30 Best Forensic Science Colleges in 2026
Fancy yourself as some Sherlock Holmes type character who enjoys finding the tiny details to help solve crimes? A program in forensic science may just be the perfect place to pursue your interests.
Forensic science encompasses a wide range of disciplines that equip students with the scientific tools needed to aid criminal investigations. Programs draw concepts from fields like chemistry, biology, mathematics, psychology, and criminal law to create comprehensive curricula. Students also specialize in areas like DNA analysis, crime scene investigation, ballistics, forensic anthropology, and more.
While many forensic scientists work in crime labs and with law enforcement, these programs also prepare students for careers as medical examiners, lawyers, researchers, professors, and more.
Read on for an updated look at the 30 best colleges for earning a forensic science degree in 2024.
30. Miami University – Oxford, OH
Miami University‘s interdisciplinary Bachelor‘s in Forensic Science incorporates criminal justice, natural sciences, and the latest techniques in crime scene technology. The well-rounded curriculum equips students with transferable skills applicable across forensic science careers.
29. University of Central Oklahoma – Edmond, OK
UCO‘s program explores evidence analysis, management, and communication. Students gain practical skills through specializations in chemistry, molecular biology, digital forensics, or the general forensic science track.
28. University of Nebraska – Lincoln, NE
UNL operates over 100 research centers and facilities, allowing forensic science students to benefit from world-class resources. The program enables students to concentrate in areas like biochemistry and crime scene investigation while pairing forensics with pre-law.
27. Eastern New Mexico University – Portales, NM
Eastern New Mexico‘s flexible forensic science program covers everything from human anatomy to evidence handling. Students also diversify their skill set by specializing in chemistry, biology, anthropology or the general forensic science curriculum.
26. American InterContinental University – Schaumburg, IL
AIU empowers students through a bachelor‘s degree in criminal justice paired with a forensic science minor. The blended curriculum includes crime analysis, scene management, and foundational concepts for entering the field.
25. St. Mary‘s University – San Antonio, TX
This forensics program lays a strong scientific foundation supplemented by a specialization in biology, chemistry or criminology. St. Mary‘s also provides abundant hands-on learning via a robust internship program.
24. Marshall University – Huntington, WV
Marshall offers a top digital forensics and cybersecurity education through its one-of-a-kind bachelor‘s program. Aspiring experts gain digital investigation skills for network security, penetration testing, cryptography, and more.
23. George Mason University – Fairfax, VA
George Mason prepares students for roles from crime scene investigation to lab examination through its Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. Students access high-caliber facilities and faculty during this comprehensive course of study.
22. Boston University – Boston, MA
Boston University‘s forensic science resources are unmatched thanks to its medical school-affiliated program location. Students dive deep into biomedical forensics and forensic anthropology research alongside field experts.
21. University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA
UPenn incorporates breakthrough DNA technologies and methodologies into its forensic science curriculum. Undergrads and graduate students benefit from an education aligned with industry advancements.
20. George Washington University – Washington, D.C.
GWU‘s forensic sciences institute pioneered one of the nation‘s first forensic science departments. Today it offers six programs training students in crime scene analysis, investigation protocols, lab work, and more.
19. Saint Louis University – St. Louis, MO
SLU readies students for fieldwork through hands-on experience in its 1,000 sq ft research lab with professional-grade equipment. Graduates enter the workforce prepared for crime scene demands.
18. Texas A&M University – College Station, TX
TAMU‘s flexible forensic and investigative science Bachelor‘s enables students to focus on a science-heavy or pre-law track. Robust research facilities ensure students work with field-advancing technologies.
17. Loyola University Chicago – Chicago, IL
Loyola Chicago melds scientific principles, analytical thinking, communication abilities, and an ethics-focused mindset within its forensics program. This holistic approach delivers skilled, work-ready graduates.
16. Syracuse University – Syracuse, NY
SU‘s interdisciplinary forensics program incorporates concepts from anthropology, sociology, physics, biology, biochemistry, psychology, and beyond. The breadth establishes a strong general foundation adaptable to many careers.
15. Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, VA
VCU leverages its medical college roots to provide in-depth biological and medical training alongside forensic science principles. Undergraduates build an specialty in DNA analysis, drug testing, trace evidence, and more.
14. Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA
Drexel prepares students through top-tier academic programming combined with abundant experiential opportunities. Undergraduates and graduate students conduct faculty-mentored research and intern at regional forensics organizations.
13. John Jay College of Criminal Justice – New York, NY
John Jay empowers students through unrivaled academic choice – with 13+ subspecialty options at the bachelor‘s and master‘s levels. All benefit from focused electives, research, and lab work experience via external internships.
12. Hofstra University – Hempstead, NY
Hofstra‘s legal forensics knowledge outshines regional competitors thanks to a dedicated forensics institute partnership. Bonus hands-on learning arises from unbeatable externship arrangements with the FBI, CIA, and more.
11. Middle Tennessee State University – Murfreesboro, TN
MTSU operates arguably the top southeastern forensics program combining criminal justice, biology, and chemistry principles. Participants are primed for public/private crime lab roles post-graduation.
10. Long Island University – Brookville, NY
Field experience takes precedence within LIU‘s forensics program. Undergraduates put classroom concepts into practice while interning with NYC medical examiners, health groups, and crime labs.
9. Temple University – Philadelphia, PA
Aspiring forensic chemists gain unparalleled expertise via Temple‘s graduate and certificate programs. Students tackle concepts from toxicology and drug testing to lab instrumentation and chemical analysis.
8. Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
ASU‘s highly regarded program melds forensic science with legal and leadership training for well-rounded graduates. Participants also complete professional projects and applied internships prior to graduating.
7. Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI
MSU steers students toward forensic chemistry sub-specialties backed by ample research funding and conference travel support. Sparking early research interest ensures participants stand out in competitive jobs pools.
6. Columbia College – Columbia, SC
Columbia College blends comprehensive legal knowledge with targeted forensic science training through its graduate and undergraduate criminal justice programs. Minor options provide domain expertise.
5. Montclair State University – Montclair, NJ
A justice studies B.A. from Montclaire State supplies core forensic science proficiencies supplemented by deep law enforcement and legal insights. An internship cements real-world abilities.
4. University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA
Pitt‘s dedicated forensic science Bachelor‘s thoroughly covers evidence analysis, investigation tactics, and the legal system. Hands-on crime scene processing unit access ensures graduates field readiness.
3. Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
OSU‘s forensic science minor paired with a biology major primes students for forensic biology careers. Unparalleled field school access enables practical application of concepts.
2. New York University – New York, NY
NYU‘s long-running forensic medicine programming remains best-in-class for aspiring coroners and medical examiners. Students participate in autopsies, court testimonies, and policymaking.
1. University of New Haven – West Haven, CT
The Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science offers unmatched on-campus resources through its independent institute. Unparalleled facilities access ensures graduates are industry-ready.
