Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs

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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. University of Central Florida
  2. Florida International University
  3. Nova Southeastern University
  4. National University
  5. Stevenson University
  6. Saint Leo University
  7. Thomas Jefferson University
  8. Golden Gate University
  9. Roosevelt University
  10. Southern New Hampshire University
  1. Florida International University
  2. University of Central Florida
  3. Thomas Jefferson University
  4. Duquesne University
  5. Roosevelt University
  6. Oakland University
  7. Sam Houston State University
  8. Xavier University
  9. Nova Southeastern University
  10. Golden Gate University
  1. New England College 100%
  2. Southern New Hampshire University 96%
  3. Oakland University 90%
  4. Thomas Jefferson University 89%
  5. Roosevelt University 88%
  6. Duquesne University 87%
  7. Sam Houston State University 85%
  8. Xavier University 85%
  9. Stevenson University 84%
  10. University of Houston–Victoria 82%
  1. University of Central Florida 29 to 1
  2. Florida International University 24 to 1
  3. Southern New Hampshire University 22 to 1
  4. Sam Houston State University 20 to 1
  5. Saint Leo University 18 to 1
  6. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  7. Oakland University 17 to 1
  8. Missouri Western State University 17 to 1
  9. University of Houston–Victoria 16 to 1
  10. National University 16 to 1
  1. Duquesne University $45,376
  2. Xavier University $45,000
  3. Thomas Jefferson University $44,350
  4. New England College $41,518
  5. Stevenson University $38,738
  6. Lewis University $36,530
  7. Nova Southeastern University $36,300
  8. Roosevelt University $33,068
  9. Saint Leo University $27,050
  10. Utica University $24,308
  1. Utica University $26,158
  2. Duquesne University $25,578
  3. Roosevelt University $22,764
  4. Thomas Jefferson University $22,509
  5. Nova Southeastern University $22,062
  6. Oakland University $20,016
  7. Golden Gate University $19,620
  8. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  9. Saint Leo University $18,436
  10. National University $15,912
  1. Oakland University
  2. Duquesne University
  3. Xavier University
  4. University of Houston–Victoria
  5. University of South Florida Sarasota–Manatee
  6. Lewis University
  7. Utica University
  8. Sam Houston State University
  9. Missouri Western State University
  10. New England College
  1. University of South Florida Sarasota–Manatee
  2. University of Houston–Victoria
  3. Utica University
  4. Missouri Western State University
  5. Lewis University
  6. West Liberty University
  7. Stevenson University
  8. New England College
  9. Saint Leo University
  10. National University
  1. University of Central Florida 41%
  2. Florida International University 64%
  3. West Liberty University 74%
  4. Lewis University 74%
  5. Nova Southeastern University 76%
  6. Saint Leo University 80%
  7. Utica University 81%
  8. University of Houston–Victoria 82%
  9. Stevenson University 84%
  10. Xavier University 85%
  1. New England College 7 to 1
  2. Xavier University 11 to 1
  3. Utica University 11 to 1
  4. Roosevelt University 11 to 1
  5. West Liberty University 12 to 1
  6. Duquesne University 12 to 1
  7. Golden Gate 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 $7,200
  6. West Liberty University $8,716
  7. Golden Gate University $11,088
  8. National University $13,320
  9. Southern New Hampshire University $15,380
  10. Oakland University $15,723
  1. Sam Houston State University $5,765
  2. University of Houston–Victoria $6,618
  3. University of Central Florida $6,916
  4. West Liberty University $7,080
  5. Missouri Western State University $7,110
  6. Stevenson University $8,340
  7. Florida International University $9,119
  8. Xavier University $12,060
  9. New England College $13,678
  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 Forensic Science Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    82K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/27

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $8,872
    Expenses: $17,668
    Starting Salary: $49,155
    Salary after 4 years: $62,820
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,333
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $49,923
    Salary after 4 years: $63,801
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

