Forensic Science Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Forensic Science major applies science to analyze evidence in criminal and civil investigations. Forensic science majors combine chemistry and biology with crime scene investigation, evidence handling and courtroom testimony.

A Forensic Science major includes coursework in chemistry and biology, crime scene investigation, forensic chemistry, DNA analysis, and evidence and the law and more. You build skills such as evidence handling, lab analysis, documentation, and attention to detail. Programs often include laboratory work. Typical degrees: associate, bachelor's and master's degrees.

Typical courses include chemistry and biology, crime scene investigation, forensic chemistry, DNA analysis, evidence and the law, and laboratory methods. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Forensic Science is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, and a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s. Part-time study takes longer.

Associate, bachelor's and master's degrees. In the latest federal data, 90 colleges reported certificate awards, 60 colleges reported associate awards, 128 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, and 50 colleges reported master’s awards.

Career paths connected to forensic science include forensic science technician, detective, chemist, biological technician, and police officer. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include forensic science technician (typical training: 4 years + training), detective (typical training: 3–5 years as a police officer), chemist (typical training: 4+ years), biological technician (typical training: 4 years), and police officer (typical training: 6–12 months (academy + field training)).

Forensic Science majors build skills such as evidence handling, lab analysis, documentation, attention to detail, and objectivity.

Good pairings include Criminal Justice (explains the legal system your work supports) and Chemistry (many crime labs look for a strong chemistry background).

Often, yes. Programs commonly include laboratory work. Ask each college how its program arranges hands-on work.

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as forensic science technician, detective, and chemist, and enjoy subjects like chemistry and biology and crime scene investigation. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes chemistry and biology, crime scene investigation, and forensic chemistry; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

261 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

Pennsylvania (23), New York (21), California (20), North Carolina (17), and Florida (15), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

239 of the colleges that offer forensic science also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Forensic Science applies science to analyze evidence in criminal and civil investigations. Biology studies living things, from cells and genes to ecosystems. Forensic Science leads to careers such as forensic science technician and detective, while Biology leads to careers such as biological technician and microbiologist.

Forensic Science applies science to analyze evidence in criminal and civil investigations. Chemistry studies matter: what substances are made of and how they react. Forensic Science leads to careers such as forensic science technician and detective, while Chemistry leads to careers such as chemist and chemical technician.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to forensic science, such as Forensic Science Technician Training.