Online Schools with Forensic Science Degrees and Majors: How to Choose

Online forensic science programs are primarily found in the form of master's degrees, though bachelor's degrees are sometimes available in areas such as criminal justice that have a forensic science focus. Students should choose programs that fit their proposed careers as closely as possible.

How to Find an Online School for Forensic Science

Program Level and Career Goals

Forensic science programs are available online, but degree selection and level may be limited. Students who are interested in a forensic science degree should first know what career path they will choose and find a degree program that will complement that career choice. Master's degrees are the most common forensic science degrees available online. At the bachelor's degree level, students may need to look for degrees in other areas such as criminal justice or computer science that have a focus in forensic science or computer forensics, depending on their career needs.

Student Time Requirements

Students must choose institutions and courses that fit their schedules. Some classes, usually designed for working professionals, are intended to have flexible schedules and have very few specific test or assignment due date requirements. Other classes may be accelerated classes designed for students who wish a traditional schedule. These courses may have video lectures and class voice or video conferences that students are required to attend at particular times of the week. Students should choose a degree option that gives them the flexibility and pace they prefer.

Online Program Options for Forensic Science

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Forensic Science

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice may have any number of different focuses, but depending on the institution, forensic science may be one of the more common available focuses. Though they are comparatively rare, bachelor's degrees in forensic science usually cover much of the same ground as master's degrees, though they may have less depth and more general education requirements. Online bachelor's degrees in criminal justice tend to have more accelerated degree options than other online forensic science degree programs.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Forensics

For those interested in specialty areas of forensic science, one option may be computer forensics. This subset of forensic science often includes many of the same types of classes as a forensic science degree, but with a focus on the computer as the primary medium rather than on the physical and laboratory aspects of forensic science. Students take classes in areas such as financial crimes, network security and data retrieval as well as the same psychology and criminal thought process classes as a forensic science degree. Computer science degrees are normally designed with a flexible schedule for students who wish to complete their degree while still working or with other flexibility requirements.

Master of Science in Forensic Science

A master's degree in forensic science is the most common online forensic science program available. Students in a forensic science program often study classes such as forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic analysis, toxicology and genetics. A variety of different careers are open to graduates of a master's degree program in forensic science, most of which involve criminal investigation. Students seeking an online master's degree in forensic science are likely to find flexible programs that allow them to continue working full-time while still pursuing their career at the same time. While accelerated options may be available, they are rare.