Online Forensic Science Degree

Total tuition for this degree program may vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and other factors.

Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date.

Enroll in American InterContinental University’s forensic science online courses to work to develop knowledge of the operations of the criminal justice system, constitutional principles, and crime theory with a special focus on forensic science and crime scene investigation concepts.

Our forensics online courses offer flexibility to earn your degree on your own timeline. Mobile-friendly coursework helps you study toward your online forensic science degree at your convenience, so you can maintain a school-life balance.

What can you do with an online forensic science degree?

Online criminal justice programs can help you prepare to apply the theories of crime causation and criminal investigation techniques. Enroll in our criminal justice courses online to study general criminal justice fundamentals and practical forensic science applications.

Studying toward your bachelor of forensic science online can help you prepare to conduct a death-scene investigation and interpret forensic analysis, process and preserve evidence, and leverage technology, methodology, and data.

Prerequisite for AIU’s bachelor’s of forensic science online degree program?

There are no prerequisites to pursue a forensic science program online with AIU. Your dedicated Graduation Team can help answer all your questions and guide you through the admissions and financial aid processes. The Graduation Team is available to provide support along your academic journey, from start to graduation.

Ask an Admissions Advisor how you may graduate sooner and save money on AIU tuition by receiving degree credit for eligible work and military experience. You can transfer in up to 75% of qualifying degree credits to AIU from other accredited institutions¹.

Bachelor’s degree in forensic science curriculum

This bachelor of forensic science degree program offers a well-rounded curriculum that builds on general education for this industry, including English composition, academic and professional success, technology and information literacy, interpersonal communication, and more.

The curriculum has a strong criminal justice foundation that thoroughly explores crime theory, the U.S. legal system, crime victim studies, and constitutional procedure. The other major component of the curriculum features specialized forensic science online courses and a senior capstone project in criminal justice.

AIU’s online forensic science degree program combines real-world experience and is taught by industry professionals who stay up-to-date on current policies and national events.

Download program detail PDF

Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
American InterContinental University cannot guarantee employment or salary.

1. Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

AIU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program combines the required general-education courses that can provide liberal-arts foundation with specialized courses designed so students can pursue an education in the criminal-justice field, with particular emphases in the study of policing, courts, criminology, corrections, juvenile justice, homeland security and the field of forensic science.

For an Online Forensic Science Degree, your classes may include:

Criminalistics

Criminalistics is part I of a two part series. This course is a survey course of forensic science. The course content will focus on defining "forensic science"; recognizing practices of legitimate, junk, and fraudulent science; examining the properties of physical evidence; discussing the scope, potential, and limitations of a variety of forensic sciences; examining analytical techniques applied by forensic scientists; evaluating the criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence; and discussing the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists.

Aspects of Forensic Psychology

This course examines the aspects of human behavior directly related to the legal process and the professional practice of psychology in the context of forensic science. The course explores many aspects of the practice of forensic psychology including assessment, treatment, and consultation within the legal system that encompasses both criminal and civil law. The student will study the many ways psychology can assist and influence the legal system. Finally, students will be introduced to various career opportunities in forensic psychology and will be exposed to a variety of professionals who work in the area of forensic science.

Criminalistics II

Criminalistics II is part II of a two part series. This course is designed to introduce the non-scientific student to the field of forensic science through an exploration of its applications to criminal investigations, and clear explanations of the techniques, abilities, and limitations of the modern crime laboratory. The course combines classroom lecture/discussion with practical laboratory exercises related to the field of forensics. Topics include the recognition, identification, collection/preservation, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence such as hairs, fibers, chemicals, blood, semen, glass, soil, fingerprints, documents, firearms, impression evidence, and serial number restoration. Students will document a crime scene by means of photography, notes, and scene sketching.

Psychopathology and Criminality

This course is designed to provide students with a firm understanding of abnormal human behavior. Students will work to develop knowledge and insight into disorders relating to eating, sleeping, attention deficit, mood, learning, impulse control, sexuality, criminality, and interpersonal conflict. The nature of various disorders will be discussed as well as their impact on criminal behavior. The diagnosis and treatment of these disorders will be covered in this class.

Medicolegal Death Investigation

This course designed to introduce the student to the field of medicolegal death investigation in the context of forensic science. In this course, students will have the opportunity to study jurisdiction established by the law to define the cause and manner of death, conduct a death scene investigation and techniques in establishing identity and post mortem interval. Students will work to develop skills in notification of next of kin, interviewing witnesses, and interpreting crime scene photography.

Cybercrimes

This hands-on introductory course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin a computer-based investigation. The course begins with an overview of computer forensics and then proceeds to introduce forensics tools, concepts, and documentation of evidence/procedures. The course uses common and accepted incident Response Policies and Procedures for previewing and securing digital evidence. Topics include: the basics of computer evidence and basic forensic methodology.

Forensic Biology

This introductory course is designed to expose students to the areas of cellular biology, forensic serology, genetics, and human physiology as well as their applications within forensic science. Through lectures, readings, discussions and general exercises emphasizing the fundamentals of basic science within Forensic Biology, students will study the principles of biological and biochemical processing in relationship to forensics. The course will afford students the opportunity to enhance their critical thinking and problem solving skills within the field of forensic science. This course includes a discussion of the various areas of forensic science where a biologist can specialize.

Criminal Investigation

This course explores the elements of investigation including crime scenes, witnesses and evidence, and includes such topics as investigative techniques, evidence documentation, interrogation and arrest. The course addresses the particulars of investigating major crimes.

University Catalog

Course content subject to change.

From grants to military service to transfer credits, see the variety of ways you can save time and money on your Online Forensic Science Degree at AIU:

• Scholarships & Grants – AIU offers a number of institutional scholarships and grants that can help eligible students offset the program cost and help reduce out of pocket costs
• Military Discounts – AIU Online offers a 45% tuition reduction to active military undergraduate students and a 20% tuition reduction to active military graduate students, including members of the Reserves and National Guard
• Transfer Credit – AIU’s transfer-friendly policy lets you transfer in up to 75% of the qualifying credits you need toward your degree*
• Prior Learning Credit – You can receive credits for past college courses, military service, or work experience

For more information, download AIU guides below:

• Financial Aid Guide – Our guide to financial aid can answer your initial questions and help you prepare to apply for financial aid
• Scholarships and Grants Guide – Learn about the scholarships and grants offered by AIU along with details about eligibility
• Transfer Credits Guide – This guide explores how to transfer your credits from other schools—and earn college credit for your past work and military experience

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

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