Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs

BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN FORENSICS
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked online master’s in forensics degree programs to prepare students for jobs such as forensic scientists, DNA scientists, private investigators, and information security analysts.

The Top 10 Online Master's In Forensics Degree Programs

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  1. Florida International University
  2. University of Central Florida
  3. Duquesne University
  4. Thomas Jefferson University
  5. Roosevelt University
  6. Oakland University
  7. Sam Houston State University
  8. Nova Southeastern University
  9. Xavier University
  10. Golden Gate University
  1. New England College 100%
  2. Sam Houston State University 97%
  3. Nova Southeastern University 93%
  4. Southern New Hampshire University 92%
  5. Oakland University 92%
  6. Roosevelt University 92%
  7. Stevenson University 91%
  8. Utica University 89%
  9. Duquesne University 84%
  10. Xavier University 84%
  1. University of Central Florida 31 to 1
  2. Florida International University 25 to 1
  3. Southern New Hampshire University 21 to 1
  4. Sam Houston State University 21 to 1
  5. University of Houston–Victoria 20 to 1
  6. Oakland University 19 to 1
  7. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  8. Saint Leo University 17 to 1
  9. Missouri Western State University 16 to 1
  10. National University 16 to 1
  1. Duquesne University $43,526
  2. Thomas Jefferson University $43,116
  3. Xavier University $42,460
  4. New England College $40,642
  5. Stevenson University $38,168
  6. Lewis University $35,472
  7. Nova Southeastern University $34,570
  8. Roosevelt University $31,493
  9. Saint Leo University $26,050
  10. Utica University $24,214
  1. Utica University $32,464
  2. Duquesne University $24,534
  3. Thomas Jefferson University $22,068
  4. Roosevelt University $21,275
  5. Nova Southeastern University $21,153
  6. Golden Gate University $19,620
  7. Oakland University $19,323
  8. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  9. National University $15,480
  10. Saint Leo University $15,218
  1. University of Houston–Victoria
  2. Utica University
  3. Missouri Western State University
  4. Lewis University
  5. West Liberty University
  6. Stevenson University
  7. New England College
  8. Saint Leo University
  9. National University
  10. Southern New Hampshire University
  1. University of Central Florida 36%
  2. University of Houston–Victoria 53%
  3. National University 55%
  4. Florida International University 64%
  5. Lewis University 71%
  6. Saint Leo University 71%
  7. West Liberty University 74%
  8. Thomas Jefferson University 78%
  9. Xavier University 84%
  10. Duquesne University 84%
  1. West Liberty University 11 to 1
  2. Xavier University 11 to 1
  3. Roosevelt University 11 to 1
  4. Golden Gate University 12 to 1
  5. Utica University 12 to 1
  6. New England College 13 to 1
  7. Duquesne University 13 to 1
  8. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  9. Lewis University 14 to 1
  10. Stevenson University 15 to 1
  1. University of Central Florida $4,478
  2. Florida International University $4,721
  3. University of Houston–Victoria $5,111
  4. Sam Houston State University $5,856
  5. Missouri Western State University $6,900
  6. West Liberty University $8,354
  7. Golden Gate University $11,088
  8. National University $13,320
  9. Oakland University $15,135
  10. Southern New Hampshire University $15,380
  1. Sam Houston State University $5,765
  2. University of Houston–Victoria $6,618
  3. West Liberty University $6,786
  4. Missouri Western State University $6,840
  5. University of Central Florida $6,916
  6. Stevenson University $8,340
  7. Florida International University $8,912
  8. Xavier University $12,060
  9. New England College $14,568
  10. Lewis University $14,760

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Forensics Degrees

Why get a master’s in forensics?

A master’s degree in forensic sciences offers students a deeper look into the field along with laboratory training and access to networking events. This 30- to 45-credit degree can lead to job advancement as well as specialized training in areas like DNA analysis, toxicology, forensic psychology, and criminalistics.

