Top Forensic Science Colleges

Background Information

Ever considered working as a forensic scientist? Students who decide to pursue a career in forensic science focus their studies in the areas of science and criminal justice. Forensic science colleges teach students how to properly gather crime scene evidence, lab procedures, written communication and interviewing skills, and how to adequately prep for a trial. With technology on the rise, the need for forensic scientists has increased dramatically.

Is A Career in Forensic Science For Me?

Before pursing the educational requirements necessary to enter the field of forensic science, it is important that students examine whether or not this field is the right chose for them. Most students who attend forensic science colleges enjoy doing lab work, are detail-oriented, and have excellent observation skills.

Academically speaking, students who major in forensic science typically perform well in their math classes, have good written and verbal communication skills, and are proficient with using word-processing software.

Also, forensic science colleges generally have a lot of courses that involve group work, so students who enter this field usually enjoy working with others.

Forensic Sciences Colleges: The Top 20

Below you will find a list of the top 20 forensic science colleges in the U.S. To find more information about each individual college, you should visit their website directly.

1. University of Central Florida

2. Michigan State University

3. Pennsylvania State University

4. Florida International University

5. Virginia Commonwealth University

6. Boston University

7. University of California, Davis

8. Western Virginia University

9. George Washington University

10. University of Nebraska – Lincoln

11. Oklahoma State University

12. Drexel University

13. Ohio University

14. Syracuse University

15. State University of New York at Albany

16. University of Alabama – Birmingham

17. University of Mississippi

18. Baylor University

19. Marshall University

20. Arcadia University

What Should I Expect At Forensic Science Colleges

Student who attend forensic science college take A LOT of science courses. So, if science is not one of your favorite subjects, then you should possibly consider choosing another career path. Forensic science students also sometimes specialize in a certain area of the field. For example, some may concentrate on forensic chemistry, while others may choose forensic biology. It is also common for forensic science students to spend a lot of time in labs studying physical evidence. Students should be prepared to apply their scientific background in a lab setting using cut-edge technology and equipment.

Education Necessary to Become a Forensic Scientist

At a minimum, forensic scientists have a bachelor’s degree. If a student does not attend one of the forensic science colleges (or college that offers a major in forensic science), then he or she should choose a major that heavily deals with science – chemistry, biology, biochemistry, etc.)

Where Do Graduates of Forensic Science Colleges Work?

To enter the field of forensic science, students who graduate from forensic science colleges need to have the right amount of experience and education. To supplement a bachelor’s degree, student should try to have at least 3 years of experience working in a lab. Students who graduate with advanced degrees (like a master’s degree or Ph.D.) from forensic science colleges usually get jobs will less years of work experience.

What Are Forensic Science Employers Looking For?

Employers are looking for students who graduate from forensic science colleges with a working knowledge of how a lab operates. What does this mean? This means that students should be familiar with a variety of lab procedures and techniques, understand how to accurately operate lab equipment, conduct lab testing, review and analyze lab results, and draw conclusions based on the results of the tests that were ran.

Job Outlook for Students at Forensic Science Colleges

Based on the data provided by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, students who graduate from forensic science colleges will have a decent number of career options after graduation. The number of opportunities will depend primarily on the location where the student is searching for jobs.

What Do Forensic Scientists Really Do?

Forensic scientists actually play a key role in criminal trials. They analyze evidence taken from crime scenes (i.e. biological fluids, hair, gunshot residue, drugs, fibers, pain, and glass). This evidence is examined using chemical, microscopic, and instrumental analysis methods. These analysis methods are learned at forensic science colleges. Once this step is complete, the forensic scientists typically document findings, potentially serve as expert witnesses in court, conduct other research, or train other forensic scientists.