An online master’s in forensic science can serve many purposes. These programs can be used to enhance an ongoing career in criminal justice, lab analysis, or investigations. Choosing one of these cheapest online master’s in forensic science programs can also help launch a career specifically in forensic science.
No matter your goals, these programs develop your expertise in numerous skills critical to a forensic science and crime-scene investigations career. Students establish an advanced knowledge in human anatomy, death investigation, cybercrime, trauma analysis, and identification of individuals. Depending on the program, the information may include digital forensics, investigations, counterterrorism, economic crime, fraud, and criminalistics. This gives you a large variety of options to start your forensic science career.
We have identified 30 degrees from 21 accredited institutions. This list includes the 11 cheapest online master’s in forensic science, which are all below the database average of $22,400. Students have plenty of options for their future, including many low-priced options.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $22,400
Least Expensive (All Students): Albany State University – $9,260
11 Cheapest Online Master’s in Forensic Science Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Albany State University | (GA) | $9,260.00 | All Students |
2 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $9,820.00 $34,552.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $10,361.00 $14,527.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $10,474.00 $36,855.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $11,005.00 | All Students |
6 | Florida International University | (FL) | $12,717.00 $27,460.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Champlain College | (VT) | $18,000.00 $13,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
8 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $18,661.00 | All Students |
9 | Hardin-Simmons University | (TX) | $19,290.00 | All Students |
10 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $19,454.00 $24,314.00 $17,870.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
11 | Waynesburg University | (PA) | $21,150.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Carlow University | (PA) | $24,720.00 | All Students | |
Saint Leo University | (FL) | $24,740.00 | All Students | |
DeSales University | (PA) | $24,870.00 | All Students | |
Stevenson University | (MD) | $25,380.00 | All Students | |
 Utica University | (NY) | $27,630.00 | All Students | |
Gannon University | (PA) | $28,080.00 | All Students | |
La Salle University | (PA) | $28,200.00 | All Students | |
West Virginia University | (WV) | $28,950.00 $25,950.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $28,980.00 | All Students | |
University of New Haven | (CT) | $31,650.00 | All Students | |
National University | (CA) | $37,800.00 | All Students |
Methodology for Rankings of the Cheapest Online Master’s in Forensic Science
These rankings of online forensic science master’s programs are based on our spring 2024 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an online forensic science master’s degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online forensic science degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online forensic science program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
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From launching a new career to professional advancement, people enroll in a forensic science master’s online for many reasons. Here are some of the top motivations for enrolling in these programs:
- Fascinating work: These programs create pathways to interesting, engaging, and important work. While television and movies are far from reality, there’s a simple reason why forensic science and crime investigation shows are so popular — People find it interesting!
- Increased earning potential: People with a master’s degree, no matter the subject, are likely to have higher earnings. With a master’s degree, you can expect roughly $12,000 more in annual earnings.
- Protect your community and your country: Forensic science professionals help solve crimes. This means they are at the forefront of finding criminals, taking them off the streets, and helping to keep their community and the country safe. This, more than any other reason, motivates people to enroll in a forensic science master’s degree online.
Forensic Science Master’s Degree: Program Cost
Anyone seeking a low-cost option for their forensic science master’s degree should start their search with this database. While relatively small compared to some of our other databases, which can include hundreds of programs, there are plenty of affordable options from which to choose.
The average cost of a forensic science online program in this database is $22,400. Most of these degrees require two years of full-time study, which means the typical student will have something near $11,200 in annual costs. This is a relatively low cost for master’s programs, which often cost well over $50,000.
The cheapest online master’s in forensic science comes from Albany State University. The school’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Sciences comes with an estimated cost of $9,260, which is available to all students from any location.
The least affordable master’s in forensic science online is the Master of Forensic Sciences from National University, a private institution headquartered in San Diego. This graduate degree has an estimated cost of $37,800. The second most expensive is the Master of Science from the University of New Haven, which is available in Investigations or Digital Forensics Investigations. This program has an estimated cost of $31,650 for all online students.
