Each forensic school offers its own specialized options. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences recognizes 11 different discipline sections within forensics. Some of the sections include: criminalistics, physical anthropology, toxicology and psychiatry. Every state has some form of forensic training program, even Alaska and Hawaii. Alaska offers one certification, two associate's degrees and one bachelor's degree program, while Florida has six certifications, 12 associate's degrees, 28 bachelor's degrees and four master's degree programs. Additionally, 94 on-line forensic programs exist.
Forensic science certification programs follow two formats. One type of certification program accepts students with a high school diploma, and the other combines a bachelor's degree with a certification. The forensic science certification program at the University of Maine at Augusta requires 18 credit hours of class and a minimum grade point average to receive the certificate. The University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee offers an additional forensic science certification to those who complete extra coursework in death investigation, forensic science or forensic toxicology.
An associate of arts degree is a two-year course of studies which allows transfer to a four-year college. An associate of science degree is used to immediately excel in a profession. For example, MassBay Community College in Massachusetts offers a Forensic DNA associate of science degree featuring coursework heavy with biology, chemistry and forensic science. Iowa Western Community College offers an associate of arts in Forensic Investigation. The choice of program depends on the area of interest and future career goals.
Bachelor's degrees leading toward careers in the forensic sciences vary widely. If a person wants to work in a forensic laboratory, they would choose a degree in chemistry, biology or related field. Ohio University offers a degree in Forensic Chemistry. To work as a crime scene investigator, a person needs a degree in criminal justice, as offered by such schools as Michigan State University, Kaplan College and Central Pennsylvania College. Only 16 colleges and universities receive accreditation by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for their bachelor's degrees in the forensic science field.
As of 2011, only 12 universities in the United States offer accredited master's degree programs. None of them offers a Ph.D.. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Arcadia University, Duquesne University, Florida International University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Marshal University, Oklahoma State University and Virginia Commonwealth University include master's programs in forensic science, while the others offer such fields as forensic chemistry and forensic biology. Although no Ph.D. programs exist for this discipline, a person can enroll in chemistry, biochemistry or pathology Ph.D. programs with an emphasis in forensic science. Most graduates of doctoral degree programs work in academia or research; students wanting hands-on work need a master's degree.