| School | Level | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
Michigan State University |
Master | Online MS in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation | Website |
Utica University |
Bachelor | Bachelor's in Criminal Intelligence Analysis | Website |
Utica University |
Bachelor | BS in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation | Website |
Utica University |
Master | MS in Cybersecurity - Computer Forensics | Website |
Alvernia University |
Bachelor | Addictions and Mental Health Treatment (formerly Behavioral Health) | Website |
View more online criminal justice programs currently accepting applications.
What Exactly Is Forensics?
By its simplest definition, forensics refers to the application of scientific techniques and principles to the law. The term “forensic” is derived from the Latin word forensis, which means public or pertaining to a forum. While forensics has only recently become a high-profile field, the practice of forensic principles actually dates back to ancient times. For instance, it’s believed that the first recorded autopsy was performed sometime around 44 BC, following the death of Julius Caesar.
| School | Level | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
Campbellsville University |
Bachelor | BS in Criminal Justice Administration | Website |
Campbellsville University |
Master | MS in Justice Studies: Criminology Track | Website |
Campbellsville University |
Master | MS in Justice Studies: Public Services Leadership and Social Justice Track | Website |
Fairleigh Dickinson University |
Master | Master of Science in Cyber and Homeland Security | Website |
Utica University |
Bachelor | Bachelor's in Criminal Intelligence Analysis | Website |
Utica University |
Bachelor | BS in Criminal Justice - Cyber Criminology and Policy | Website |
Utica University |
Bachelor | BS in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation | Website |
Over the past decade, television shows such as “CSI,” “Bones,” and “Criminal Minds” have generated a significant amount of interest in criminal investigations, particularly with regard to the forensic aspects of how crimes are solved. These shows offer a unique, albeit slightly glamorized, look at the different phases of the investigation process, from the collection of evidence to determining the cause of death. While these and similar programs focus primarily on the physical and psychological science behind crime-solving, they don’t always reflect the reality of what forensic work involves.
The different types of forensic studies can be expansive. We wanted to breakdown a few of the key ones that you might be considering as a degree program.
Computer Forensics
In today’s society, it is more common than ever for legal evidence to be found on electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, and even digital media players. Sometimes criminals may store evidence in the form of text messages, emails, or even previously visited websites.
Computer forensics is a descendant of the field of forensics which provides education and experience in specialty areas that include electronic devices. Those that are interested in being a part of this field can blend their knowledge of forensics as a whole with the field of technology in an effort to provide priceless information to law enforcement during an official investigation.
Forensic Toxicology
Sometimes the human body can tell investigators more about a crime than the people involved. Forensic toxicology is an interesting branch of forensics that involves chemistry, biology, and laboratory analysis as a means for finding answers.
Drug testing, search for poisonous materials, and sample analysis are just a few of the many factors that can be present within everyday work in this field. Upcoming professionals that have an investigative mindset and wish to mesh careers in science and the justice system may find this career field to be exactly what they are looking for.
Forensic Odontology
During investigations, any information that is pertinent to identifying a suspect or victim can be valuable. Forensic Odontology deals directly with using dental knowledge to gain information that is relevant to an investigation.
Most professionals in this field are licensed dentists that wish to further their knowledge into the field of forensics, but there are sub-fields that do not require any previous dental experience.
Those interested in this field may have the opportunity to learn more about how dental science can be an effective way of identifying a person’s identity when all other options are unavailable.
Digital Forensics
Similar to computer forensics, digital forensics is a branch of forensic science that uses investigative techniques to gather stored data from digital devices. This branch can include cell phones, digital storage devices, computers, and other technological items used by individuals.
In the event that a crime has been committed, digital forensic specialists step in to review items on storage devices, analyze computer search history, emails, and even money transfers to gather information needed to prosecute or defend people involved. If you have an interest in computer technology and want to use your knowledge and skills to help provide justice, this is a area of expertise to become involved.
Forensic Science Today
Today, forensics encompasses a wide range of disciplines within the criminal justice system. Forensics has become synonymous with forensic science and there are numerous subdivisions that fall under this broad umbrella.
