Best Online Master of Forensic Science Degree Programs

Masters in Forensic Science Degree Programs

A masters in forensic science is a way to gain extensive training in forensic science and enter the work force in a mid or upper level position. Forensic scientists who work in labs do not need work experience when they have the proper training to start working with DNA and ballistics after obtaining a masters in forensic science. This work experience is gained while attending school and learning how to analyze specimens. Studying for a masters in forensic science, you will learn critical thinking skills, analytical skills, research peer studies and journals on the subject and create a Masters of Science (MS in Forensic Science) thesis.

There have been many advancements in the world of forensic science and a masters in the subject prepares you for a technology-based career analyzing specimens and putting together the story of what happened. You will learn micro analytical methods, how to investigate a scene, toxicology, trace andDNA analysis. You will also learn chemistry, how to reconstruct the scene and fire and arson investigation. Most masters in forensic science programs also place extensive study on substance abuse and alcohol impairment. This helps a forensic scientist piece together the puzzle when working on crime scene investigations that may involve parties participating in drug or alcohol use.

Many masters in forensic science programs can be obtained online. While this degree is offered at traditional colleges and universities, a masters in forensic science is also part of many distance learning and online education programs. For students who work full time and currently work in a career in forensic science, an online masters program may be the right fit for you. All course work is done online. Interaction with other students is done via forums and messageboards and meetings to work on your thesis may be conducted online with your professor. You may have to conduct research for lab work at a campus lab nearby or at an independent lab. You will have to find what works with your schedule and how many lab hours are required to complete a masters in forensic science for your particular program.

Often those with an extensive background in chemistry seek their masters in forensic science degree. A four year forensic science degree does provide one with the basics to work as a forensic scientist, but with the bulk of the course work being spent on basic science, there is not always ample time to thoroughly delve into forensic science. It is for this reason that some experts suggest an undergrad degree in chemistry, which proves to be universally useful. If the market is weak for forensic scientists and the careers within it at that time, a student can always seek employment as a chemist in some other respect. Studying for a masters in forensic science provides you with an close-up look of what forensic scientists experience on the job daily.

Technology has played a huge role in the advancement of forensic science. What was being done by lab techs 10 years ago to assess a case is now being done by computers, giving forensic scientists the ability to use critical thinking skills to solve a case much faster. The conclusions made by computers regarding DNA and impressions are so prevalent in most criminal cases that forensic scientists are high in demand due to the value of their expert opinion on a case. Many are asked to testify to offer their expertise and explain to juries how and why a piece of physical evidence comes into play.

What jobs can I have with a masters in forensic science?

There are many aspects to forensic science. A undergrad degree in chemistry or engineering is the most beneficial in conjunction with a masters in forensic science and can lead to numerous lucrative career opportunities. With these undergrad degrees you will also be able to get a job doing other things if you cannot find a job working forensic science. Because of high crime, this is a field that is set to grow. A number of states such as Texas, California and Illinois are hiring large numbers of forensic scientists.

Forensic engineer

To work as a forensic engineer, you must have an undergrad degree in engineer in addition to your masters in forensic science. Forensic engineers deal with product liability in many cases. You deal with testing products or finding out why products malfunctioned and caused injury. Many private companies employ forensic engineers. Forensic engineers work with product development teams to create products that will not be recalled and cannot become a liability due to a customer getting hurt while using the product. Forensic engineers are also brought in to civil suits when a product is in question in terms of safety. Both private companies, private investigators and the government will use forensic engineers in court to offer their expert opinion on the mechanics of an item and its potential to cause injury. Forensic engineers earn about $62,000 per year.

Psychological profiler

In this position, you must have an extensive psychology background such as an undergrad degree in the subject. A criminology undergrad degree will also be useful for this position (along with your masters in forensic science) with an emphasis in psychology. With a masters in forensic science, you become a prime candidate to work as a psychological profiler for the police department or brought in as an expert for detectives working on a case. This position revolves around statistics and science. You should enjoy piecing things together like a forensic scientist, but you must take it a step further creating the why and the motivation for events. Keep in mind the job of a psychological profiler is not as it’s portrayed on television. There are a limited number of jobs for psychological profiling as most stay at their job for a number of years and are well-acquainted with the team they work with. Working as a psychological profiler, you can expect to make an average of $60,000 per year, but this is after years of experience and a proven track record. Few in forensics start their career as a psychological profiler.