If you need the most affordable master’s in forensic science online, your best strategy is to look at programs from public colleges in your state. While there are affordable options from out-of-state schools and private institutions, in-state public schools generally offer the most affordable rates.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Forensic Science Program?
If you are looking for the best price on your forensic science education, these three programs offer excellent value. You’ll get a low cost and still have one of the best educations available. The program from Albany State is particularly attractive, as it offers a total cost below $10,000 for all students no matter where they live.
#1. Albany State University
Degree: Master of Science in Criminal Justice / Forensic Sciences
Cost: $9,260 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
As part of the University System of Georgia, Albany State University can offer some of the lowest prices for a forensic science degree. The MS in Criminal Justice with a concentration on forensic science is meant for students who have a bachelor’s degree and experience in forensic science, chemistry, or criminal justice. Graduates are prepared to lead forensic science labs and have a strong understanding of DNA technology, toxicology, evidence tracing, and ballistics.
Albany State University has a well-established online school that offers numerous programs ranging from associate to master’s degrees. It has dedicated faculty and staff who are available throughout the online learning experience.
#2. University of Central Florida
Degree: Master of Science in Digital Forensics
Cost: $9,820 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you want to learn the latest techniques in digital forensics, including computer security analysis and digital communications tracking, this program is a wise option. For Florida residents, it’s one of the cheapest programs available, but out-of-state students have an estimated cost of $34,552.
This program is available 100% online and has thesis and non-thesis options. This program is a collaboration between multiple departments at UCF; the academic schools of Computer Science, Forensic Science, Chemistry, and Criminal Justice all play a role in this degree.
#3. Oklahoma State University
Degree: Master of Science in Forensic Sciences (Center for Health Sciences)
Cost: $10,361 (In-state, Oklahoma)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
The estimated in-state cost for this online program is just over $10,000. While out-of-state students pay more, the cost of $14,527 is still lower than the database average. The program is unique because it comes from the OSU Center for Health Sciences, not a criminal justice, law, or investigations department. Students in this program can study a variety of topics, including forensic documentation, handwriting examination, ethical research, pyrotechnics, blast injuries, and more.
Students have access to numerous online services and support programs. They can also join OSU’s Forensic Science Organization, a student-run group that takes part in scientific research and discussions.
Online Forensic Science Degree Types
Forensic science degree programs come in many types. While the classes vary by school and program, each broad type has unique characteristics.
Master of Forensic Science
An online master of forensic science, as the name suggests, focuses on the specific skills and issues that impact a forensic science career. Other degree types may wander into broader topics, but there is little variation with these programs. Most classes cover issues like forensic pathology, crime scene investigation, and fingerprint analysis. All of these are essential skills that relate directly to the career.
Master of Criminal Justice
You can also seek a master of criminal justice in forensic science. This type of online master’s program focuses on the criminal justice and legal systems. In addition to investigation topics, students study issues like the court structure, the process of criminal justice, criminology as evidence, and crime data.
Master of Science
These programs are the most dedicated to the scientific process, including research and discovery. Students learn about the hard sciences that are important to forensics, such as anatomy and chemistry. They also study the scientific process and develop an understanding of these techniques.
Master of Arts
Although less common in this database, you can find a few master of arts in forensic science. These are the most theoretical, philosophical, and wide-ranging. They often include history, literature, philosophy, and ethics of criminal justice and investigations.
While general programs are available, you can also choose one of the many concentrations, including:
- Digital forensics
- Cybercrime
- Fraud
- Economic crime
- Criminalistics
- Forensic technology
- Crime scene investigation
Accreditation for Forensic Science Programs
If you are going to invest thousands of dollars (often tens of thousands), as well as your time and energy for two years, how can you know that you’re getting a good value from your master’s in forensic science online?
