phd in forensic biology

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Ph.D. in Forensic Science

The Ph.D. in Forensic Science program is only the second such program in the United States and has a much wider scope than that of the M.S. program. The major emphasis of the program is the development and completion of a research problem that involves advanced techniques and concepts, culminating in an oral defense of the Ph.D. dissertation. Ph.D. students take a common core of advanced forensic science courses and additional courses as deemed necessary by their dissertation committees.

The objective of the Ph.D. program in Forensic Science is to prepare students to work as professionals in academia, government laboratories, or private industry as laboratory specialists. Through a core of advanced course work and a requisite independently executed research project, the program is designed to provide students with the skills needed to critically assess the current state of knowledge within the field, and to solve complex problems at the frontier of the discipline.

Because of the lack of doctoral programs nationally in forensic science, the offering of a Ph.D. program in Forensic Science at WVU establishes the department’s position as a leader in this critically important area of study. The program is strongly science-based and prepares students to work across the foundations of criminalistics: students learn the underpinnings of the discipline, research design, quantitative methods, statistical analysis, and communication skills such as scientific writing and presenting. Since students may enter the program with a wide array of backgrounds, Ph.D. candidates typically enroll in a common core of advanced forensic science courses, followed by additional courses as deemed necessary by their dissertation committees.

The program for the Ph.D. degree reflects a combination of prescriptive coursework as well as a flexible, research-oriented approach geared to develop the interests, capability, and potential of the student. In addition to the curriculum for the M.S. degree, doctoral students are required to take three additional core courses and two colloquium courses. These courses present the essentials of a given discipline on an advanced level and expose the student to the frontiers in a specific area of research. The course offerings are designed to provide guidelines from which students can launch their independent research projects. Ph.D. students are required to enroll and participate in the departmental seminar program for at least four semesters. By doing so, it is anticipated that they will serve as role models for the graduate students in the M.S. program.

Requirements for Application

• Personal statement
• GRE taken within the last seven years with a score of 300 or better
• Academic transcripts
• Research writing example of a peer-reviewed publication or thesis 
• If you wish to submit an alternative document for review, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator, Tina Moroose , to determine suitability.
• Three letters of recommendation 
• All references must be familiar with, and able to comment on, the applicant’s academic and/or research skill set

Application Deadline

Although early review of applications will begin December 15, the application deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 15. Late admissions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Application to WVU

For additional information, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at: [email protected] or 304-293-5346

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Combined ms in forensic science, phd in biology.

The Department of Biological Sciences, in conjunction with the Global Forensic and Justice Center, offers a Combined MS in Forensic Science/ PhD  in Biology Pathway. The program is designed for BS in Biology graduates who are interested in pursuing a research-based graduate curriculum that prepares future researchers in the biological sciences with a particular emphasis in forensic biology. 

Student who pursue this degree will be enrolled in a continuous program; however, upon completion of all the requirements of the MS in Forensic Science, students will be awarded a master's degree as they transition toward their PhD.

All application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions via the online  Graduate Application . Use the  graduate admission checklist  to get started. Please note that the checklist may not reflect our program’s deadlines and requirements; compare it with the information on this page.

• Deadlines The deadline for applications is Jan. 5 for the following fall.
• GPA:  3.0
• GRE:  Required
• Applicant Statement/Letter of Intent:  Required (remove completely if not required)
• Letters of Recommendation:  Required, 3 Letters 
• Hold a bachelor's degree in a natural science from a college or university
• Be sponsored by a biology faculty member with dissertation advisor status
• International graduate student applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a score for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or for the International English Language Testing System (IETLS). A score of 80 on the iBT TOEFL or 6.5 overall on the IETLS is required.

As these candidates will be dually enrolled in two graduate degree programs, candidates must complete minimum of 32 credit hours towards their   MS in Forensic Science   degree with a grade of ‘C’ or higher and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. The report option must be completed and accepted by the University before full transition towards the PhD. 

For additional requirements, consult the   Graduate Catalog .

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Program Contacts

Julian L. Mendel

Deputy Director of Academic & Student Affairs/MSFS Graduate Program Director

Global Forensic and Justice Center

Office: OE 116C

Phone: 305-348-6211

Email: [email protected]

DeEtta Mills

Director of Academic & Student Affairs, Global Forensic and Justice Center; Associate Professor; Chairperson, Department of Biological Sciences

Office:   OE 116A

Phone:   305-348-7410

Email:   [email protected]

Graduate Catalog

Christopher Dares Chemistry Graduate Program Director   305-348-7822   [email protected]  CP 338A

Anthony Paul DeCaprio Associate Professor; Director of the Forensic and Analytical Toxicology [...]   305-348-2195; 305-348-2611   [email protected]  OE 116B

Lauryn DeGreeff-Silk Associate Professor   305-348-4047   [email protected]  AHC1 249

Kenneth G. Furton Professor, Executive Director, Global Forensic and Justice Center   305-348-0022   [email protected]  MARC 238

Max Houck Research Assistant Professor; Graduate Program Director   727-395-2511   [email protected]  OE 116

