2025 Top Forensic Science Colleges

Forensic scientists may collect evidence from crime scenes, analyze evidence in a lab, or do both jobs. To work as a forensic scientist, you'll need a degree.

Keep reading to discover the top forensic science colleges and universities in the United States.

Top Forensic Science Colleges

Forensic science is a major offered through many colleges and universities. We've listed our top picks below in alphabetical order.

All colleges and universities listed below are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).

1. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a public university formed as a collaboration between Indiana University and Purdue University.

It offers a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in forensic science that combine the best of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, along with criminal justice and law.

Students will have access to state-of-the-art technology as well as to crime labs and other facilities in Indianapolis.

2. John Jay College of Criminal Justice

The John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a public college in New York City focused on criminal justice. It's part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.

The college offers a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in forensic psychology that trains students to work in a variety of forensic science roles and sub-specialties.

Both programs offer three specializations: criminalistics, molecular biology, and forensic toxicology.

3. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a private Catholic research university in Chicago, Illinois. It offers a Bachelor of Science in forensic science.

This curriculum focuses heavily on natural and physical sciences to prepare students for a variety of forensic science and related careers.

Students also have the option of a minor in computer crime and forensics. This interdisciplinary minor teaches students to use computers to solve criminal or civil cases.

4. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is a public research university in Pennsylvania. It offers a bachelor's and master's degree in forensic science.

Students in the Bachelor of Science program learn the role of forensic scientists in the criminal justice system, the collection and analysis of scientific evidence, and court procedures.

The Master of Professional Studies in forensic science offers students advanced, hands-on training in crime scene investigation techniques and crime laboratory methodologies.

5. Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university in Syracuse, New York. It's home to the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute (FNSSI).

Through the institute, students can earn degrees such as:

• Bachelor of Arts in forensic science
• Bachelor of Science in forensic science
• Master of Science in forensic science
• Master of Science in biomedical forensic science
• Master of Science in medicolegal death investigation

The bachelor's degrees are Integrated Learning Majors, meaning they are meant to complement another major in a field like anthropology, biology, or chemistry.

6. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is a public, research university in College Station, Texas. It offers a bachelor's degree in forensic and investigative sciences.

This program prepares students for forensic science careers that involve the collection, preservation, processing and use of evidentiary information to solve problems.

Students can choose from a science track or a law track. The science track is FEPAC-accredited, the law track is not.

7. Towson University

Towson University is a public university in Towson, Maryland. It offers a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in forensic science.

The Bachelor of Science in forensic chemistry offers three tracks: a general forensic science track, a trace/evidence and drug analysis track, and a DNA track.

In the Master of Science in forensic science program, students can choose either the DNA track or a forensic analytical chemistry track, which focuses on drug analysis, trace analysis, and toxicology.

8. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is a public research university in Orlando, Florida. It offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in forensic science.

The bachelor's degree provides an in-depth understanding of applying scientific evidence to the law. It has two tracks: biochemistry and chemistry.

The master's degree is an advanced program of study in forensic science. It offers three concentrations: forensic analysis, forensic biochemistry, and forensic professional.

9. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university in Richmond, Virginia. It offers a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in forensic science.

Students in the Bachelor of Science program will learn to process a variety of evidentiary items. Concentrations are available in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and physical evidence.

The Master of Science offers in-depth exposure to specializations within the field. It offers four concentrations:

• forensic biology
• forensic chemistry/drugs and toxicology
• forensic chemistry/trace
• forensic physical analysis

10. West Virginia University

West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia. It offers forensic science degrees through its Department of Forensic and Investigative Science.

Undergraduate students can choose from three majors: the forensic examiner major, forensic biology major, and the forensic chemistry major.

Graduate students can earn a Master of Science in forensic and investigative science, which offers advanced science courses in microscopy, trace evidence, pattern evidence, and laboratory management.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in forensic science is also available, which prepares students to work as professionals in academia, government laboratories, or private industry.

FAQs About Top Forensic Science Colleges

Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about forensic science colleges.

Can I Earn a Forensic Science Degree Online?

While forensic science degrees are most commonly offered in person, some online programs do exist. These programs may still require students to come to campus for some experiences.

How Long Are Forensic Science Degree Programs?

Most bachelor's degree programs in forensic science take four years to complete, while master's programs range from one to three years.

How Much Does a Degree in Forensic Science Cost?

Forensic science degrees typically cost the same as other majors. According to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), bachelor's degrees average $17,251 per year and master's average $12,394.

Find Forensic Science Colleges

Many excellent colleges and universities offer degrees in forensic science. Check out the programs above to find the right fit for you today!