You can start by researching accreditation, which is essentially a quality-control system for academia. Accreditation is a review process of schools and programs conducted by independent organizations. The most common form is institutional, which covers the entire school. This type is often granted by regional groups like the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
There is also a form known as programmatic, which only covers the degree. The only programmatically-accredited organization in this database is the Master of Science in Fraud & Forensics from Carlow University. This program is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Most forensic science master’s degrees do not carry programmatic accreditation. As long as they come from an accredited institution, they will deliver a high-quality education.
Typical Admission Requirements for Forensic Science Master’s Programs
The main admission requirement for a master’s program is a bachelor’s degree. Students come to these programs from many areas, but most have degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal studies, criminology, or digital crime. Your degree, as well as your professional background, must fit with the master’s degree.
Because these are elite-level programs, they usually require a high GPA, often at least 2.75 or 3.0, from previous studies. Some may request a GRE score, although this is not required by many schools.
You will need to submit letters of recommendation written by current or past supervisors and instructors. A statement of purpose and resume will also be required.
While the admissions process can be extensive, if you have a strong academic background and appropriate professional experience, you can likely find a program that accepts your application.
Forensic Science: Licensing, Training, and Experience Requirements
A master’s in forensic science can enhance numerous careers, so defining the specific training, licensing, or experience requirements can be fairly difficult. Much depends on forensic science graduates’ current careers and degree specializations.
That said, we can look at the career profile for a forensic science technician to better understand the post-graduation requirements. This career, which only requires a bachelor’s degree but can be enhanced with a master’s, requires on-the-job training. New hires often work under experienced forensic scientists for less than a year before they can work on cases independently. During training, professionals further develop their skills in laboratory use, evidence control, forensic analysis, and documentation.
Regardless of the specific occupation, forensic science professionals often complete voluntary licensing through industry organizations. For instance, graduates of these programs can complete a crime-scene analyst certification through the International Association for Identification, which offers a variety of certifications in fingerprinting, art identification, video certification, bloodstain pattern analysis, and more.
Certifications depend on your specialty. For instance, if you complete an online forensic science master’s in cyber investigations, you could become a Certified Expert in Cyber Investigations (CECI) through the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies. Or, if you studied financial investigations, you can complete certification through the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators, which offers various certifications including the Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI) credential.
Salary and Career Expectations for Forensic Science Careers
Forensic science is not a massive industry (unlike, say, the healthcare or technology sectors), but there is still plenty of opportunity for skilled professionals. Investigative skills are needed all across the country, and forensic science experts can work in numerous states, counties, and cities.
The median pay for a forensic science technician is $64,940, which is roughly $17,000 more than the median for all occupations. However, those with a master’s degree can expect even higher earnings. The top 10% in this occupation earn over $107,000; with a master’s degree you can reasonably expect a higher income, approaching or even surpassing the top wages.
The need for forensic science appears to be growing. While graduates of forensic science master’s online programs can work in various careers and industries, forensic science technicians are expected to grow in number by 13% between 2022 and 2032. The growth for all occupations will be around 3%. This indicates a rising demand for those with investigative and forensic science skills.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Forensic Science Master’s Program?
Choosing the best online master’s in forensic science doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right strategy, you can choose a program that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals.
Start your search by reviewing this database for estimated costs. All the programs in this ranking list come from accredited schools, so you know you’ll get a top-quality education and a respected degree. With this database, you can quickly scan for estimated in-state and out-of-state pricing.
Once you find programs in your budget, review the degrees for specific concentration or specialization. These degrees all focus on forensic science and criminal investigations of some type, but they specialize in areas like cybercrime, economic crime, fraud examination, and more. This will obviously impact your future career, so take your time when choosing the ideal specialization.
Also, be sure to review the programs for schedules and delivery methods. Some programs require online attendance at specific times, while others allow you to log in and review lectures on your personal schedule. Some will also have limited in-person requirements. Be sure to understand these aspects before enrolling.
If you need help finding the right degree, the resources and information at GetEducated.com are always available for you!