Going to school to become a forensic analyst can certainly be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing a college that is ranked highly in both the quality of the education it provides and the success rate of its graduates. Listed here are the top 10 forensic science colleges in the US and a bit of information about each.

#1 – University of California at Davis

The number one draw to the University of California at Davis is that some 85% of its forensics graduates are employed within the field following graduation. It is also the only forensics college in the entire University of California education system.

#2 – Boston State University

Boston State University is one of the only forensic programs in the country that is taught in a major medical center, so it is a great choice for anyone who wants to focus on the human anatomy side of the career field. Their master’s programs have some unique specialties from which you can choose including blood spatters, toxicology, and forensic pathology.

#3 – Syracuse University

There are several forensics degrees available from Syracuse University, but they are most known for their Forensic Science and Law program. The internship program here is one of the best, as well, allowing students to work and train alongside the New York State police, the FBI, or even the CIA.

#4 – George Washington University

The forensics program at George Washington University in Washington, DC was established back in 1968. There are three concentrations here from which students can choose, and these include forensic toxicology, chemistry, and molecular biology. Each one can open doors to any number of forensics career choices.

#5 – Ohio University

Ohio University is best known for its job placement, but you’ll be able to enjoy a fantastic education for a relatively low cost here, too. More than 96% of the students who graduate from this college with a degree in science go on to find jobs in their chosen fields within the first six months.

#6 – Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University is a great choice for those who want an outstanding education, but those who live close to the campus will enjoy some extra benefits, as well. The college regularly hosts workshops and short course series that can go toward fulfilling continuing education requirements from many certification agencies.

#7 – Drexel University

Drexel University is unique in that it offers not only a graduate degree program in forensics for science majors, but it also has a similar master’s program for those who did not major in science for their bachelor’s degrees. Thus, Drexel is the perfect choice for those who want to make a career change regardless of the field in which they earned their bachelor’s degrees.

#8 – State University of New York at Albany

If you’re interested in becoming a forensic DNA analyst, then the State University of New York at Albany is for you. Here, you can learn in the DNA Academy at the Northeast Regional Forensic Institute, one of the best and most well-known laboratories and learning institutions of its kind.

#9 – Virginia Commonwealth University

While the classroom setting at Virginia Commonwealth University is fairly straightforward and typical, it’s the laboratory that makes all of the difference here. The Virginia Department of Forensic Science Lab – the same place where the state’s criminal cases are analyzed – is where students will spend their time getting a hands-on education.

#10 –Michigan State University

If you are interested in a bachelor’s degree in forensics with a specific concentration, then Michigan State University offers three: one in biology, one in chemistry, and one in forensic anthropology, which is the study of skeletal remains for law enforcement or even archaeology.

Any of these schools would be a great choice for you if you are interested in obtaining a degree in forensic science. However, if you are looking for something a little closer to home, there are many more accredited schools across the country you can attend.

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If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of people in the United States who is interested in a career as a forensic analyst, then you’re probably curious as to the path you’ll need to take in order to get there. Listed here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a forensic analyst.

Get Started in High School

Though there are plenty of college programs out there that will teach you how to become a forensic analyst, you’ll have a better shot at landing a lucrative entry-level job (and getting through college with a high GPA) if you start your studies in high school. Some of the courses that you’ll want to consider here include biology, anatomy, computer sciences, and even an elective in forensics or criminal justice. These days, may high schools offer elective vocational programs in which students can take several electives dealing in the field of forensics. In some cases, these are AP classes and some may count as college credits. Speak to your guidance counselor to learn more about this.

Get the Right College Degree

The next step in becoming a forensic analyst involves choosing a college that will offer you the right degree. The amount of education that is required depends almost solely upon the field of forensics you choose and your employer, but the BLS states that most employers require a bachelor’s degree in forensics or in a field of natural science with a focus on forensics. These are four-year degrees, and if you can get yours from an accredited and well-known college, then you’ll be a more valuable asset to your employers – meaning that you’ll have an easier time finding work once you graduate.

Obtain Licensure and Certification

There are several groups that can provide licensure and certification to forensic analysts, and while the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that these are not necessary for finding employment, they can certainly go a long way in showing your credentials and your area of expertise. For instance, the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) organization can offer you a GCFA, or GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst certificate, which certifies that you have what it takes to collect, handle, preserve, and process various pieces of information and evidence. Employers often seek candidates with these credentials as they have proven their abilities and passed a rigorous exam.

