrees are less most employers only require a bachelor's degree.

Even if you're trying to earn an associate-level degree, you will still be required to take some math courses and at least some of the same science classes that are required for higher degrees.

The math requirements will expand as the degree level increases, especially with certain concentrations.

Forensic Science Certificates and Further Education

Beyond degrees, some people earn certifications in forensic science.

These certifications are specialized and can help scientists advance their careers.

These certificates are usually completed in a much shorter time than a degree, as many can be completed in less than six months, depending on the topic.

These continuing education courses will have their math requirements, but they will often be an essential topic of the certificate program.

Forensic science is a changing field as new technologies are invented and implemented.

New training and certifications will be needed, meaning that math-based education for forensic scientists will continue even after a degree has been earned.

Forensic Science Math Requirements by Concentration

Forensic science is a vast field, meaning that there is high potential for specialization in both education and future job opportunities.

Earning a degree in forensic science usually involves selecting from a high number of concentrations, including:

• Ballistics
• Toxicology
• Crime scene investigation
• Chemistry
• Medical examination

Each of these concentrations will have differing math requirements, with some including more advanced math when it applies to the subject.

For example, a degree with a concentration in ballistics will have added physics and calculus requirements compared to a degree with a concentration in chemistry.

This isn't to say that chemistry won't include math, it just won't require the same math.

Finding Forensic Degree Programs to Achieve Your Goals

If you're looking to join the rapidly growing field of forensic science, you'll need to earn your degree.

However, finding the best degree program for your career goals isn't always easy.

Make your search easier with the tools available through Learn.

Our database includes resources and thousands of articles about forensic science and any other degree that you can think of.

Start learning about the forensic science math requirements for colleges across North America today.