Online Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Arizona State University’s forensic science degree teaches you how to interpret evidence and solve crimes using the latest science and technology. You’ll learn professional forensic science techniques and gain hands-on experience investigating crimes. The degree prepares you to work in crime labs at the local, state and federal levels.
Quick facts
Next start date: 05/16/2024
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
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What is a forensic science degree?
Forensic science degrees focus on applying scientific methods to matters of law. In a forensic science degree, you’ll explore the investigative and scientific principles behind interpreting crime scenes and examining different types of evidence. The degree will equip you with the intricate analytical skills required to pursue jobs related to forensic investigations.
What will I learn in an online forensic science degree?
In a forensic science degree, you’ll learn how to uncover and analyze evidence that can be used in court during criminal and civil cases. The beginning of the program focuses on building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and math. You’ll take various science courses including two organic chemistry labs and a biochemistry lab which must be completed in person. These labs are offered in an accelerated format over the summer at ASU’s Tempe and West campuses.
Later in the program, you’ll take advanced forensic science courses covering the common techniques used in crime labs. You’ll have the opportunity to take courses focused on forensic botany, toxicology, forensic anthropology, molecular genetics and more. These courses will teach you how to conduct analysis of crime scenes, fingerprints, DNA, blood patterns and other types of evidence.
The online forensic science bachelor’s degree ends with an in-person culminating experience on ASU’s West campus. The two-week campus experience gives you the opportunity to learn lab skills from experts in the field and participate in simulated crime scenes to lab scenarios. During the experience, you’ll analyze DNA evidence and investigate mock crime scenes. If you have questions about the in-person components of this program, please contact ncsummerlabs@asu.edu.
Online forensic science degree courses
This online forensic science degree takes a transdisciplinary approach to the field. You’ll study natural science, math and communication in addition to forensic science. This approach prepares you to not only uncover essential evidence, but also give expert testimony and clearly explain your findings. You’ll also have the opportunity later in the program to customize the degree to match your career goals with a wide range of forensic science electives.
FOR 413: Sacred Crimes: Religion and Violence (GCSI OR G & H)
HST 454: History of Genocide (GCSI OR G & H)
LSC 347: Fundamentals of Genetics
LSC 348: Fundamentals of Genetics Laboratory
BCH 371: Modern Concepts in Biochemistry
CHM 233: General Organic Chemistry I
CHM 234: General Organic Chemistry II
FOR 286: Principles of Forensic Science
What can I do with a forensic science degree?
An online forensic science bachelor’s degree prepares you for a variety of jobs working in crime labs as a crime scene investigator, evidence technician and other similar roles. You can also consider pursuing a graduate degree in forensics, which can help you advance your career and move into a leadership position in the field. Graduates of the program are also qualified for other jobs and graduate programs related to biology, chemistry and criminal justice. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Biological Scientist (General)
Biological Technician
Chemical Technician
Chemist
Clinical Trial Manager
Crime Scene Investigator
Health Sciences Manager
Life Scientist
Medical Scientist
Study with award winning faculty members
As an ASU Online student, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus from anywhere in the world. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.
Study with award winning faculty members
As an ASU Online student, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus from anywhere in the world. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.
Online forensic science degree admission requirements
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Study at a top school for innovation
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
#1
in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Top 5
best online bachelor’s programs.
Top 10%
best global universities.
80%
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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