Earning a degree in forensic science will provide you with a wide variety of career opportunities in law enforcement and criminal justice fields. This diverse degree will help widen your expertise in these fields. Additionally, it prepares you for a fun and exciting career. While many on-campus universities offer degree programs in forensic sciences, you have online options, as well. Jumpstart your career with a forensic science degree online.
Forensic Science Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
Forensic science degree programs are not a one-size-fits-all degree. For example, some programs offer specialized degree programs so students can specialize in a specific field of forensics. Depending on your career aspirations, you may want to consider finding the type of degree program that will best suit your goals. While many career opportunities are available to undergraduate students, many options may require a Master’s degree for consideration and job placement.
Finding the Right Online Degree Program
There are many online options for students to earn their forensic science degrees. In order to find the right program for you, research available programs thoroughly before committing yourself to one. Additionally, here are a few items you should consider when doing research:
- Program availability
- Cost
- Financial aid options
- Accreditation
- Degree level (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree)
- Specialization programs available
- Career aspirations
Doing thorough research into an online degree program will ensure you choose the right program for your circumstances. Unlike on-campus courses, online courses can add extra difficulty. In fact, earning an online degree requires a significant amount of self-motivation and discipline to complete. Likewise, finding the perfect degree program will help you be a successful student. The right online degree program will lead you to career opportunities in your desired line of work in this diverse field.
Top Institutions to Earn Your Forensic Science Degree Online
Between well-known universities and smaller institutions, there are many options for students to earn their degrees online. According to The Best Schools, here are the top three institutions to earn your forensic science degree online.
- Hampton University- Hampton University offers a Bachelor’s degree in forensic science. This program requires 126 credits to complete with core classes focusing on physical, analytical, and forensic chemistry courses. Additionally, students will study criminology and social justice. While this institution does not provide specialty courses, graduates will be eligible for entry-level jobs in law enforcement and other government agencies.
- Columbia College- Columbia College provides a quick 36-credit Bachelor’s degree in forensic science. Students will take courses in forensic DNA, forensic toxicology, and FBI fingerprinting. Other courses include ethics and statistics in criminal justice and criminology. Students will begin new classes every five weeks, making this program extremely flexible for online academics.
- Liberty University- Liberty University provides a Bachelor’s degree program in forensic science, as well. This degree program requires 120 credits and can be completed in 3-4 years. Core courses in this program include criminal investigations, crime scene management, and crime scene photography. This program is a great asset to students who wish to pursue a career working closely with the crime scene instead of laboratories.
Other online programs provide Master’s degree programs for specialty training. In addition, these programs offer more significant career advancement opportunities. A Bachelor’s degree is a great place to start in the forensic science field. Additionally, students may take advantage of online Master’s degree programs to accelerate their careers while they continue working. If you want to work closely with law enforcement to solve crimes, then earning a forensic science degree online will give you a more flexible way to enter into this exciting field.