Bruce McCord Professor   305-348-7543   [email protected]  CP 313

Julian L. Mendel Research Assistant Professor; Assistant Director of the International Forensic [...]   305-348-6211   [email protected]  OE 116C

DeEtta Mills Director of International Forensic Research Institute; Associate Professor; Chairperson, [...]   305-348-7410   [email protected]  OE 116A

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PhD in Forensic Science

The Doctor of Philosophy is a 3 year full time (6 year part time) research program open to candidates with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) or Master of Science (Research), or have demonstrated professional qualifications and experience, and are interested in high-level independent research training. Doctoral candidates work with their supervisors to develop a research project designed to add a distinct and significant contribution to knowledge in their chosen field of forensic science. PhD projects may vary from investigating novel analysis techniques to collaborating with industry partners to develop fundamental discipline knowledge or tackle emerging issues. Project supervision is available a number of disciplines, including:

• Criminalistics
• Forensic toxicology & illicit drugs
• Fingerprints
• Forensic taphonomy
• Forensic biology
• Forensic intelligence
• Forensic analytical chemistry  

A list of academics and research areas in the Centre for Forensic Science can be found in  Our Research  and staff bios . 

Your learning facilities

Inside the uts: science super lab.

The UTS: Science Super Lab is the first of its kind in Australia. Featuring modern equipment and technology it can accommodate up to 220 students from 12 different classes, with experiments from different disciplines running at once.

The UTS: Science Super Lab is the first of its kind in Australia. Featuring modern equipment and technology it can accommodate up to 220 students from 12 different classes, with experiments from different disciplines running at once. This short video provides a detailed look into a day in the life of the Super Lab.

[Instrumental music]

A unique facility [Opening shot panning across students using computers at work benches]

52 metres long 26 workbenches 12 demonstrator stations [Close up shot of Super Lab computers panning out to view entire lab]

Break out sections Lots of natural light [Shot of four tables in a break out section with students sitting at tables watching smart board, a demonstrator in a blue lab coat talks students through content on smart board]

[High shot overlooking Super Lab full of students all wearing white lab coasts working at benches with computers]

12 different classes 220 students Learning simultaneously [close up of three students in white lab coats with headphones on looking at computers and writing]

[Demonstrator wearing blue lab coat puts headphones on]

Two-way wireless headset and microphone communication] [close up of student plugging headset cord into receiver; and then putting headphone set on head]

Sophisticated and easy to use [Demonstrator wearing blue lab coat touches computer monitor; students at work benches follow on their own computers]

Video streaming to students’ PCs [close up of student wearing headphones looking at computer]

12 LCD screens [Diagrams are projected on to large LCD screen as students watch] Document and PC Projection [Demonstrator in blue lab coast talks and students look at LCD screen] [Physics student in white lab coat and clear safety glasses opens drawer at workstation pulls out keyboard talks to two other students while looking at PC]

Surface Pro tablet and wireless camera [Student touches computer monitor to enlarge graph] [Students look at computer and notebook discussing problem] [a button is pressed which changes a blue light at their workstation to orange] Orange lights alert demonstrators to students [Light turns orange and a demonstrator in a blue lab coat and clear safety glasses comes to students to assist] Students are well supported [Demonstrator continues to talk to group of students who nod their heads]

[Close up of students in white lab coats picking up test tube with red chemical out of fume cupboard]

[Demonstrator in blue lab coat points to test tube and talks to student in white lab coat]

Inside the Crime Scene Simulation Lab

Forensic students at UTS Science have access to a unique Crime Scene Simulation Lab. Set up like a city apartment, the lab provides students with practical experience in crime scene investigations.

[Close up of someone in lab coat scanning pass and opening door, then close up of sign that says Crime Scene Simulation Lab.] [Forensic student in mock dining room dusts for fingerprints; student in mock lounge room takes a photo of evidence.]

Custom designed virtual city apartment [Three forensic students sit at bench with three computers examining photos of evidence and discussing findings.]

Training aspiring forensic scientists and crime scene investigators [Close up of students discussing photos.]

Simulating real-life crimes [A forensics student measures the length of a suspect’s shoe; close up of a suspect’s shoe with a tape measure next to it] Break and enter [The forensic student takes a photo suspect’s shoe in mock break enter crime scene.]

Suspicious circumstance [Two forensic students in a mock bedroom remove covers from bed where a dummy body lays.]

Everyday settings where crimes typically occur [Two forensic students in mock crime scene in dining room dust a glass for finger prints and use a blue light to examine evidence.]

Teaching fingerprint detection [Close up of student dusting dining room table for finger prints.]

[Student rolls out yellow crime scene tape over mock bathroom crime scene while another student uses a blue light to look for evidence.]

Detecting blood hidden in crime scenes [Second student joins one in bathroom as blue light shows mock blood in crime scene.]

[Close up to student in bedroom scene collecting evidence]

[Two students in mock study crime scene with dummy body look for evidence]

Working collaboratively [Close up of waste bin where student finds gun and places into evidence bag.] [Second student uses magnifying glass and takes notes.]

