The Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State, is number 1 forensic science college in the U.S., according to Education-Portal.com. Its Eberly College of Science offers a bachelor of science in forensic science program with specializations in either biology or chemistry. Students can also pursue a master of professional studies in forensic science degree.
The University of California, Davis, known as UC Davis, came in second on Education-Portal.com's list of the best forensic science colleges in America. The university was named a 2010 Best Western College, as well as a 2010 Best Value Public College by the Princeton Review. It offers a master of science in forensic science degree with specializations in criminalistics and DNA analysis. Students study such courses as forensic science instruments and methods, courtroom testimony, arson inspection, identification and DNA typing, and forensic science research methods.
The University of Mississippi made the top 20 on Education-Portal.com's best forensics schools list. Its forensic chemistry program was also ranked in the top five by American Academy of Forensic Scientists. In 2010, the student-to-faculty ratio was 17:1. In the 2009-2010 school year, the University of Mississippi had 18,344 students, of which 20 percent were minorities.
The University of Central Florida is another top 20 forensics school. It offers a bachelor of science in forensic science, master of science in digital forensics and master of science in forensic science. With 56,000 students as of February 2011, it's the second-largest university in America. Courses required of students in the forensics program include biology, calculus with analytic geometry, physics for engineers and scientists, organic chemistry, forensic microscopy, forensic biochemistry, and forensic science in the courtroom. The University of Central Florida is located 13 miles east of downtown Orlando.