Best Global Universities for Forensic Science in 2022-2023

Best Forensic Science Universities and Programs in the World

Forensic science, also known as criminalistics, is the application of scientific techniques to the investigation of crimes or the study of evidence that is presented in a court of law. With the increase in the number of crimes and criminals, forensic science has become an important part of the criminal justice system, especially in finding solutions to complex and unsolvable cases. The experts in the field called forensic scientists also known as crime scene investigators use knowledge of natural sciences, like chemistry and biology, as well as computer science to examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes. The results of their findings  are then used in a court of law to identify a suspect and determine whether or not they committed a crime.

The following article discusses what a forensic scientist does and how to become one. It also highlights some of the best forensic science universities in the world and their forensic science programs.

Duties of Forensic Scientists

The majority of the work of forensic scientists takes place in laboratories, where they examine blood, hair, other human fluids, fabrics, narcotics, paint, glass, and other materials. Their job is to gather evidence and examine it to determine whether or not a suspect has committed a specific crime. Some forensic science specialists, such as forensic psychiatrists, work in an office setting where they provide expert opinions on psychiatric evaluations of criminals or assist or treat criminals in prison with mental health difficulties. The job responsibilities of forensic scientists differ based on their specialization, however, the following are some generalized responsibilities to consider:

• Gather information and evidence like blood samples, fabrics, narcotics, paint, glass, and other tissue samples to test them and determine the cause of crime 
• Test the evidence in the laboratory using various techniques like chromatography, mass spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, etc
• Compiling the data in the form of a report to be submitted to a court of law 
• Recover data from digital equipment like a laptop, smartphone, and computer
• Verifying the authenticity of the samples and documents 
• Stay updated with current research in the field of forensic science
• Attending autopsies to gather information and evidence
• Maintaining and testing equipments
• Mentoring and training newly recruited staff and junior forensic scientists  

Popular degrees to pursue a career in Forensic Science

Forensic scientists normally require a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a closely related field such as chemistry, or biology, or physics. Some universities even offer associate degrees in this profession to help students get started. Because of the increased competition for forensic science positions, employers now prefer individuals who have a master’s degree in the subject with a specialization. 

A master’s degree is also required for students who want to work as forensic analysts or scientists at a higher level. Roles that require a degree in medicine, such as forensic odontologist or medical examiner, are expected to undergo years of training before commencing out. Doctoral degrees are preferred by candidates who wish to work as independent scientists or enter the academic field.  

Top Forensic Science undergraduate programs

• Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
• Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Criminal Science
• Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Investigations

Top Forensic Science graduate programs

• Master of Science in Forensic Science
• Master of Science in Forensic Technology
• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Forensic Chemistry
• Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
• Master of Science in Forensic Pathology
• Master of Arts in Forensic Anthropology

Top Forensic Science doctoral programs

• Ph.D. in Forensic Science
• Ph.D. in Forensic Chemistry
• Ph.D. in Forensic Pathology
• Ph.D. in Forensic Anthropology

Specializations in Forensic Science

Television shows such as “CSI,” “Criminal Minds,” “Bones,” and “Rizzoli and Isles” have definitely exposed us to the forensic aspects of how crimes are solved. Despite the fact that these shows portray a single forensic scientist performing all of the work, reality is quite different. There are different kinds of forensic scientists depending upon the branch they specialize in, such as

• Forensic chemistry
• Computational forensics
• Forensic DNA analysis
• Forensic odontology
• Forensic pathology
• Forensic toxicology
• Forensic ballistics
• Digital forensics
• Forensic anthropology
• Forensic dactyloscopy (fingerprint analysis)
• Forensic entomology
• Forensic geology
• Forensic linguistics
• Forensic podiatry (footprint analysis)

Duration of programs in Forensic Science

Forensic science programs in the USA and Canada are often longer than in other regions of the world. For example, in the USA, an undergraduate degree in forensic science takes four years, whereas, in the UK, it takes three years. In Europe and the rest of the world, master’s and doctoral degrees are also shorter than in North America. The following table contains the duration of various degrees in forensic science. 

Career opportunities in Forensic Science

Forensic scientists can find work in both the public and private sectors, such as government-run forensic laboratories (FBI, CBI, etc), public and private investigation agencies, hospital laboratories, and police departments, among other places. Here is a list of the various work opportunities available in this industry.

