A certificate in forensic science is available through 12 AAFS-accredited schools throughout the United States. To obtain a certificate in forensic science, students are generally required to complete a total of 18 credits, the majority of which come from upper-division courses in forensic chemistry, forensic analysis and forensic biology. Elective coursework is also required in forensic specialty fields, such as geology, psychology, toxicology and criminal justice.
Students are required to complete 120 credits to obtain a bachelor's degree in Forensic Science from an accredited university. Typically, 43 credits of general education are required, including English composition, history, mathematics, natural and social sciences. Natural science courses include introductory chemistry, physics and biology; these courses are supplemented by laboratory coursework. Forensic studies programs generally include additional education in the criminal justice system, crime scene investigation and forensic science fundamentals.
The typical length of a Master's in Forensic Science degree is a minimum of 32 credits, often including an additional thesis covering the student's own research. Forensic chemistry, forensic biology and forensic analysis are the hard science core requirements of the degree, accompanied by workshops and laboratory courses. Thesis research and elective courses comprise the rest of the credit requirements, culminating in two seminars on thesis proposal and thesis defense.
Completion of at least 81 credits is required to graduate with a PhD in forensic chemistry or biochemistry. The five major chemistry disciplines include analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic or organic chemistry and physical chemistry. One credit of supervised teaching is required each semester for all registered PhD candidates. Elective credits in areas such as the criminal justice system, biomedical ethics and forensic analysis comprise the remainder of required coursework. Students must complete dissertation research and conclude their degree with a defense of their dissertation thesis to a graduate dissertation committee.