Developing new detection methods [Kitchen shows mock drug lab where two students take photos and collecting evidence]

New human identification techniques [Close up of student taking a swab of substance in glass container]

World leading forensics education [Close up of student in mock bedroom looking at brochures and cards left on floor]

Centre for Forensic Science research laboratories

We have purpose-built forensic laboratories with state of the art forensic equipment, chemical technology, anatomical and taphonomic facilities, Find out more about the CFS  laboratories  you will be using during your course. 

Real careers

UTS graduates have enjoyed careers as crime scene officers, forensic document examiners, forensic scientists, medical researchers and teachers.

UTS graduates

James Finger Crime Scene Officer "People who can act as the bridge between the complex world of science and the public have great opportunities".

See full details of the: Doctor of Philosophy Research degrees

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.

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• College of Criminal Justice |
• Department of Forensic Science |

PhD in Forensic Science

The mission of the PhD in Forensic Science is to provide students with the critical thinking ability; problem-solving skills; and advanced, discipline-specific knowledge to allow them to advance into leadership positions.

This is accomplished by demonstrating the ability to perform independent, original research; the successful completion of multidisciplinary academic coursework; hands-on experience in the laboratory; and collaboration with accredited forensic laboratories, institutes, and partners.

Educational Objectives

• Provide students the knowledge, skills, and abilities to prepare them for successful careers in forensic science.
• Develop students’ critical thinking ability, problem-solving skills, and advanced discipline-specific knowledge.
• Produce high quality graduates capable of advancement into leadership positions.
• Engage in collaborative research that demonstrates industrial relevance and wider scientific awareness.

The PhD in Forensic Science requires the completion of 86 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. Students complete:

Dissertation research hours may be substituted for electives (15 SCH maximum) with approval of the Department Chair. 

The curriculum is designed to deliver an essential core curriculum in forensic science, together with specialized electives and intensive research in the area of interest. Students are expected to fulfill the requirements during approximately five years of full-time study.

Students with an MS in Forensic Science from a FEPAC-accredited institution may be eligible to transfer credit towards the eighty-six credit hour requirement. 

Program Breakdown

Additional information : Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Review of applications and offers of admission will begin Jan. 15 and proceed until enrollment openings are filled. A holistic review of each student’s application will be completed on a competitive basis.  All applicants are automatically considered for graduate assistantships in the Department of Forensic Science. 

Please submit all documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Admission considerations include:

• Graduate Application
• Application fee
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in chemistry, biology, forensic or natural science
• Completion of eight credit hours (two semesters or equivalent) of organic chemistry with laboratories 
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Official GRE scores 
• Three letters of recommendation with Admission Recommendation Checklists. At least two must be from academic sources
• A  Program Application
• A personal statement of 500 - 750 words
• An application writing prompt of 500 - 750 words
• A current resume or vita
• TOEFL/IELTS scores and third-party transcript evaluation for international students (if applicable)
• A personal interview may be requested

The Program Application, Application Checklist, and instructions are available at  Application Resources .

Note: To be eligible for employment at forensic laboratories, students may need to complete additional foundational courses beyond the standard PhD degree requirements. For instance, prospective employees in Forensic Biology must have completed a minimum of nine credit hours in upper-level biology courses, including biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Additionally, prospective employees in Forensic Toxicology must have completed at least two courses, each carrying a minimum of three credit hours, in quantitative analysis and biochemistry, or similarly named courses. 

The program requires the completion of a minimum of eighty-six hours of graduate credit, as prescribed in the curriculum.

Students must register full-time and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in all courses. In order to advance to candidacy students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in) forty-four graduate credit hours of coursework and research.  Students must submit a portfolio for review, write a formal research proposal, orally defend the proposal, and pass the qualifying examination (typically by the close of the second spring semester). Once the committee determines that the portfolio, proposal, oral defense, and examination performance are satisfactory, the student may enroll in dissertation research.

A minimum of fifteen hours of dissertation credits are required and students must maintain continuous enrollment until they graduate. Students must complete and defend a doctoral dissertation, which is the product of original scholarly research and is of sufficient publishable quality to represent a meaningful contribution to knowledge in the field of forensic science.

During the first year of study, students are exposed to the major forensic disciplines in addition to the forensic internship. After successfully completing core coursework during the first year, students identify their discipline of study and commence research under the direction of their faculty advisor. 

Students with an MS in Forensic Science from a FEPAC-accredited institution may be eligible to transfer credit towards the eighty-six credit hour requirement.  

FORS 6014 must be taken for a total of six credit hours.

Once the minimum number of dissertation research hours have been met, dissertation hours may be substituted for electives (15 SCH maximum) with approval of the department chair. 

Once enrolled in FORS 8099 , students must enroll in this course every semester until graduation.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The PhD in Forensic Science is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

• Advanced discipline-specific knowledge.
• Hands-on laboratory skills.
• Familiarity with legal, ethical, and quality assurance issues.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Impartiality and scientific objectivity.
• Application of statistical concepts to forensic science.
• Familiarity with consensus-based scientific standards in forensic science.
• Advanced instrumental understanding and technical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to conduct original research.
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A PDF of the 2023-2024 catalog.

UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences

• PhD programme

Join pioneering forensic science research in our PhD programme

We’re all about our research and our PhD students are the thriving community at the heart of it all. Read on if you have a research idea & want to make discoveries that advance the forensic sciences.

Our research groups

Our research is broad in its scope but uncompromising in its quality. We’re the only academic team focusing on the interpretation of forensic science. We’re getting better and better at finding greater amounts and ever smaller trace evidence, but what does it mean when we find it in a particular place at a particular time? It’s this idea of interpretation that underlies all our research.

Trace Evidence Dynamics looks at how different trace evidence behaves within different environments over space and time, while Interpretation of Evidence focuses on understanding how forensic evidence can be most useful in real life investigations and casework.

Find out more about our research in Trace Evidence Dynamics and Interpretation of evidence . 

To keep our research community thriving and dynamic we’re looking for people who have a great research idea that can be developed, are ready to rub shoulders with a diverse and interdisciplinary research community, and are enthused by the idea of always learning, innovating and changing. If that’s you, please begin your application below, having already discussed your proposal with a potential supervisor.

Learn more about appying for a PhD .

Our students

Our PhD students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, culturally and academically. They mostly have some robust traditional science, and all have at least an upper second-class undergraduate degree and probably more. The research currently being done by the current cohorts is cutting edge, interdisciplinary and incredibly varied.

Some are investigating how DNA transfers and persists on different things and people over time. Others are investigating how new technologies like 3D imaging and printing can be applied in forensic contexts or how microscopic algae, present in all water bodies, can help to determine provenance.

While others are looking at cognitive issues all along the forensic science process from crime scene to the courtroom. Or how we can build frameworks that help to break down a highly complex set of factors and human decision making into a simple story a jury can understand.

So don’t worry if you’re not an analytical chemist, forensic science is much bigger and better when we draw on disciplines from across the sciences, social sciences and humanities

Find out more about our research

Apply to our PhD

Learn more about the recruitment process and routes of study on offer .

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Academic Catalog

2023-2024 edition.

• Graduate College /
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Forensic Sciences, PhD

Requirements for Students Matriculating in or before Academic Year 2023-2024. Learn more about Graduate College Academic Regulation 7.0 .

Total Hours: 60

Elective hours based on hours needed to supplement less Dissertation hours.

Graduate College Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Requirements

Learn more about Graduate College 2023-2024 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree Program Requirements . Check the General Graduate College academic regulations for minimal GPA, language proficiency and other general requirements.

• Forensics Colleges » Online Forensics Programs » Online Doctorate (PhD) in Forensic Science

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Online Doctoral Programs (PhD) in Forensic Science

When human life is lost, law enforcement officers and forensic science specialists must determine the motivation for a crime and the cause of death. As simple as this formula seems, humans alone cannot be trusted to provide witness testimony. Enter the work of experienced forensic scientists who prove or determine probable fault using laboratory-based and carefully constructed questions when interviewing witnesses.

Leading forensic scientists and psychologists can practice their craft with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but to delve into the nuanced areas of forensics and leadership, some senior-level positions require a doctoral degree in forensic science.

When two witnesses point fingers at each other, saying the other is guilty, forensic science takes a multidisciplinary approach to provide essential information to bring criminals to justice. A case report involving the murder of a 55-year-old man illustrates the need for a multidisciplinary approach. The man accused of killing his neighbor admits he killed him in self-defense, but relatives of the murder victim say that there were other motivations not being admitted.

To provide more details, a forensic scientist can serve as a medical examiner, a forensic chemist can do ballistics analysis, and a forensic psychologist can conduct interviews to determine the mental health state of the accused murderer so that justice can be served with accuracy.

Forensic scientists and psychologists working in the field can pursue doctoral degree options to bolster their expertise. Read on to learn more about online doctoral programs in forensic science.

Featured Online PhDs Related to Forensic Science

At present, there are no online doctoral programs in forensic science that can be completed 100 percent online. Because forensic science is a laboratory-based discipline, most programs require students to be on campus at least part-time for research and clinical work.

However, there are PhD programs that fall under the umbrella of forensic science, such as forensic biology, chemistry, and psychology. Applicants interested in these programs are strongly encouraged to learn about the accreditation status of these programs, which is discussed in detail below.

Walden University (Related Program)

Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota is unique because it offers the only online PhD program in forensic psychology. Students in this program can choose from a regular or fast-track option which enables students to waive up to six courses or 53 credits from the master’s degree in forensic psychology. The program also has optional four-day intensives focused on key topics.

Students in this doctoral program can also choose from seven unique specializations to focus their studies on a specific field of forensic psychology: general, criminal justice (self-designed), crisis leadership management, crisis response, legal issues in forensic psychology, self-designed program, and victimology. This program also provides two tracks: one for students with a master’s degree in forensic psychology and one for those with a GPA of 3.0 on their bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in another discipline.

Some of the courses in the curriculum include themes and theories of psychology; abnormal behavior; criminal behavior; understanding violence, risk, and threat assessment; advanced issues in forensic psychology; treatment of forensic populations; psychology in the courts; police psychology; and consulting for organizational change.

