Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
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
- Sam Houston State University 21 to 1
- Oakland University 19 to 1
- Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
- Saint Leo University 17 to 1
- National University 16 to 1
- Duquesne University $43,526
- Thomas Jefferson University $43,116
- Xavier University $42,460
- New England College $40,642
- Stevenson University $38,168
- Lewis University $35,472
- Nova Southeastern University $34,570
- Roosevelt University $31,493
- Saint Leo University $26,050
- Utica University $24,214
- Utica University $32,464
- Duquesne University $24,534
- Thomas Jefferson University $22,068
- Roosevelt University $21,275
- Nova Southeastern University $21,153
- Golden Gate University $19,620
- Oakland University $19,323
- National University $15,480
- Saint Leo University $15,218
- West Liberty University 11 to 1
- Xavier University 11 to 1
- Roosevelt University 11 to 1
- Golden Gate University 12 to 1
- Utica University 12 to 1
- New England College 13 to 1
- Duquesne University 13 to 1
- Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
- Lewis University 14 to 1
- Stevenson University 15 to 1
- West Liberty University $8,354
- Golden Gate University $11,088
- National University $13,320
- Oakland University $15,135
- West Liberty University $6,786
- Stevenson University $8,340
- Xavier University $12,060
- New England College $14,568
- 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.
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.
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.
Best Online Master’s in Forensic Science Degree Programs
- #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2023 #4 Best Research Universities 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
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Florida 2023 #6 Best Grad Schools 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
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2023 #10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2023 #10 Best Colleges in Florida 2023
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
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
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
- #18 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2023
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
Best Online Master’s in Forensic Accounting Degree Programs
- #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023
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
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
2K
Online Degrees
MS in Accounting – Forensic Accounting
Concentrations
- Forensic Accounting
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
40%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1015/22
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
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools 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
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
- #3 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2023 #4 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2023 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
42%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/20
Online Degrees
MBA in Business Administration
Concentrations
- Forensic Accounting
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #4 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #6 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
21%
Student body
4K
Online Degrees
MS in Accounting
Concentrations
- Forensic Accounting
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
36%
Student body
3K
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
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
57%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/20
Online Degrees
MS in Digital Forensics
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2023 #4 Best Research Universities 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
- #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023
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
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
60%
Student body
4K
Online Degrees
MS in Cybersecurity
Concentrations
- Computer Forensics
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
60%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/24
Online Degrees
MS in Computer Science
Concentrations
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Forensics
- Enterprise And Cloud Computing
- Software Engineering
- Non Declared
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
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
Online Degrees
MS in Cybersecurity
Concentrations
- Digital Forensic
- Required Credits: 30-33
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Best Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2023 #10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2023 #10 Best Colleges in Florida 2023
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
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools 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
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
22%
Student body
3K
Online Degrees
MA in Forensic Psychology
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
Best Online Master’s in Forensic Nursing Degree Programs
- #2 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #21 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2023 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2023 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
75%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/25
Online Degrees
MS in Forensic Nursing
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #6 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023 #8 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
78%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/25
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
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2023 #5 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2023 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
56%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/23
Online Degrees
MSN in Forensic Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
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
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.