Participate in Ongoing Education

Finally, in order to be a successful forensic analyst, it is important for you to continue to participate in ongoing information each year. There are several ways to go about doing this, and in many cases, your employer can direct you to online courses that will count toward fulfilling the hours you need to keep your certification active. The courses you take will focus on modern technologies and evidence collection procedures, ensuring that you remain in-the-know when it comes to the latest methodologies.

Though you should begin focusing on your career as a forensic analyst and the education that it will take you to get there in high school and college, you should also bear in mind that most employers will also mandate a period of on-the-job training so that you can learn specific software, protocols, and methods.

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A forensic DNA analyst is someone who works to examine DNA samples in crime labs to help link potential subjects to crime scenes. They need a host of scientific and technical knowledge to perform their duties, and they must also understand how to handle crime scene evidence without contaminating it.

Job Duties

In a nutshell, a forensic DNA analyst takes samples that are collected by crime scene investigators and analyzes them in a laboratory. The goal is to compare the DNA found at crime scenes (or on a suspect in some way, such as in his or her car or home) and compare it to the DNA of the suspect and/or the victims in order to find a link. The forensic DNA analyst spends time creating reports, as well. In some cases, they are asked to testify on the stand in court to report their findings to a judge and/or jury. They are also called upon to perform routine quality control checks and to conduct peer reviews to rule out errors in testing.

Work Environment

Whether or not a forensic DNA analyst is required to visit a crime scene often depends on the size of the city or county in which he or she works. In larger areas, these individuals rarely work outside of the laboratory with the exception of attending court proceedings from time to time. However, in small cities and counties where budgets are limited, the forensic DNA analyst may be required to travel to the crime scene to collect DNA evidence before returning to the laboratory to analyze it. Though the job is typically nine-to-five in nature, some work long hours and even on weekends to process evidence quickly.

Required Education

In order to work in an FBI-approved crime lab, individuals must possess a bachelor’s degree in a field that is related to forensic science, genetics, or molecular biology. They must also possess clinical training inside of a laboratory where they have demonstrated competency in handling and testing DNA samples. Because the software and equipment that is used can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, forensic DNA analysts can also expect to receive at least some on-the-job training.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, this career pays an average annual salary of $57,530 with those who have the most experience and who work in large metropolitan areas earning upwards of $70,000 per year. The majority of available positions are with local government entities at the city and county level, with the next highest employment group coming in at the state level. It is expected that employment in this filed will rise about 6% between 2012 and 2022 due to increases in population and therefore crime.

Although a forensic DNA analyst spends a lot of time in a laboratory, it can still be an exciting and fascinating job opportunity. These individuals work directly with law enforcement officials and others to help ensure that justice prevails – and to ensure that innocent people are not prosecuted for crimes that they did not commit.

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A forensic analyst is someone who works alongside law enforcement agencies at the city, county, state or federal level to collect, preserve, and process evidence. They often spend a lot of time in their offices analyzing evidence and writing reports, but some also work in the field to gather evidence and examine crime scenes.

Why Responsibilities and Duties May Vary?

There are many different specialties from which a forensic analyst can choose, and the specific area that is chosen can have a huge impact on these individuals’ daily duties and tasks. Some specialties, such as DNA or computer analysts, will spend almost all of their time in laboratories. Others, such as blood spatter analysts or crime scene investigators, will spend most of their time out in the field examining crime scenes and other locations where evidence can be found. Another factor that may influence the duties of a forensic analyst include the industry in which he or she is employed and the size of the organization for which he or she works.

What They Do in the Laboratory?

Almost all forensic analysts will spend at least some time in a laboratory. Some of the tasks that these individuals will perform include analyzing evidence of the chemical, biological, and even physical kind using many types of sophisticated equipment; using data that is collected and/or provided to explore links between crimes, victims, and potential suspects; consulting with folks in other areas of expertise, such as toxicologists, in order to see a bigger picture and to form stronger links; and even reconstructing crime scenes in order to better understand what might have happened or how certain events took place.

What They Do at a Crime Scene?

Forensic analysts who are required to perform duties at crime scenes may first analyze and photograph the locations so that they can determine what needs to be collected as evidence and how that evidence should be collected and stored. They are responsible for taking careful notes to record exactly how and where pieces of evidence were found. They are usually the ones to collect evidence which may include bullets, guns, bodily fluids, bits of fiber, hair, and other items. Finally, they preserve and catalog the evidence when it needs to be transported to crime labs or in the event that it will need to be presented in a court case.