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four to eight years
• Estimated Tuition: Tracks 1 & 2 ($600 per quarter-hour); fast track ($6,970 per term)

Fielding Graduate University (Related Program)

Fielding Graduate University offers a doctoral program in clinical psychology with an optional concentration in forensic psychology and is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Blending in-person learning opportunities with digital formats, this PhD program includes in-person and online seminars, meetings with faculty members and other students, weeklong residential sessions, and clinical and research training experiences. The program includes a clinical practicum as well as a clinical doctoral internship. Apart from these, the program also includes two additional in-person residency requirements.

Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, an online application form, a curriculum vitae (CV), a statement of purpose, a critical thinking writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. GRE scores are not required for admission.

The curriculum includes core courses in developmental bases of behavior; history and systems of psychology; social bases of behavior; cognitive and affective bases of behavior; psychopathology; multicultural psychology. Courses in the forensic psychology concentration include forensic psychology; ethics in forensic psychology; forensic assessment in civil court; malingering and deception; evaluations for the immigration courts; forensic assessment in criminal cases; and forensic psychology lab.

• Location: Santa Barbara, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); American Psychological Association (APA)
• Expected Time to Completion: Five to six years
• Estimated Tuition: $9,700 per term

University of Arizona Global Campus (Related Program)

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers an online doctor of psychology (PsyD) program that helps students in building their knowledge base in the systems and history of psychology, and then students will be able to focus their PsyD degree by selecting a concentration that aligns with their specific research and career interests.

With the criminology and justice studies specialization, students will develop their expertise in criminal behavior and the corrections systems and criminal justice. Students in this specialization will be prepared to use psychological principles to solve complex real-world issues regarding justice and crime.

The PsyD includes ten core courses, seven specialization courses, and a capstone seminar. Students will then complete an applied doctoral project, which includes two planning courses and five units of the applied doctoral project.

Comprising 62 credits, the curriculum includes courses such as contemporary criminological theory; types & characteristics of crime; advanced analysis of criminal justice processes; juvenile justice; mental health & crime; drugs, addiction, & crime; and evaluating criminal justice interventions.

• Location: Chandler, AZ
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years
• Estimated Tuition: $1,082 per credit

On-Campus Doctoral Programs in Forensic Science

As previously mentioned, no fully online doctoral programs lead to a PhD in forensic science, but there are forensic science doctoral programs in related subfields.

Here are on-campus doctoral programs in forensic chemistry, forensic mental health counseling, forensic science, and forensic psychology.

West Virginia University

West Virginia University’s PhD in forensic science program is unique in that it is only the second such program in the United States. Students in this PhD will be prepared to work as professionals in government laboratories, private industries, or academia as laboratory specialists. Students in this program must successfully complete a minimum of 71 credits. The program also includes a dissertation proposal presentation, an oral defense of the dissertation, and an oral qualifying examination.

In this research-intensive program, students study the foundations of criminalistics using research design, qualitative methods, statistical analysis, and communication skills in scientific writing and presenting. All students take a common core of advanced forensic science courses and other courses determined by their dissertation committees.

• Location: Morgantown, WV
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($513 per credit); non-resident ($1,449)

Florida International University

Florida International University offers a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in chemistry with a forensic science track. This track prepares graduates for research in environmental and biogeochemistry with an emphasis on forensic science applications. This track has two tracks to choose from: an analytical chemistry/trace concentration and a biochemistry/DNA analysis concentration.

Students in this program benefit from collaborative agreements with local, state, national, and international agencies and learn about detecting trace amounts of evidence at crime scenes, DNA typing in mass disasters, and canine screening for explosives.

Research projects are coordinated by the International Forensic Research Institute, and graduates from this program go to work in government laboratories with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

• Location: Miami, FL
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Estimated Tuition: In-state ($4,101 per semester); out-of-state ($9,015 per semester)

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University offers a doctor of philosophy in forensic science program providing students with problem-solving skills; advanced, discipline-specific knowledge; and critical thinking ability allowing them to advance into leadership positions. To achieve this, students will develop the ability to perform independent research, complete multidisciplinary academic coursework, gain hands-on experience in laboratories, and collaborate with accredited forensic laboratories, partners, and institutes.

Consisting of 86 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, students will complete 43 credits of core coursework, a minimum of 15 credits of dissertation research, and an additional 28 credits of electives. Sample some of the courses in the curriculum: forensic instrumental analysis; controlled substances; pattern and physical evidence concepts; forensic biology; forensic toxicology; law and forensic sciences; and quality assurance and ethical conduct in forensic science.

• Location: Huntsville, TX
• Expected Time to Completion: Five years
• Estimated Tuition: Texas resident ($320.25 per credit); out-of-state ($728.25 per credit)

Other Online Forensic Science Programs to Consider

Bachelor’s degree holders who want to begin graduate studies in forensic science and related fields can consider two-year master’s degree programs. This degree option offers clinical and research-based rigor to prepare students for future doctoral studies.

Here are three online master’s programs in forensic science and psychology and one hybrid (online and on-campus) forensic science program which can prepare graduates for doctoral-level coursework in forensic science or psychology.

