Online Forensic Science Degree

The Program in Depth

AIU offers an Online Forensic Science Degree program in crime scene investigation that is designed to provide students with a unique blend of education in science, law-enforcement practice and crime-scene investigation for study in the field of forensic science.

In this specialized curriculum, students can study jurisdiction established by the law to define the cause and manner of death, conduct a death-scene investigation, and study techniques in establishing identity and post-mortem interval. They can also explore specific skills, such as notification of next of kin, interviewing witnesses and interpreting crime-scene photography.

Successful completion of AIU’s Online Forensic Science Degree program can help students prepare to develop the knowledge and skills specific to the forensic-science profession.

Online Forensic Science programs can help you learn how to:

• Process a crime scene, including collection, preservation and analysis of evidence; developing and lifting fingerprints; and blood-spatter interpretation; and then write a narrative and scene description
• Define forensic science, postmortem interval, body changes, relevant medical history, traumatic injury, postmortem lab tests and features of death-scene investigations
• Define the roles and responsibilities of a forensic psychologist and their relationship with law-enforcement officials
• Use the techniques of criminal investigation, including criminal profiling, psychological autopsies, hypnosis and lie detection
• Define and understand computer crimes and investigation, including the use of incidence-response tools, wireless network analysis and tool testing, and analytical methodologies
• Apply forensic computer knowledge pertaining to data modeling, data-definition language, data-manipulation language, operating systems and networking knowledge to solve crimes

Download program detail PDF

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.

View the Course 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
• Reduced Military Tuition Rate – 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 credit policy lets you transfer in up to 75% of the qualifying credits needed toward your degree
• Prior Learning Credit – You can receive credits for past college courses, qualifying military service, or eligible work experience

For more information, review the 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 Credit Guide: This guide explores how to transfer your credits from other schools—and earn college credit for your eligible past work and qualifying military experience