• Forensic scientist
• Forensic analyst
• Criminal lawyer
• Private investigator
• Forensic science technician
• Pathologist
• Forensic investigator
• Forensic psychologist
• Forensic science professor
• Forensic writer
• Police officer
• Detective
• Toxicologist
• Forensic odontologist
• Forensic anthropologists

Average salaries for Forensic Scientists

Even within the same country, forensic scientist salaries differ from region to region. Their pay is mostly determined by their education levels, specialization, and amount of experience. Beginners in the field should expect lower pay at first, but with time and expertise, they will be able to earn higher salaries. Doctorate holders start out with a better salary, but the degree requires years of commitment and hard work in the forensic profession.

*Note: All prices mentioned in the USD are for reference only. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and from country to country.

Top 50 universities in the world for Forensic Science based on subject rankings

Top universities in the USA for Forensic Science

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of forensic scientists is expected to grow 16 percent between 2020 and 2030, substantially faster than the national average. Over the next ten years, an average of 2,500 jobs are expected. Considering these statistics, students should definitely consider studying in the USA. Prospects with Ph.D., master’s, or bachelor’s degrees in forensic science can readily find work in the many departments of the USA law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI. Here is a list of top American universities offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forensic science. 

Top universities in the UK for Forensic Science

In the UK, there are numerous universities that offer forensic science courses. Many prospective forensic scientists, therefore, opt to study in the UK. The major colleges in the UK, such as the University of Oxford, University College London, University of Cambridge, and others, offer all three types of forensic science programs: doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees. Other UK universities too provide a wide choice of forensic science master’s specialties.

Top universities in Canada for Forensic Science

There is a constant demand for forensic scientists in the Canadian public and private sectors. Therefore, Canada is a good place to study forensic science. Universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, etc., are popular places to study for doctoral and master’s degrees in forensic science. There are also a number of other universities in Canada that offer bachelor’s degrees in forensic science.

Top universities in Australia for Forensic Science

Many international students prefer to study in Australia due to its long-standing history of welcoming international students and high immigration rates. The majority of master’s in forensic science degrees are highly specialized ones that last only one year. There are B.A./M.A and B.Sc./M.Sc. options available with respect to the master’s and bachelor’s courses in forensic science offered by Australian universities. 

Top universities in Switzerland for Forensic Science

Switzerland is considered the world’s safest place, and therefore many students go to study there, stretching from bachelor’s to Ph.D. degrees. Although the crime rate is low in Switzerland, many Swiss universities offer exceptional bachelor’s and master’s courses in forensic science. The top Swiss universities, like ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, University of Geneva, etc. are well renowned  for offering Ph.D., master’s, or bachelor’s degrees in forensic science.

Academic requirements for studying Forensic Science 

It is critical to have some type of volunteer, internship, or job training, particularly if a student desires to apply to top forensic science universities, as most of the forensic science cannot be learned from books. Students should also possess certain skills like observational, critical thinking, problem-solving, aptitude, logical thinking, and statistical and computational skills. The experience and skills keep the applicant ahead of the competition in getting admitted to their desired college. 

Since the competition for admission to top forensic science universities is high, students can apply through the Gyanberry website to improve their chances of admission. Following are some academic requirements to consider before applying:

Bachelor’s level

• A high school education with a 3.0 GPA or above with concentration on subjects like biology, chemistry, sociology, and psychology
• Academic transcripts
• Valid passport
• Personal statement 
• Passport photographs
• Completed visa application
• Letter of recommendation
• English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL (90 and above) or IELTS (6.0 and above)

Master’s level

• Internationally recognized bachelor’s degree in forensic science or relevant field with a GPA of at least 3.0 
• Academic transcripts 
• Valid passport
• Passport photographs
• Completed visa application
• Motivational letter
• Resume
• Recommendation letters
• Internship or work experience (highly recommended) 
• English language proficiency (TOEFL 90 or above and IELTS 6.0 and above)

Doctoral level

• Honours or master’s degree in forensic science or a relevant field with a GPA of at least 3.0
• Academic transcripts 
• Valid passport
• Passport photographs
• Completed visa application
• Statement of purpose
• Recommendation letters
• Resume
• Work experience (highly recommended) 
• Personal interview 
• English language proficiency (TOEFL 90 or above and IELTS 6.0 and above)

*Note: All prices mentioned in the USD are for reference only. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and from country to country.