Oklahoma State University (MS in Forensic Science)

Oklahoma State University offers a hybrid master of science in forensic science with several concentration options (two of them are FEPAC-accredited). These concentrations include arson and explosives investigation; forensic investigative sciences; forensic biology/DNA (accredited by FEPAC); forensic chemistry/toxicology (accredited by FEPAC); and forensic psychology.

The concentration in forensic biology/DNA is a 36-credit FEPAC-accredited program that can be completed part- or full-time and features a death scene investigation track for those who have taken forensic science or biology, genetics, or molecular biology courses at the undergraduate level.

In the first year of the program, students can choose to take courses on-campus or online and the second year includes laboratory and research courses that must be taken on campus. Students have seven years to complete the requirements and must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their time in the program.

The curriculum includes courses such as the survey of forensic sciences; molecular biology; population genetics; forensic bioscience; ethical research and scientific writing; quality assurance in forensic science; methods in forensic sciences; criminalistics and evidence analysis; advanced criminalistics; and forensic statistics.

• Location: Tulsa, OK
• Expected Time to Completion: Oklahoma residents ($233.80 per credit); non-residents ($879.75 per credit); non-residents – online only ($364 per credit)

University of North Dakota (MA in Forensic Psychology)

The University of North Dakota offers an online master of arts in forensic psychology that prepares graduates for civil and criminal justice systems work. This 30-credit program is offered fully online and part-time to meet the needs of working students.

The curriculum includes courses such as psychology and law; research methods in forensic psychology; advanced social psychology; behavior pathology; readings in psychology; cognitive psychology; diversity psychology; eyewitness testimony memory; and supervised fieldwork.

Graduates from this program are prepared to conduct focus groups in legal settings for jury selection, select and use appropriate assessment tools, evaluate programs using research-based methods, and assist in addressing forensic issues in legal settings.

• Location: Grand Forks, ND
• Expected Time to Completion: 1.5 to two years
• Estimated Tuition: $588.65 per credit

Walden University (MS in Forensic Psychology)

Walden University offers a 48-credit online master’s of science (MS) in forensic psychology. As mentioned above, students in this master’s program have the option of applying up to half of their master’s coursework towards an online PhD in forensic psychology which saves students time and money and enables them to earn MS and PhD degrees on a faster timeline.

The master’s program offers eleven specializations related to forensic psychology and other sub-fields of forensic science: criminal justice self-designed; cybercrimes; family violence; legal issues in forensic psychology; military; police psychology; self-designed learning; sex offender behavior; terrorism; victimology; and general program.

Some of the topics students will explore include foundations of graduate studies in psychology; abnormal behavior; criminal behavior; understanding forensic psychology research; understanding violence, risk, and threat assessment; psychological aspects of violent crime; victimology; and criminal investigative analysis and profiling.

• Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $548 per quarter hour

Arizona State University (Master’s in Forensic Science)

Arizona State University’s online professional science master’s in forensic science (PSM) program allows currently working forensic science professionals to consider career advancement in sectors such as law enforcement, forensic science, medicolegal, and other closely related fields.

To be considered for admission, applicants must have earned a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in a related field with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Additionally, applicants must complete an online application and submit official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an up-to-date resume. Proof of English language proficiency is required of applicants whose native language is not English.

The program comprises 30 credits, including coursework in forensic science and governance; ethics in forensic science; laboratory leadership, policy, and practice; advanced forensic psychology; advanced topics in human forensic DNA; applied biostatistics in medicine and informatics; biostatistics and data management; criminal procedure of investigations for social and forensic scientists; and forensic toxicology; among others.

• Location: Phoenix, AZ
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: $847 per credit

Forensic Science PhD Admission Requirements

To be admitted into a forensic science PhD program, applicants must meet certain academic requirements. Here’s a list of documents commonly requested when applying for a doctoral program in forensic science:

• A personal statement (typically 1,000 words or less)
• Application fee
• A resume with one to two years of professional experience in forensic science
• A background check (especially for competitive internships for program credit)
• Competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• GRE Subject Test scores (generally optional)
• Interview (in-person, phone, or web-based)
• Letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate (and/or graduate) institutions with a stellar GPA (e.g., >3.5)
• Proof of having completed specific coursework in a relevant major (e.g., forensic science, natural science, chemistry, biology)
• Proof of professional publications (recommended, but not always required)
• TOEFL scores (for non-native speakers of English only)

Common Courses & Requirements for Forensic Science PhD Programs

Each forensic science or psychology doctoral program has its own unique requirements for students to meet to be considered for admission and graduate from the program. Here is a list of common degree requirements and course titles.

