Top 10 Forensic Science Colleges in the US

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.