Forensic Science Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Jul 6, 2024

Forensic science is the application of scientific methods for solving crimes. Forensic scientists need a background in physics, chemistry, biology, IT, and environmental science. These skills are needed to compile evidence and unlock clues following crimes so that law enforcement can ascertain what happened.

For STEM graduates considering a career in this niche area, it is important to have the right training. An online Forensic Science Graduate Certificate (sometimes known as Forensic Investigations) will set you above other applicants.

What Are the Online Forensic Science Graduate Certificate Requirements?

Schools offering online Forensic Science Graduate Certificate programs require a strict set of eligibility requirements. Exact requirements will vary by school, but most ask that applicants fulfill the following:

  • A relevant bachelor's degree in a natural science (chemistry, biology, physics, environment).
  • A relevant master's degree
  • GRE and GMAT are acceptable, subject to relevant scores
  • Some students may be asked to take a Fundamentals of Engineering class if they do not have a STEM background
  • Some students with alternative bachelor's degrees may be accepted as long as the student has relevant minors (in addition to a relevant master’s degree)
  • GPA requirements may vary. Some will go as low as 2.0 while other more prestigious colleges may ask for up to 3.5
  • Submission of official transcripts for all degrees earned
  • Students from countries where English is not a major language will be asked to prove proficiency in English communication. Recognized certifications include TOEFL, PTEA, IELTS, and in some cases ELS 112
  • Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
  • A non-refundable application fee
  • A supporting personal statement explaining your interest and career desires

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Forensic Science Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Most students can complete their online forensic science graduate certificate in several semesters on a full-time or part-time basis. The curriculum will include core courses such as:

  • Foundations of Forensic Science
  • Interpreting Forensic Data
  • Forensic Photography
  • Forensic Information Technology
  • Fingerprints
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Medicolegal Death Investigation
  • Examination of Questioned Documents
  • Weapon Identification
  • Forensic Psychiatry
  • Child Abuse
  • Advanced Scientific Communication Skills
  • Research Ethics
  • Professional Science
  • Risk Assessment and Management for Science
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Forensic Computing

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Forensic Science Graduate Certificate?

Forensics is aimed at criminal investigations, but there are many other career options you might consider:

  • Crime Scene Investigator: You will be first on the scene of a crime, recording information such as photography and looking for fingerprints. You will publish reports of your findings for law enforcement.
  • Forensic Scientist: Here, you will spend more time in a lab examining the information that crime scene investigators collect. Forensic scientists are called up as expert witnesses in court but will rarely visit a crime scene.
  • Computing Forensics: Schools that offer this concentration or elective will permit you to work recovering IT data for criminal investigations regarding criminal activity such as drug transactions and child abuse.
  • Crime Lab Technician: All the regular work of a lab technician, carrying out tests, analyzing samples, and reporting to a senior forensic scientist or lab director.

Forensic Science Graduate Certificate Programs List

Interested in a forensic science graduate certificate program? Check out our listings below to find a traditional, online, or hybrid program near you.

Washington, DC

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University of New HampshireWashington, DCForensic Accounting

Iowa

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Iowa State UniversityAmes, IAForensic Science

Illinois

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Harper CollegePalatine, ILForensic Science Technician

Massachusetts

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Anna Maria CollegePaxton, MAHybrid - Forensic Science
Boston University Metropolitan CollegeBoston, MAOnline - Digital Forensics
Fitchburg State UniversityFitchburg, MAOnline - Forensic Nursing
University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell, MAOnline - Forensic Criminology

Minnesota

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Hamline UniversitySaint Paul, MNOnline - Forensic Science

Montana

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University of MontanaMissoula, MTForensic Studies

New York

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Binghamton UniversityVestal, NYHybrid - Forensic Science

Pennsylvania

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DeSales UniversityCenter Valley, PAOnline - Investigative Forensics

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Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo CampusGurabo, PRHybrid - Forensic Science

Rhode Island

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University of Rhode IslandKingston, RIOnline - Digital Forensics

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