Credit Requirements for Forensic Science Programs

• Foundational courses (3-6 credits)
• Advanced coursework (24-30 credits)
• Research methods (9-12 credits)
• Specialization courses (12-15 credits)
• Dissertation writing (3-6 credits)
• Residencies, internships, clinical practicums (timelines vary)

Common Courses for Forensic Science and Psychology Programs

• Research methods and statistics in psychology
• Psychological research and biblical worldview
• Theories and research in industrial/organizational psychology
• Teaching of psychology
• Criminal investigative analysis and profiling
• Field experience
• Vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue
• Doctoral writing assessment
• Qualitative and quantitative reasoning and analysis
• Clinical practicum
• Clinical psychopharmacology
• Dissertation writing
• Eyewitness testimony and memory
• Ethics in forensic leadership
• The chemistry of pyrotechnics and explosives
• Fire dynamics in forensic investigations
• Computer fire modeling
• Molecular biology for the forensic scientist
• Forensic pathology and medicine
• Forensic microbiology
• Forensic toxicology
• Criminalistics and evidence analysis

Online Forensic Science PhD Residencies, Internships, or Practicums

As previously discussed, the nature of forensic science or forensic psychology involves on-campus or in-person research in laboratory or clinical settings and there are few to no online opportunities for residencies, internships, or practicums.

For illustration, Walden University requires students in its PhD in clinical psychology program to spend an Academic Year in Residence (AYR) in addition to four four-day PhD residencies. The AYR earns students 40 credits and numerous opportunities to develop skills and knowledge needed for a career as a forensic psychologist.

West Virginia University also partners with several governmental and private organizations that offer forensic science internships in federal laboratories and the Department of Homeland Security for students to gain hands-on experience during summer-only experiential learning.

Forensic Science Programmatic & Institutional Accreditation

When researching educational programs, accreditation is an essential factor to consider. Accreditation is granted to programs or institutions by national, regional, or programmatic accreditation organizations tasked with ensuring that high standards of educational quality are met.

Why is it important to verify a program or institution’s accreditation? First, accreditation validates the educational quality. Future employers look for graduates from accredited programs to ensure that their professional programs and clients receive the highest level of professionalism. And most importantly, accreditation is a requirement for state or national licensure for some careers, including forensic psychology. Sometimes, candidates can only sit for licensure exams if they have completed an accredited academic program.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) grants the gold standard in forensic science program accreditation. Forensic psychology programs are granted accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). To earn programmatic accreditation requires adhering to rigorously high standards in specialized areas.

Institutional Accreditation

If any institution does not hold programmatic accreditation, then a prospective student is advised to research a school’s institutional accreditation. The United States Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education (CHEA) recognizes the following regional accrediting organizations:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Rachel Drummond has given her writing expertise to ForensicsColleges.com since 2019, where she provides a unique perspective on the intersection of education, mindfulness, and the forensic sciences. Her work encourages those in the field to consider the role of mental and physical well-being in their professional success.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog , inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

• Online Bachelor's in Biochemistry
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• Online Master’s in Crime Scene Investigation
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• Online Master’s in Forensic Nursing
• Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology
• Online Master’s in Legal Studies
• Online MBA in Criminal Justice
• Online Certificates in Crime Scene Investigation
• Online Certificates in Cybersecurity
• Online Certificates in Forensic Psychology
• Online Graduate Certificate Programs in Legal Studies
• Online Graduate Certificates in Criminal Justice
• Online Graduate Certificates in Digital Forensics
• Online Graduate Certificates in Forensic Accounting
• Online Graduate Certificates in Forensic Science
• Online Post-Master's Certificates in Forensic Nursing
• Online Doctorate (PhD) in Forensic Psychology
• Online PhD Programs in Criminal Justice
• Online PhD Programs in Cybersecurity
• Online PsyD in Forensic Psychology

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Forensic Sciences

This is a doctoral degree only concentration that will prepare students for both academic and practitioner settings in forensic anthropology and other related fields.

Restricted Electives:

Students must take the following two courses.

• BIO520, Skeletal Biological Laboratory Methods in Human Identification & Cold Cases (Fall odd years, Ross)
• BIO811, Forensic Science Seminar (Fall, Ross)

Concentration Chair

Dr. Ann Ross [email protected]

Quantitative Requirements:

Students must take the following three courses.

• ST511, Experimental Statistics in Biological Sciences I
• ST512, Experimental Statistics in Biological Sciences II
• ST540, Applied Bayesian Analysis (Spring)

Other Requirements:

• Every student is required to complete training logs. Many of the modules can be completed while taking the BIO520 course. Please contact the Forensic Sciences Concentration Chair for additional information.
• Students are also required to start the Training Case Record Form after their first year and/or after taking BIO 520, whichever comes first. Please contact the Forensic Sciences Concentration Chair for additional information.
• Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe Level II Certification is strongly recommended but not required- costs associated with this exam are the student’s responsibility.

Optional Electives:

• Planned course: Human Paleontology (Ross)
• Planned course: Taphonomy (Schweitzer)
• GIS courses various and graduate certificate
• Criminalistics and Forensic Chemical Analysis (TC589)
• Bioarchaeology (ANT524)
• Topics in Physical Anthropology (Offered at Duke EVANTH790)
• Human gross anatomy (offered at UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke or other)

Advising Faculty:

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Prospective candidates must submit an application via the online  Graduate Application  and pay the $30 application fee. Applicants must arrange to have official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended and official test scores (TOEFL iBT/PBT, IELTS or DuoLingo) sent by the corresponding official agencies directly to the FIU Graduate Admissions Office. Foreign Transcripts must also be certified, and translated if necessary, by an official, NACES-affiliated institution, with the information sent directly afterwards to the Graduate Admissions Office.