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

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $23,911
    Expenses: $20,570
    Starting Salary: $53,464
    Salary after 4 years: $56,710
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  4. #4

    National University

    San Diego , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at National University

    Cost of Degree: $15,912
    Starting Salary: $56,734
    Salary after 4 years: $60,178

    Online Degrees

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

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $8,340
    Expenses: $19,780
    Starting Salary: $52,503
    Salary after 4 years: $55,690
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  6. #6

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Saint Leo University

    Cost of Degree: $18,436
    Expenses: $19,552
    Starting Salary: $48,560
    Salary after 4 years: $51,508
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

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

Best Online Master’s in Forensic Accounting Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/29

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $23,103
    Expenses: $21,469
    Starting Salary: $95,486
    Salary after 4 years: $101,282
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  2. #2

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Golden Gate University

    Cost of Degree: $19,875
    Starting Salary: $79,139
    Salary after 4 years: $83,943

    Online Degrees

    MS in Accounting – Forensic Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Accounting
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Roosevelt University

    Chicago , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/21

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Roosevelt University

    Cost of Degree: $23,094
    Expenses: $20,625
    Starting Salary: $45,868
    Salary after 4 years: $48,652
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSAF – Master’s of Science in Accounting Forensics
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion time: 1 Year
    • Format: Online
    MBA – Forensic Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Accounting Forensics
    • Finance
    • Hospitality & Tourism Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Information Systems
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Real Estate
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Training And Development
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 1 Year
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $19,470
    Expenses: $21,900
    Starting Salary: $48,272
    Salary after 4 years: $51,202
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  5. #5

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $8,340
    Expenses: $19,780
    Starting Salary: $52,503
    Salary after 4 years: $55,690
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  6. #6

    West Liberty University

    West Liberty , WV
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1009/7

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at West Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $7,080
    Expenses: $15,789
    Starting Salary: $37,923
    Salary after 4 years: $48,465
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Accounting
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  7. #7

    New England College

    Henniker , NH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at New England College

    Cost of Degree: $14,228
    Expenses: $19,802
    Starting Salary: $42,983
    Salary after 4 years: $45,592
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Accounting

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Missouri Western State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,735
    Expenses: $14,070
    Starting Salary: $36,675
    Salary after 4 years: $46,870
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • General Business
    • Forensic Accounting
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online

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

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Sam Houston State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,666
    Expenses: $16,154
    Starting Salary: $47,715
    Salary after 4 years: $60,979
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    82K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/27

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $8,872
    Expenses: $17,668
    Starting Salary: $49,155
    Salary after 4 years: $62,820
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  3. #3

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/29

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $23,103
    Expenses: $21,469
    Starting Salary: $95,486
    Salary after 4 years: $101,282
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  4. #6

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $8,340
    Expenses: $19,780
    Starting Salary: $52,503
    Salary after 4 years: $55,690
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

Best Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $23,911
    Expenses: $20,570
    Starting Salary: $53,464
    Salary after 4 years: $56,710
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $19,470
    Expenses: $21,900
    Starting Salary: $48,272
    Salary after 4 years: $51,202
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

Best Online Master’s in Forensic Nursing Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Xavier University

    Cincinnati , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/26

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Xavier University

    Cost of Degree: $12,076
    Expenses: $18,320
    Starting Salary: $55,965
    Salary after 4 years: $59,362
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Forensic Nursing
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/28

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Duquesne University

    Cost of Degree: $25,578
    Expenses: $18,344
    Starting Salary: $65,580
    Salary after 4 years: $69,561
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner
    • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Executive Nurse Leadership & Health Care Management
    • Forensic Nursing
    • Nurse Education and Faculty Role
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Oakland University

    Rochester Hills , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Oakland University

    Cost of Degree: $20,016
    Expenses: $14,636
    Starting Salary: $46,179
    Salary after 4 years: $59,016
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Forensic Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Forensics degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $8,340
    Expenses: $19,780
    Starting Salary: $52,503
    Salary after 4 years: $55,690
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

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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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