Tasks Common to All Forensic Analysts

Regardless of whether a forensic analyst spends most of his or her time in the lab or in the field, there are certain things that they must all do. First and foremost, these individuals spend a great deal writing up reports that are passed on to courtrooms, lawyers, and law enforcement officials. Next, they must often testify in court regarding their findings, so they must be familiar with courtroom processes. Finally, they must be able to communicate well and work well with others since it takes more than one person to put their heads together and solve crimes.

The tasks performed by forensics analysts can vary a great deal, so it is important for these individuals to have a broad scope of knowledge if they want to be valuable in the workplace. The right education, training, and experience can make all of the difference when it comes to enjoying a successful career.

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A forensic analyst, sometimes referred to as a forensic scientist, performs many duties in his or her career. In almost all cases, they work for government justice departments to help analyze evidence in criminal cases. There are six fields of study within this field, but each field has a role of helping investigators solve crimes.

Crime Lab Analyst

A crime lab analyst is a type of forensic analyst who carefully look over crime scenes to identify suspects and to ensure that the wrongly accused are not prosecuted. They may specialize in certain areas even further, including blood spatters, DNA, firearms testing, and more. These individuals are required to have a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field and will often receive on-the-job training, as well.

Medical Examiner

Medical examiners are typically physicians who perform autopsies in order to determine probable causes of death and gather further evidence. Oftentimes, their primary role involves determining whether a death occurred because of natural causes or because of foul play. In some jurisdictions, medical examiners must have doctorate degrees, but this isn’t the case in all locations.

Crime Scene Investigator

The duties of a crime scene investigator include collecting various types of forensic evidence for analysis in a laboratory. They may search for things such as tiny droplets of blood, fibers, hair, tissue samples, and even weapons to determine whether or not they are significant to a particular criminal investigation. They are specially trained to collect, handle and preserve evidence, and they are required to have a bachelor’s degree in a forensics-related field.

Forensic Engineer

A forensic engineer has a very interesting career in that he or she investigates materials, products, and structures that cause personal injury or property damage because of failure or an inability to function as intended. They often work for insurance companies and manufacturers, and they are most well-known for their research following plane crashes. They must have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, though a relevant major can help if you want to specialize in civil, chemical, or computer engineering.

Technical Assistance

A forensic technical assistant is responsible for assisting a forensic analyst in gathering and analyzing evidence or performing any other duty that is delegated to them by their employers. This is a support role, so while no formal secondary education or college degree is required, employers prefer that candidates have at least some knowledge of forensics that can be demonstrated via coursework or certificates.

Academic Assistance

Finally, a forensic academic assistant can also play a vital role in the justice system by researching facts and figures to link evidence to suspects and crime scenes. Again, because this is a support role, candidates are generally not required to have a college degree. However, they must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in research and a basic understanding of forensic science.

As you can see, there are many different things that a forensic analyst can do with his or her career. A support role is a great way to get the experience you need while you get your education, as well.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the most successful and employable forensic analysts are those who have bachelor’s degrees from accredited universities. However, four years of college can certainly be expensive. Fortunately, there are several scholarships available to help students offset some of those costs.

Sandy Jeffers Memorial Scholarship

The Sandy Jeffers Memorial Scholarship awards one semester’s worth of tuition to one undergraduate student each year who is working toward a bachelor’s degree in a field of forensic or historical anthropology at the University of Tennessee, which is located in Knoxville. Applicants must provide a written statement of their own, three academic references, and transcripts of their grades. Since the award is given based on both merit and financial need, students must also detail how they are paying for their education and why they are facing hardship in a financial sense.

James and Harriet Tong Forensic Chemistry Scholarship

The James and Harriet Tong Forensic Chemistry Scholarship is awarded to four students each year – one each in their freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year of studies – at Ohio University which is located in Athens, Ohio. These students must be enrolled in and demonstrating aptitude in the school’s Forensic Chemistry program, which is quite rigorous in nature. A specific amount is not specified by the foundation, and students must be nominated by an academic reference in order to be considered for the award.

Radford University Forensic Science Institute Boyd Forensic and Anthropological Science Scholarship

This award, which has an unspecified amount, is given to students who are attending Radford University in Radford, Virginia. These students must demonstrate excellence in academics in the school’s forensics program, and they must also be involved in assisting faculty and upperclassmen in research in either the forensic or anthropological science field. Aside from two letters of recommendation from school faculty, students will also need to write a 500-word essay that describes the research they are assisting with in great detail.

George H. Robertson Scholarship

This is another fantastic scholarship opportunity for individuals who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in forensic science. It is funded by the Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association of Identification to students who are maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA and who are in at least their sophomore year of study. The number of recipients and the amount that is awarded varies from year to year.

