Forensic Science: Fighting Crime through Evidence

Using science, math, computers, and problem-solving skills, forensic scientists analyze evidence collected from crime scenes. They process everything from encrypted data files to fingerprints to blood samples. Without their expert testimony and meticulous research, law enforcement officials would not be able put perpetrators behind bars (or help innocent suspects go free).

What Your Forensic Science Degree Program Can Teach You

In your standard forensic science degree program, you study:

• Computer science
• Criminology
• Anatomy
• Biology, chemistry
• Encryption
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Physics
• Anthropology
• Ballistics
• Psychology

And while a bachelor's degree is often the bare minimum, having a master's degree or higher can help open doors once you graduate from your program.

Studying Forensic Science through an Online Degree Program

Forensic science is a field that melds nicely with online education. This is because a large portion of your research (both academic and professional) relies on the computer. In pursuing an online degree, you can develop greater familiarity with computer technology throughout the duration of your program. To pursue an online forensic science degree, all you need is a steady, broadband Internet connection. Dial-up might be sufficient for some modules, but you might run into difficulties when downloading larger packets of information (especially if you stream video).

Career Outlook after Your Online Degree Program

Forensic scientists work in labs, law enforcement agencies, courthouses, universities, and private research centers all across the country. Because their duties, locations, and responsibilities vary so much, providing exact growth and salary figures is difficult. However, the US Department of Labor reports that jobs for forensic science technicians could increase by more than 20 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is twice the national average. It is likely that the median salary for fully certified forensic scientists is well above the median $20 per hour that technicians earn.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment and wage statistics
Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic science career information
Bureau of Labor Statistics, training and advancement