The Top 15 Best Forensic Science Schools in the US

If there is one thing popularly done on TV shows and films during crime incidents, it is forensic research. This is done to determine every vital detail that has led to the crime to make it easy to catch the culprits. Forensic Science schools in the US have top-notch facilities to educate and make good Forensic scientists. Forensic scientists have deeply contributed to the fabric of criminal justice in the world at large. Thus, helping to provide evidence through thorough research with the practice of crime-fighting. So, you see that Forensic scientist undergoes intensive training. Hence, creating an essence to attend a quality school to groom you which is the purpose of this article. As we’ve closely disclosed vital information about Forensic science schools in the US.

Furthermore, to become a better forensic scientist, you must have gained expert knowledge in fields like psychology, chemistry, biology, etc. Hence, attending Forensic Science schools in the US will expose you to experienced teachers that know how to apply scientific approaches to solve crimes. You will also have access to simulation centers where you can practice by imitating real-world circumstances. 

Meanwhile, this article is meant to answer many mind-boggling questions about Forensic science schools in the US. They include and are not limited to;

• Is forensic science a good career?
• What is the highest-paid job in forensics?
• Is forensic science hard to study?
• What branch of science is forensics?
• Do Forensic scientists do autopsies?
• Does the US have the best Forensic science schools?

So, we’ve answered all these queries herein with many other questions. Consequently, we provided a resourceful list of the best Forensic Science schools in the US where one can opt in and obtain a degree in forensics science.

Here is an article that you will find very interesting.

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What Are Forensic Science Schools?

Forensic science schools are academic settings where forensic scientists and trained and learn the principles of mixing civil law and criminal law with science. Thus, forensic science is also known as criminalistics. Meanwhile, Forensic science is also known as criminalistics. 

Furthermore, Forensic science is coined from two Latin words which are “forensic” and “Scientia”. Forensic means a public debate often done in the law court while Scientia means knowledge. In other words, Forensic Science is the application of scientific methods and principles to issues of criminal justice. Hence, this usually involves the collection, inspection, and analysis of physical evidence at crime scenes. 

However, Forensic science helps in scrutinizing the investigation of crimes like murder, rape, and drug trafficking. Interestingly, the application of forensic science can also be used in cases of a civil wrong like wilful pollution of air or water. Thereby causing industrial injuries. Also dumping of refuse.

Types of Forensic Science

Forensic Scientists have vast areas to explore during a crime investigation, therefore, there are different areas you can specialize in while studying forensic science. Some instances of things forensic instigators do include looking at samples like blood, fingerprints, residues, fluid, hard drives, computers, and other technologies. They examine these things to consider how a crime took place. So, from the myriads of works available to be done. Several specialists and scientific approaches are employed. Therefore, students who aspire to obtain a degree in forensic science have a lot of options they can choose to specialize in. So below, we’ve tables out to voices of specialization available;

• Document examination
• DNA analysis
• Digital/ Cyber Forensics
• Toxicology
• Entomology
• Accounting
• Economics
• Anthropology
• Pathology
• Linguistics
• Crime Scene Forensics
• Psychology
• Fingerprinting
• Autopsy techniques
• Engineering

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Why Attend Forensic Science Schools In The US?

Everyone has a thing or the other that prompted the to take a career path. Meanwhile, we don’t know why you’re passion-driven to make a profession out of forensic science. But if this is not the case, coping in this career will be difficult without passion or personal love. It is a bitter truth you have to acknowledge. Criminal and forensic science is a very lucrative career path but not as interesting as it appears on TV. So, you’d require a good temperament to cope.

However, attending forensic science schools in the US will help you excel better with real-time experience as there is an increase in crimes around the cities. So, there is a high demand for forensic experts. Because forensic experts help police, climatologists, detectives, and other law enforcement agencies capture perpetrators of crime.

Furthermore, by studying in forensic science schools in the US, you will learn to listen to the dead. Lol! You will learn to use both crime scenes and crime victims to provide a clue as to what happened when it happened, how it happened also significantly who did it. You will learn this while tracing detail such as clothing fiber, hair, skin, blood, and fingerprints. Also, instances of a murder investigation, patterns of blood loss, wounds,d, s, and the number of decays.

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Additionally, learning in the US space will give you the leverage to meet dignitaries in your career field. Also, the skills you will learn will apply to several fields as forensic science is not all about a murder investigation.

Top 15 Best Forensic Science Schools in the US

We have provided a detailed list of good forensic science schools in the US that one can resort to for a good educational experience in Forensic science. Although, there is no particular order for ranking the institutions herein. But we ensured that all schools here have gained accreditation from the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Thus, FEPAC is the foremost standard for forensic science education in the US. So, this entails that the schools have the required facilities and staff body to render a proper forensic education.

#1. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M College has one of the best forensic science schools in the US. The school has a strong reputation for handling programs in the criminal justice track. During your study, you’d pass through rigorous lab work and professional internship programs. Meanwhile, after this program at Texas A&M, you’d easily get a job that’s is if you don’t want to quickly proceed with your master’s degree.

Some of the programs you will encounter include classes in ballistics, fingerprinting, and fire science. You can learn more about the program in the school using the school link directly below.

#2. Drexel University

Drexel University is another one of the top forensic science schools in the US. The school does not offer undergraduate courses in forensic science but provides graduate programs that you can apply for.

The Master’s program in Forensic Science at Drexel University is developed to expose students to the delicacies Of solving problems. Also, to learn the real-world application of forensic science. The curriculum offers students a solid foundation within the forensic sciences. While still encouraging leadership and growth in new and developing applications within the field.