J. Edgar Hoover Foundation Scientific Scholarship

Only one student per year is given this prestigious scholarship which is valued at $25,000 and can easily pay for all four years of college. However, the student who is awarded the prize must have been accepted into a forensic science program and must be pursuing a career in some field of law enforcement. It requires two letters of recommendation, a transcript, and a narrative letter detailing community involvement and career aspirations to be considered.

Remember that scholarships are unlike student loans in that they do not need to be repaid, so you are free to apply for as many of them as pertains to you in order to get the most help possible when it comes to easing the financial burden associated with attending a forensic science school.

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The education and training that is required to become a forensic analyst can be extensive depending upon the industry in which you want to work after you graduate from college. What’s more, there is a certain amount of on-the-job training that a forensic analyst must go through before he or she can perform the job duties successfully.

Recommended High School Courses

For some people, the desire to work as part of the criminal justice system starts as early as childhood. For this reason, there are plenty of high schools that offer up electives based on forensics and law. High school students who are interested in careers as forensic analysts should be sure to take courses in mathematics, anatomy, biology, and more in order to have a strong foundation for college. What’s more, if the student’s school offers a vocational program in criminal justice or even a semester-long elective in forensics, this is a great introduction to later college courses.

College Degree

Forensic analysts are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry. Some candidates may choose to major in a natural science like biology and minor in one of many forensic science fields, such as computers or DNA analysis. In many smaller towns and counties, forensic analysts are promoted from within with most starting out as police officers. In this case, it may be possible to enter into forensic analysis with nothing more than a high school education, though FBI-approved crime labs will require candidates to seek a bachelor’s degree.

Training

Because the methods, protocols, and software that is used by employers varies greatly, forensic analysts are required to undergo a period of on-the-job training before they are expected to take on independent cases. In most cases, new hires are called upon to shadow (watch) and assist experienced forensic analysts so that they can work under direct supervision. Forensic analysts who choose laboratory specialties, such as DNA analysis or blood spatters, will learn the skills they need to succeed on the job. Employers often require these individuals to keep up with the latest advances in technology by attending workshops and completing ongoing education, either in the classroom or online.

Licenses and Certifications

Although it is not necessary to obtain licensure or certification before entering the workforce as a forensic analyst, it can help candidates become strong competitors in the workforce. The number of forensic analyst positions that are available in the US are limited, and there is quite a bit of interest in the field due to the focus of popular media. There are several different licensing and certifying groups, and while some of these provide certificates for forensic analysts in general, others provide licensure or certification for specialties within the field including ballistics and others.

Though it takes a four-year college degree to become a forensic analyst in most cases, the salary and job security that you will enjoy can certainly make this education worth it. Certification in a specialized field can help you become even more valuable in the workforce, especially in this crowded industry.

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Because so many people these days are interested in careers as forensic analysts, it comes as no surprise that hundreds of schools – both online and on campus – offer up degree programs in forensics. The tips below will help you choose a school that is the right fit for your learning style and your career goals.

Is the School Accredited?

If you will be attending college for the purpose of attending a bachelor’s or master’s degree, then it is very important for you to ensure that the school has been accredited by the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission, or FEPAC. This group essentially establishes the educational requirements for the field and ensures that those who attend the programs have everything they need to be successful in their careers as forensic analysts. Not only will you receive the best education, but you’ll also be more appealing to potential employers once you’ve graduated.

Does It Offer the Right Degree for You?

Another thing that you’ll need to consider when it comes to selecting a forensic analysis school is the degree you will need for the career path you’ve chosen. A forensic analyst can choose from any number of specialties, and for this reason, it is important to make sure that the degree you want is focused on the right specialty – or that it offers up electives in your specialty, at the very least. You may choose to focus on computers, biotechnology, or even criminal justice as a minor while you major in biology or some other form of natural science.

What Are the Internship Opportunities?

Almost all bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forensic science fields will require some sort of internship, and the more prestigious and in-depth that internship is, the more you will learn. Before you decide to attend any forensic analyst college, you will first want to make sure that you can meet the requirements of the internship schedule and that you’ll be able to travel when necessary. Your internship could last anywhere from six to twelve weeks, and it is typically a Monday-through-Friday schedule although you may be called to crime scenes during off hours in some learning establishments.

Online or On-Campus?

