Online Forensic Science Degree

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.

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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.

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.

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.

What is a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) with a Specialization in Forensic Science degree?

AIU’s BSCJ forensic science specialization is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing potential opportunities among the forensic science workforce. Through on-campus labs utilized by several of the forensic science courses you may take, this unique degree program is designed to provide an elevated, hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of how investigators solve crimes, how investigations are conducted, the accepted theories of crime and justice, and common criminal justice procedures.

How long does it take to earn a BSCJ with a specialization in forensic science?

Our bachelor’s degree programs are designed as 48-month programs. However, many factors can impact your time to completion. The time it may take you to earn your BSCJ degree can be influenced by course loads, proficiency and/or transfer credits, and breaks.

What kind of courses will I take to earn a BSCJ in forensic science degree?

As you work to complete your BSCJ degree with a specialization in forensic science, you will be immersed in courses such as: Criminalistics; Criminal Investigation; Psychopathology and Criminality; and Medicolegal Death Investigation.

When can I begin my forensic science classes?

Courses for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree with a Specialization in Forensic Science start approximately every five weeks. Your actual start date is based on several factors, including receiving academic and financial documentation.

How many credits will I need to graduate with a forensic science degree?

The BSCJ degree program consists of 180 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. Please see the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Why should I pursue a BSCJ with a specialization in forensic science degree?

Upon earning your BSCJ in forensic science degree, you should have an in-depth understanding of policing, courts, criminology, corrections, juvenile justice, homeland security, and the field of forensic science. By studying key topics in forensic science, you can: be able to process a crime scene, including the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence, development and lifting of fingerprints, blood spatter interpretation, and the writing of narrative and scene descriptions; be able to use the techniques of criminal investigation involving criminal profiling, psychological autopsies, hypnosis, and lie detection; and be able to apply forensic computer knowledge pertaining to data modeling, data definition language, data manipulation language, operating systems, and networking knowledge to solve crimes.