#3. Towson University

Towson University is a public university in Towson, Maryland established in 1866. The school is Maryland’s first training school for teachers. Also, have gained strong recognition in its Forensic science programs. Hence, one of the best forensic science schools in the US.

Towson University is a part of the University System of Maryland. Meanwhile, since its founding, the school has developed into eight subsidiary colleges with over 20,000 students. Learn more about the school through the link below. This includes knowing their application requirements, tuition, acceptance rate, etc.

#4. George Washington University

George Washington University’s Forensic Science department provides students with classes geared toward preparing to enter the field of criminal justice. Thus, in this vein, making them police officers, forensic scientists, or private investigators. This is one of the best forensic science schools in the US.

Furthermore, outside of the classroom, students have chances on campus to join forensic science clubs. Also, secure internships in the Washington D.C. metro at agencies like the U.S. Department of Defense, and the FBI.

#5. West Virginia University

West Virginia University is a public land-grant research university having its main campus in Morgantown, West Virginia. Thus the school is among the top forensic science schools in the US.

The school has a wonderful acceptance rate and also provides financial aid for its students. Meanwhile, to see more details about the school, visit the school’s official portal using the link below.

#6. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania will provide you with a strong foundation in forensic science programs. You are sure to obtain an outstanding education with UPenn’s extensive nationally ranked bachelor’s forensic science degree program.

Furthermore, in the Forensic Science Bachelors Programs, students will learn from faculty scholars and skilled experts with substantial career experience. Thus, their goal is to introduce you to the major operations and functions of the criminal justice field. Also to teach you to examine various methodologies and applications used in the field of forensic science.

Some of the programs you will offer are courses like:

• Criminology
• General criminal justice.
• Homeland and international security.
• Law and justice.

The school offers programs in both bachelor’s programs and graduate forensic science degree programs.

#7. University Of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi, commonly also known as Ole Miss, is a public research institute adjacent to Oxford, Mississippi with its medical center in Jackson. The school is the state’s oldest public university and is the second-largest university by enrollment in Mississippi. 

However, the school’s forensic science program has also gained a strong reputation in the US academic space. Therefore making it one of the best forensic science schools in the US.

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#8. University Of Texas

The College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas is one of the top largest forensic science schools in the US. The school has a community of over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Furthermore, at the University of Texas, students can study programs that can lead to careers in crime scene investigation and its related disciplines.

While after their program, graduates of this program get career opportunities as crime scene investigators, forensic lab scientists, etc.

#9. Loyola University Chicago

For students aspiring to pursue a degree in forensic science in Chicago, the Loyola University Chicago provides a four-year program developed to prepare students for jobs in the field of criminal justice immediately after graduation.

Students will take classes in anatomy and chemistry, as well as in-person labs to gain experience in various roles within the investigative process. Many students get appointed to pursue internships locally at police precincts and local federal agency offices like the FBI Chicago Field office.

#10. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is a public university in Huntsville, Texas established in 1879. The school is the third-oldest public college or university in Texas. It is also one of the first normal schools west of the Mississippi River and the first in Texas. 

Meanwhile, the school’s forensic science program has also gained a strong reputation in the US academic space. Therefore making it one of the best forensic science schools in the US.

#11. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University, or VCU, has a forensic science degree program that emphasizes science courses. Hence, the courses well organized prepares students for professional positions immediately upon completion of their bachelor’s degree.

Furthermore, the program is structured to be completed onsite at VCU. The program provides students with a range of local internship opportunities and seminars to further their understanding of crime scene investigation. This is accomplished through work in on-campus forensic laboratories.

#12. The University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public research university in Birmingham, Alabama. The school has a tremendous program in forensic science and has a long-standing goal of offering quality education.

Meanwhile, the school developed from an academic extension center established in 1936. Hence, the institution became a four-year campus in 1966 and a fully autonomous university in the University of Alabama System in 1969

#13. Ohio University

Another top school on our list of top forensic schools in the US is Ohio University. The program they offer prepares the student to work in crime laboratories or other law enforcement agencies, like FDA, OSHA, and EPA. Or for graduate work in forensic chemistry, forensic science, or analytical chemistry

#14. John Jay College Of Criminal Justice (CUNY)

CUNY’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice program provides a foundation for undergraduate students that want to become involved in the justice system at multiple levels. Students interested in exploring this track learn skills like how to acquire and document evidence, and how to photograph a crime scene.

However, Undergraduates at John Jay need to complete an on or off-campus internship during their junior year, and complete calculus to graduate in four years.

#15. Hofstra University

Hofstra University offers a bachelor’s degree in forensic science for students in Long Island that have an interest in crime scene investigation.

Courses in this program include a combination of chemistry, physics, and eye-witness testimony. Students are recommended to declare their forensic science major before their junior year to complete the program before graduation.

Anyone considering the school should note that Hofstra has a large network locally to assist recent graduates in post-graduation job placement.

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Conclusion

Finally, forensic science is a very interesting profession and practitioners are well paid. A report from BLS shows that forensic scientist receives an average annual salary of $64,890. Which is 14% greater than the mean annual wage for all occupations. Therefore, choosing a career path in forensic science is worth it both money-wise and knowledge-wise.

So, if you’ve carefully gone through this list of best forensic science schools in the US. Then, we recommend you check out any school that catches your interest and do well to follow their application procedures. Meanwhile, if you need assistance or have further questions relating to forensic science should in the US, do well to reach out to us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Science Schools In The US