Professional and nontraditional students are often unable to attend campus-based programs due to their rigid schedules and specific locations. Fortunately for those interested in a forensic university program, there are a few quality online programs available.
This article reviews some of the best programs for students, and details how their online learning systems work.
University of Florida – Forensic Masters Online Program
The University of Florida offers an online Master of Science in the following four areas:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Drug Chemistry
- Forensic DNA & Serology
- Forensic Science
F’s program also offers the following graduate certificates within the degree program:
- Environmental Forensics
- Forensic Toxicology
- Clinical Toxicology
- Drug Chemistry
- Forensic DNA & Serology
- Forensic Death Investigation
There is also a sister program available online in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
The online learning platform provides courses on an asynchronous schedule, meaning students have the flexibility to log in and learn whenever they choose. Online courses are housed in a single digital location and contain course notes, case studies, animations, and access to library research resources.
Grades in the program are based on written assignments completed at the end of each module, and some courses have timed tests to be taken after a completed module.
While the certificate programs can be completed fully online, MS students must attend the University of Florida in the last three days of their final semester to complete a final exam.
For more information on tuition and admissions requirements, contact UF at (352) 278-8588.
University of North Dakota – Forensic Masters Online Program
UND offers an online Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology, which focuses on the application of psychological principles to forensic investigative techniques. UND’s program is accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).
The UND program is a total of 34 credits and takes approximately two years to complete. The online learning platform delivers synchronous courses which are held live on evenings and weekends. While this schedule is less flexible than asynchronous options, the live courses offer students greater interactivity.
The online program follows the identical curriculum as the one used on-campus, and distance students who earn an online degree receive the same diploma as those students who learn on-campus. While courses can be completed fully online, students in the online forensic science degree program are required to visit UND’s main campus once.
For more information on tuition and admissions requirements, contact UND at 1-800-342-8230.
University of Massachusetts – Forensic Masters Online Certificate Program
UMass offers an AAFS-accredited online Certificate in Forensic Criminology. The certificate is intended both for graduate students as well as working professionals in criminology.
The online learning format is convenient, allowing students to log in and learn whenever they choose. In addition, students have the flexibility of choosing from a range of courses that best meet their specific professions. For example, those working in juvenile facilities may take courses focused on children and families, while those working in enforcement agencies may take courses focused on investigative techniques.
For more information on tuition and admissions requirements, contact UMass at (978) 934-2474.
Online Forensic Courses
A number of online universities offer criminal justice programs that have courses forensic in nature, including the following:
- Walden University
- Kaplan University
- University of Phoenix
- Strayer University
- ECPI College of Technology
- Ashford University
- Capella University
- Saint Leo University
All of the above online universities offer a wide range of criminal justice courses via asynchronous course schedules. Of the above schools, Strayer University and the University of Phoenix also offer synchronous, live courses.
Benefits of an Online Forensic Science Degree
For working and nontraditional students, online degree and certificate programs offer the ability for professional advancement without sacrificing current careers. Professionals in the criminal justice field have the benefit of several programs which offer flexible, asynchronous courses online.
