Graduate from high school, complete the High School Equivalency Program (HEP), or earn a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Earn an undergraduate degree in a master of arts or master of science program (preferably in criminology), or gain professional experience in the field of criminology. Such credentials will offer you a more attractive admissions resume when applying to specialized forensic science graduate degree and certificate programs.
Consider those programs which have received AAFS accreditation, such as those offered by the University of Massachusetts and the University of North Dakota. Accredited programs are generally viewed more favorably by employers.
Select those programs which are the best educational fits and apply to multiple programs in order to increase your admissions chances at online degree programs.
Decide the number of credits you can realistically take each semester, enroll in the required courses you've chosen, and complete all distance assignments in the time frames required. If your online degree courses are asynchronous (archived), find consistent times weekly to learn online. If your courses are synchronous (live), be sure to adjust family and work schedules around online courses.
If your program requires a campus visit at the end of your study--either for a final exam or an intensive lab--coordinate your schedule and finances to allow for travel.
Contact the forensic degree program after completing all coursework and declare an intent to graduate, a necessary step for many programs.