How long does it take to get a master’s in forensics?

Typically, students can complete this program in about two to three years either online or on campus.

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What will I learn while getting a master’s in forensics?

Core courses cover topics ranging from forensic photography to serology to ethics in the field. Students may also have to complete a thesis or a capstone project.

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What can I do with a master’s in forensics?

Forensics masters will be suited for jobs such as forensic scientists, DNA scientists, private investigators, and information security analysts.

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Best Online Master's in Forensics Degree Programs

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salaries by Percentile in the U.S.

The following graph depicts the average salaries of Detectives and Criminal Investigators for each percentile in the U.S.

Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

SVG Attribution: Wikipedia

Total Employed: 107890
10%
15%
50%
15%
10%
bell-curve
480406160083640106540146830
10th Percentile25th Percentile75th Percentile90th Percentile

Best Online Master’s in Forensic Science Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Central Florida

    Orlando , FL
    #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #5 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Online Degrees

    MS in Forensic Science
    • Required Credits: 32-34
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #4 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Florida 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Online Degrees

    Professional Science Master’s in Forensic Science
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2023 #10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2023 #10 Best Colleges in Florida 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Investigative Forensic Technology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Psychology and the Legal System
    • Forensic Psychology For Mental Health Workers
    • First Responders
    • And Disaster Teams
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    National University

    La Jolla , CA
    #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2023 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California #3 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    25K

    Online Degrees

    MA in Forensic Sciences
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Stevenson University

    Stevenson , MD
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2023 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #7 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2023 #7 Best Online Master's in Biology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    3K

    Online Degrees

    MFS in Forensic Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Investigation
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cybersecurity And Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL
    #18 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2023 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    9K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Science
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Best Online Master’s in Forensic Accounting Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/23

    Online Degrees

    MS in Accounting – Forensic Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Corporate Accounting
    • Forensic Accounting
    • International Accounting
    • Public Accounting*
    • Taxation
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • Computer Forensic Management
    • Computer Security Management
    • Enterprise Network Management
    • Information Systems Management
    • IT Project Management
    • Software Engineering Management
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    102K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Auditing
    • Forensic Accounting
    • Management Accounting
    • Taxation
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Child And Development Psychology
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Industrial And Organizational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Stevenson University

    Stevenson , MD
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2023 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #7 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2023 #7 Best Online Master's in Biology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    3K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Forensic Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MFS in Forensic Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Investigation
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cybersecurity And Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Best Online Master’s in Computer and Digital Forensics Degree Programs

  2. #2

    University of Central Florida

    Orlando , FL
    #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #5 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Online Degrees

    MS in Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Science
    • Required Credits: 32-34
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/23

    Online Degrees

    MS in Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • Computer Forensic Management
    • Computer Security Management
    • Enterprise Network Management
    • Information Systems Management
    • IT Project Management
    • Software Engineering Management
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Accounting – Forensic Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Corporate Accounting
    • Forensic Accounting
    • International Accounting
    • Public Accounting*
    • Taxation
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Stevenson University

    Stevenson , MD
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2023 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #7 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2023 #7 Best Online Master's in Biology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    3K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Cybersecurity And Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MFS in Forensic Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Investigation
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Best Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2023 #10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2023 #10 Best Colleges in Florida 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Online Degrees

    MS in Forensic Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Psychology and the Legal System
    • Forensic Psychology For Mental Health Workers
    • First Responders
    • And Disaster Teams
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Investigative Forensic Technology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    102K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Child And Development Psychology
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Industrial And Organizational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Auditing
    • Forensic Accounting
    • Management Accounting
    • Taxation
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Best Online Master’s in Forensic Nursing Degree Programs

  4. #4

    Stevenson University

    Stevenson , MD
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2023 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #7 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2023 #7 Best Online Master's in Biology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    3K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MFS in Forensic Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Forensic Investigation
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cybersecurity And Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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