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.