Finally, before you commit to anything for sure, you’ll want to consider whether or not you want to attend classes on campus or participate in an online hybrid degree program. Online classes are a great way to add some flexibility to your schedule, particularly if you are already working as an assistant in the forensics field. However, much of the learning is of a hands-on nature, so you’ll be required to travel to campuses or learning laboratories in order to satisfy this part of your education. There are many different online programs from which you can choose, so be sure to select one that fits your budget and your scheduling needs.

Regardless of the college for forensic analysis you choose, there are scholarships and grants available to you that can help you offset some of the costs associated with attending a four-year college. These are awarded based on financial need and academic merit, and you can apply for (and win) than one.

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The state of New York is home to many of the world’s most famous attractions, but if you are a student who is interested in obtaining a certificate or degree here, then you’ll need to know about the various forensic science colleges in New York. Here is a list of some of the most popular schools you can attend in order to prepare for your chosen career.

Erie Community College – Buffalo, New York

Erie Community College in Buffalo has a certificate program in crime scene investigation that you can earn on a full-time or part-time basis as long as you complete 31 credits. Though the program was designed primarily for those who wish to become private investigators and police officers, it is also a fantastic introduction to the world of forensic analysis who are not yet ready to commit to the expenses or time investment required by a degree program. Entry-level positions as forensic analysts’ assistants can be obtained with nothing more than a certificate.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice – New York City, New York

If you are more interested in earning a degree, either directly out of high school or even later in life, then the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City is a great option. This is one of the few schools in the Northeast that is dedicated to criminal justice and offers a number of degree choices for those interested in forensic analysis. You can earn a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Forensic Science.

Hudson Valley Community College – New York City, New York

The Hudson Valley Community College is a great choice for individuals who are interested in starting out with an associate of applied science degree. Here, the degree is in the field of criminal investigation, and it can open up doors to many other career paths – including forensic analysis. Those who wish to go on to earn bachelor’s degrees can easily transfer into the aforementioned John Jay College of Criminal Justice after finishing their associate’s degrees here.

Pace University – New York City, New York

Pace University is a great place for forensic analyst hopefuls to earn their bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice. They offer plenty of opportunities to students to help them make education simpler, and these include summer courses, job placement fairs, counseling, and much, much more. Students can even complete combined degree programs, such as bachelor’s degrees in forensics along with Juris Doctor degrees in law, in as little as five years.

Hofstra University – Hempstead, New York

Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York offers up a four-year bachelor’s degree program in forensic science that focuses on almost every aspect of forensics imaginable. Whether you want to work as a DNA analyst, a computer specialist, a crime scene investigator, or even a forensic medical examiner, you can get the education you need at Hofstra. There is a strong focus on the legal system, too, making this program an excellent choice for those who want to go on to earn graduate degrees in law or criminal justice later.

Any of the five schools listed here are great choices for New York residents who want to get started in careers in forensic science. Other options include Genesee Community College, Roberts Wesleyan College, Utica College, and Hilbert College, all in New York State.

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Whether you live in sunny California or you’re simply interested in spending your four years of college in one of the most beautiful states in the Union, then any of the forensic science colleges in California listed below can help you to fulfill your dreams.

Grossmont College – El Cajon, California

If you are interested in an entry-level forensic science position and perhaps obtaining a bachelor’s degree in the future, then there are a few different associate’s degree programs at Grossmont College that can suit you. They’ll focus primarily on science, but you can focus your studies in either forensic technology in general or fingerprint comparisons. Either of these will allow you to become a strong competitor for entry-level positions within this career field.

California State University – Los Angeles, California

The California State University at Los Angeles offers up an entire criminal justice department that focuses on forensics. The School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics found in the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Building, which was built through a series of private and state grants, can help you get the laboratory and classroom training you need to be successful in many different branches of forensics. You’ll get to use some of the most modern and sophisticated technologies available today.

University of California – Davis, California

This University of California location is the right choice for you if you are seeking a graduate degree in order to increase your salary, climb the career ladder, or simply be a fierce competitor when it comes to getting entry-level forensics positions. The degree focuses on the application of various types of science in the criminal justice and law fields, allowing students to become more valuable and flexible assets to their employers. In fact, several courses focus on presenting information on the stand during court cases.

Miramar College – San Diego, California

If you’re after a hybrid program in which you get to learn from home as well as in a laboratory, the San Diego Miramar College is a great option. You can earn either a certificate or an associate’s degree in criminal justice and forensics, and about half of the courses will be available to you online so that you can learn at your own pace. However, it should be mentioned that there are time limits for completing courses and that tests must be taken on-campus in order to earn your degree.

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