FIU has a rolling admissions policy. When the Admissions Office receives the student’s application, application fee, transcripts letters of reference and test scores (if needed), the completed file is referred to the Department of Biological Sciences for evaluation. In addition to the information sent to Admissions, the student must have a letter from their faculty sponsor submitted for the application to be considered complete.

This program considers applications for Fall admissions. Applications for the combined MS/PhD program must be received by December 1. Decisions on assistantships for the Fall term will normally be made within eight weeks of this deadline.

The deadline for applications is December 1 for the following fall.

• Degree: Relevant bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• GPA: 3.0 average or higher during the last two years of the undergraduate program, or a master's degree in a relevant discipline
• Applicant Statement/Letter of Intent
• Current Resume
• Letters of Recommendation: Required, 3 letters sent to the Biological Sciences graduate program director evaluating the applicant's potential for graduate work
• Sponsorship by a faculty member with with graduate faculty status
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (certified by a NACES-affiliated institution, if they are foreign transcripts)
• Additional Requirements: International graduate student applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in English by achieving a minimum score of 80/550 on the TOEFL iBT, or a minimum score of 6.5 overall on the IELTS, or a minimum score of 110 on the DuoLingo test.
• Approval from the department’s Graduate Committee

For more information, consult the Graduate Catalog .

• Cost of attendance
• CASE Scholarships & Fellowships
• University graduate fellowships

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Course type

Qualification, university name, doctorate degrees in forensic science.

13 degrees at 12 universities in the UK.

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Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

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• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

PhD (School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences) Doctorate

University of bradford.

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

Forensic Psychology DForenPsy

University of nottingham.

• 3 years Full time degree: £11,850 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £7,110 per year (UK)
• Forensic Practice Interventions (20 Credits)
• Qualitative Research Methods (10 Credits)
• Legal Psychology: Policing, Crime and Justice (10 Credits)
• View all modules

Forensic Psychology - PhD

University of kent.

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Security and Crime Science MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,930 per year (UK)

Forensic & Investigative Sciences PhD

Anglia ruskin university.

• 2 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 2.5 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)
• 3.5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Doctor of Psychology Forensic Psychology

Nottingham trent university.

• 2.5 years Part time degree: £3,500 per year (UK)
• Thesis Portfolio (300 Credits)
• Foundations in Research (60 Credits)

Forensic Psychology - Doctorate (D. Foren. Psy.)

Cardiff metropolitan university.

• 2 years Full time degree: £6,750 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £6,750 per year (UK)
• Advanced Doctoral Thesis

Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate (CPD route)

University of birmingham.

• 1 year Full time degree: £10,800 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £5,400 per year (UK)
• Research Systematic Literature Review
• Development of Psychometric Measures
• Advanced Research and Evaluation Methods
• Research Project

Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate (ForenPsyD)

• 3 years Full time degree: £12,600 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree
• Psychological Theories and the Understanding of Crime
• Case Study Methods
• Forensic Psychotherapy and Forensic Issues

PhD Forensic Science

University of lincoln.

• 2 years Full time degree: £4,830 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £2,415 per year (UK)

DForenPsy Doctorate in Forensic Psychology

University of manchester, forensic & neurodevelopmental sciences mphil/phd/md(res), king's college london, university of london.

• 3 years Full time degree: £7,950 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,975 per year (UK)

Forensic Psychology, Crime Scene Evidence and Policing PhD

Abertay university.

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,829 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,415 per year (UK)

About Doctorate Degrees in Forensic Science

Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary field of applied science, which has many uses in non-medical professional sectors such as law-enforcement, security, museums, commercial archaeology and arc hiving.

At doctorate level, you’ll be focused on producing a piece of significant original research, which usually involves the study of one or more closely related subjects in parallel, such as chemistry, computer science, criminology, medical science and psychology. Having a strong undergraduate and postgraduate degree in any of these areas is a good basis for doctoral study and since the programme is largely research based, you’ll usually also need to submit a proposal for your topic of investigation.

There are over ten such courses in the UK, and they frequently include built-in specialisms like archaeological, policing or crime scene science.

What to Expect

A non-medical forensic science doctorate involves advanced research, typically involving subjects such as criminal investigations, evidence analysis, chemical analysis, taphonomy and expert testimony. Students conduct original research, contributing to advancements in forensic techniques and methodologies and the course structure typically revolves around the completion of a long-form doctoral dissertation. Assessment can also include essays, presentations and discussion-based methods.

Typically, this qualification takes three to four years to complete on a full-time basis or up to six years if studying part-time. Doctoral graduates emerge with the highest form of qualification within the field and are well-prepared for highly specialised roles in consultancy, management and further research.

Course type:

• Full time Doctorate
• Part time Doctorate

Qualification:

Related subjects:.

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Next level grad award.

At Saint Leo University, we believe that investing in our students is an investment in our community, so we are committed to helping qualifying students finance their education through the Next-Level Grad Award. This award offers substantial cost savings to our graduate students. 

Explore the Next Level Grad Award