University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class, unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs for a bachelors in forensic science.
Overview of a Bachelor’s in Forensic Science
If you're hooked on TV shows depicting the use of modern technology being used to solve crimes, you may find yourself considering a career in forensic science. The forensic science field covers a wide range of job prospects for successful careers, from fingerprint analysis to crime scene processing or working with a team of forensic science technicians in a crime laboratory; as a professional, you'll need to identify your preferred area of expertise in order to choose your career of choice.
Because forensic scientists often assist a law enforcement agency or are called as expert witnesses in court proceedings within the criminal justice system, your four-year degree in the forensic sciences will be considered a stepping stone in your career. It will allow you to qualify for internship opportunities or entry-level positions in your career of choice so you can gain valuable hands-on experience as you work your way up or continue your studies with an advanced degree in order to become an expert in your field.
An undergraduate program than offers a forensic science degree will offer a variety of core courses depending on the state and university, but you might take courses in some of the following subjects:
- Physical Sciences such as Forensic Chemistry and Mathematics
- Molecular Biology and Chemistry: Forensic Biology
- Forensic Evidence Collection
- Physical Evidence Analysis
- Trace Evidence and DNA Analysis
- Computer Forensics and Digital Forensics
- Critical Thinking Skills
- And More
Top 15 Best Online Bachelors in Fire Science Programs
Florida State University
Score: 87.15
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,656
- Out-of-State:$18,786
- Net Price: $14,003
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 44,161
- Undergrad Students: 32,936
- Graduate Students: 11,225
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Florida International University
Score: 80.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State:$18,963
- Net Price: $9,881
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 55,609
- Undergrad Students: 45,688
- Graduate Students: 9,921
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Arizona State University
Score: 78.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State:$32,193
- Net Price: $14,808
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 80,065
- Undergrad Students: 65,492
- Graduate Students: 14,573
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Oakland City University
Score: 72.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,150
- Out-of-State:$27,150
- Net Price: $17,103
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 880
- Undergrad Students: 699
- Graduate Students: 181
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
West Virginia State University
Score: 63.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,049
- Out-of-State:$14,623
- Net Price: $11,684
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 3,785
- Undergrad Students: 3,634
- Graduate Students: 151
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Score: 63.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,689
- Out-of-State:$13,519
- Net Price: $14,049
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 2,836
- Undergrad Students: 2,836
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Maryland Global
Score: 62.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,992
- Out-of-State:$12,336
- Net Price: $16,957
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 43%
- Graduation Rate: 19%
- Total Enrollment: 55,838
- Undergrad Students: 46,734
- Graduate Students: 9,104
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Liberty University
Score: 62.29
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,222
- Out-of-State:$21,222
- Net Price: $29,913
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 96,709
- Undergrad Students: 48,906
- Graduate Students: 47,803
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Columbia Southern University
Score: 62.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,808
- Out-of-State:$5,808
- Net Price: $12,366
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 42%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 15,948
- Undergrad Students: 11,330
- Graduate Students: 4,618
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 28:1
Columbia College-Columbia,SC
Score: 62.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,450
- Out-of-State:$21,450
- Net Price: $18,779
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 1,514
- Undergrad Students: 1,173
- Graduate Students: 341
- Grads Salary: $58,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Purdue Global
Score: 62.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,110
- Out-of-State:$14,421
- Net Price: $6,785
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 17%
- Graduation Rate: 20%
- Total Enrollment: 45,125
- Undergrad Students: 33,510
- Graduate Students: 11,615
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
Columbia College-Columbia,MO
Score: 61.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,326
- Out-of-State:$24,326
- Net Price: $22,824
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 6,046
- Undergrad Students: 5,675
- Graduate Students: 371
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Colorado State University-Global
Score: 60.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State:$8,400
- Net Price: $14,826
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 9,565
- Undergrad Students: 6,433
- Graduate Students: 3,132
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Colorado Technical University
Score: 54.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,760
- Out-of-State:$12,760
- Net Price: $16,106
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 46%
- Graduation Rate: 20%
- Total Enrollment: 24,808
- Undergrad Students: 22,393
- Graduate Students: 2,415
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 31:1
Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale
Score: 52.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,136
- Out-of-State:$24,136
- Net Price: $33,865
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 19,020
- Undergrad Students: 16,960
- Graduate Students: 2,060
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
