Forensic Science Education

Why a Bachelor of Science is Your Best Bet

Most forensic science programs offer training in math/statistics, biological science, chemistry, physics as well as psychology and legal issues. For almost any career in this profession a Bachelor of Science degree is preferred, in the areas of chemistry/biochemistry, biology or forensic science. Forensic science is a science first, thus the emphasis of most programs will be on science courses, curriculum and goals.

Forensic science education programs offer curriculum that is designed to promote the development of problem-solving and analytical abilities as well as expose students to laboratory techniques and legal developments. If you are detailed oriented, analytical, like problem solving and solving puzzles, you will excel in these degree programs.

While programs vary across schools, you will find that most programs offer a wide array of chemistry and biology courses, as well as courses in criminal justice and law. In order to succeed in this type of career, you will have to study courses such as polymers and biopolymers, molecular biology, biochemistry, survey of forensic science, forensic medicine, statistical analysis and biostatistics, general principals of pharmacology as well as crime scene investigation and biotechnology.

Given that forensic science is such a broad filed, while you will spend your first year of education covering many disciplines, during your second year you can begin to specialize. You may want to choose to focus on forensic biology, forensic toxicology, or forensic chemistry. Regardless of your specialization, you should consider completing an external internships or a research project mentored by a faculty member.

This course will give you a great overview of the field of forensic science. You will learn about forensic chemistry, biology as well as drug identification, crime scene processing, latent fingerprints, firearms and trace evidence. DNA and expert testimony will also be covered. This is a great course to get you exciting about your future education and to provide a simplistic yet exciting and informative overview of what is in store for your future forensic science education.

Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction

This course will offer a detailed overview of crime scene processing from the initial call to reconstruction of the crime scene for court presentation. It is usually best to take this course after a number of biology and chemistry courses have been completed. In some programs this course is only offered at the graduate student level, while other programs offer it for undergraduate students as well.

Law, Evidence, and Procedure

This course focuses on the legal aspects of forensic science and not on the science itself. After completing this course, you will have a better understanding of the role of expert witnesses, admissible materials in court, direct testimony, mock trials and cross examination. You will also learn about the elements of criminal law as they apply to homicides, assaults, rape and statues of limitations.

The best way to learn about specific courses offered by different degree programs is to request detailed course information from a select number of schools. You will receive a booklet listing their entire curriculum as well as program mission and design. There is so much to choose from, make sure you know exactly what you are getting before choosing a specific degree program and institution.

Return from Forensic Science Education to Criminal Justice Degree Online