If you’re thinking about getting your Master’s in Forensic Science online and are looking to explore the forensic science career path, we can get you started.
The forensic science career path offers many options. Between it and our crime scene investigation and forensic science master’s programs, you can pursue whichever field interests you.
In this article, we’ll cover what forensic science is, what a forensic scientist does, what you can do with a forensic science degree, and why you should choose Â鶹´«Ă˝ Online for your master’s degree in forensic science online.
What is forensic science?
Forensic science is a combination of scientific disciplines used to analyze crime scene evidence and help prosecutors investigate crimes. The ultimate goal of forensic science is to produce unbiased scientific information that gives an accurate depiction of what happened during a situation in-question, usually a crime. Forensic scientists face challenges including producing accurate findings, presenting information to a jury of non-experts in a way they’ll understand, and ensuring the most up-to-date technology and methods are being used.
Using chemistry, biology, physics, and statistics, forensic scientists analyze evidence and interpret the facts of a situation to ultimately help determine whether someone is innocent or guilty. Some of the scientific techniques used in forensic science include:
- DNA analysis
- Fingerprint examination
- Anthropology
- Toxicology
- Autopsy evaluation
- Pathology
- Entomology
- Chemistry
- Ballistics
- Hair fiber analysis
Forensics is an integral part of our criminal justice system and the forensic science career path can take you in almost any direction within that system.
What are the typical motivations for those who pursue a forensic science career path and a Master’s in Forensic Science online from Â鶹´«Ă˝?
Typically, students of our online forensic science master’s program fall into one of these three categories:
- Someone who works in a laboratory and wants to pivot into forensic lab work or wants to get their master’s degree to move into management.
- An undergrad who has just graduated and knows they want to get their Master’s in Forensic Science online.
- Some who is looking for a change in profession and career path–for example, they may currently work in a clinical lab and would like to do forensics.
What can you do with a Forensic Science Master’s Degree ?
There are a variety of possibilities and options when it comes to what you can do with a Forensic Science Master’s degree as the forensic science career path has a wide range of specialties within it. Your degree focus depends on what career you want to pursue. Below are some of the career paths for graduates of the forensic science master’s degree program:
- Forensic Scientist
- Forensic Chemist
- DNA Analyst
- Forensic Serologist
- Crime Scene Technician
- Questioned Documents Analyst
What are some typical employers of graduates from the forensic science master’s programs at Â鶹´«Ă˝ Online?
Graduates of the forensic science online master’s program are currently employed all over the United States. Large portions of the forensic science master’s graduates are currently employed by the state of Maryland’s judicial system and the Maryland State Police. We also have many graduates of the forensic science master’s program who are also employed in the crime labs of Baltimore and Anne Arundel county. The FBI labs in Quantico also currently employ a graduate of Â鶹´«Ă˝ Online’s forensic science master’s program.
What is the employment rate for graduates of SUO’s forensic science masters program?
The percentage of Â鶹´«Ă˝ Online graduates in the forensic science program that are currently fully employed in their fields is 100%.
What is the projected growth for the forensic science industry over the next ten years?
According to the , the forensic science industry is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is a lot faster than the average of all other industries. There are projected to be 2,500 job openings in the forensic science industry each year over the next decade. It’s an extremely in-demand profession and there is currently a shortage of qualified workers, which has caused a huge backlog of DNA that still needs to be analyzed. This is part of the reason why the prosecution process takes so long, the evidence is stored until forensic scientists work through the backlog.
Is a Forensic Science Degree Worth it from Â鶹´«Ă˝ Online?
One of the observations we continue to get from both current students and alumni is that our forensic science online master’s degree program is defined by its excellent faculty. All of our instructors either were or are professional experts in their fields and give students the extra individualized time and teaching they need. We have professors who are former directors of the Maryland State Police and Baltimore City crime labs, so they are well-equipped to give students the closest thing to on-the-job training.
As one of the only 100% online forensic science master’s programs in Maryland, Â鶹´«Ă˝ Online is a great option for those in-state who would like to learn online, while taking advantage of the vast networking opportunities our faculty provides. Since our faculty has primarily worked across the criminal justice systems within Maryland, DC, and Virginia, the students are able to form valuable connections that will help them as they begin their careers. In some cases, professors have even posted job opportunities to class message boards, offering the opportunity for students to apply.
As a forensic science master’s program online, we pride ourselves on being the best and measuring our standards against the competition. is a great resource for college reviews and they have us currently ranked in the following category:
- #13 in online graduate Forensic Science programs; with a “most flexible” notation
In addition to national recognition, we prioritize the individual experience and ensure that each student gets the education they deserve. Here are what some of the graduates of the forensic science master’s program had to say about their time in the program:
- “The experience and knowledge I received from my Master’s program will allow me not only to begin my career but will help me grow within my current company and future companies as well.” – Kelsi, MFS, Forensic Science
- “I enjoyed my studying and time at Stevenson. My professors were super knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you very much for giving me such a great opportunity to start the career of my dream!” – Diana, MS, Forensic Science
How to Become a Forensic Scientist?
Now that you have the background on the forensic science career path it’s time to learn how to become a forensic scientist. If you’re interested in learning how to become a forensic scientist, visit our forensic science program page or contact us today to learn more about our forensic science master’s program and how we can help you get the application process started.