Criminal forensic specialists may work in a number of different settings, including scientific laboratories, hospitals, correctional facilities, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and other government organizations. You can view all forensic science degrees here, view featured forensic science programs below, or read on for some of the more popular career paths in the forensic sciences.
Featured Forensic Science Degrees
Below are some featured schools with online forensics or related programs that are currently accepting applications. Simply click the checkboxes next the programs you are most interested in and enter some simple information to get in contact with them.
Find Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Programs in Your State:
Forensic Science Specialties
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is essentially where the field of psychology meets the law. The most popular image associated with forensic psychologists is that of the criminal profiler, tracking down terrorists or bonding with serial killers like Clarice Starling in Silence of the Lambs. In reality, forensic psychologists work within the criminal justice system to assess the mental health of individuals who have been charged with a crime. They may be asked to determine if a suspect is competent to stand trial or make recommendations regarding an offender’s sentencing or treatment. Forensic psychologists regularly interact with attorneys and judges, and they’re frequently called on to offer expert testimony in civil and criminal proceedings.
Forensic Pathology
When a death occurs, it may be up to the forensic pathologist to determine how and why the victim died. Pathologists are charged with performing autopsies and using their findings to pinpoint the cause and manner of death. Autopsies may be performed in cases where foul play is suspected or when the death is unusual or sudden. In addition to performing an autopsy, a forensic pathologist may also travel outside the lab to inspect the crime scene. Forensic pathologists typically work closely with other forensic science specialists, such as forensic odontologists, who use dental records to identify human remains, or forensic toxicologists, who analyze blood and tissue samples to detect the presence of drugs, alcohol, or other chemicals.
Forensic Anthropology
In cases where human remains are severely decomposed, the help of a forensic anthropologist may be necessary. Forensic anthropology primarily focuses on the study of the human skeleton to find clues regarding the individual’s identity, determine the cause of death, and/or uncover evidence of a crime. Forensic anthropologists may use tools such as facial reconstruction software as part of their investigation.
Crime Scene Investigation
Crime scene investigation is all about documenting the scene of the crime. It is the job of the crime scene investigator to carefully comb the crime scene taking photos, looking for hairs, blood, fibers, fingerprints, bullet fragments, and other pieces of evidence that might point to a suspect or help to formulate a theory of what events took place. Crime scene investigators are generally police officers and may have little to no scientific training. Once the crime scene investigators document the scene and collect useful evidence, it is taken to the lab to be analyzed by another party.
Criminalistics
Criminalistics refers to the scientific analysis of evidence collected from the crime scene. Criminalists analyze physical evidence in the crime lab, including hairs, fibers, gunshot residue, arson accelerants, and body fluids such as blood or saliva (for DNA testing). Criminalists have strong science backgrounds, usually in chemistry, biology, or related subjects. They must be familiar with a broad array of instrumentation and scientific techniques, and be able to present and explain complicated scientific evidence to a jury.
Forensic Nursing
Forensic nursing is an emerging field in forensic sciences that acts as a bridge between the medical profession and the criminal justice system. Forensic nurses are frequently called on to assist in investigations involving the victims or perpetrators of sexual abuse, domestic assault, child abuse, or other types of trauma. They’re responsible for collecting blood and hair samples, DNA, and other evidence. They may also be asked to provide testimony at a criminal trial or consult with law enforcement to assist in an investigation.
Conclusion on Forensics
Forensic science is more than just what you see on television. There may be dozens of people who are involved in a criminal investigation and there’s a significant need for individuals with specialized skills and training. With so many sub-disciplines to choose from, the field of forensic science offers a virtually limitless number of career paths to students who are interested in the mechanics of crime-solving.
Sources:
American Academy of Forensic Sciences: Choosing a Career
American Board of Forensic Anthropology: What is Forensic Anthropology?
National Institute of Justice: Forensic Pathology
National Institute of Justice: Forensic Sciences
Forensic Science Online Degrees
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Forensic Science Technicians
American Psychological Association: Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology
International Association of Forensic Nurses: What is Forensic Nursing?
Investigation Discovery: History of Forensics