What's the Average Salary With a Masters in Forensic Science?

A master’s in forensic science prepares you for the job of a forensic science technician. The basic educational qualification for the job is a bachelor’s degree with a major in criminalistics, chemistry, biology, or physics.

You can choose a master’s program depending upon past experience and educational qualification. There are six broad categories that rely heavily on the basic science disciplines. You could become a medial examiner, crime lab analyst, forensic engineer, academic assistant, technical assistant, or a crime lab analyst. Your salary will depend upon the kind of work you do, the size and type of employer, and your past work experience. The pay will also vary at the federal, state, and county levels. For example, a master’s graduate working as a first line supervisor in a county in California can expect to earn up to $5,600 a month.

With experience, you can rise to the position of a Criminalist Manager who’s responsible for planning and overseeing a forensic program. You can expect a pay of up to $7K. An experienced forensic scientist can expect to earn around $50K. Of course, you can opt to run your own detective agency and be the Philip Marlowe of the new century.

Of the job types mentioned above, medical examiners typically have the highest average salary. Your electives at the undergraduate and graduate level will help decide your eligibility for this job.

Crime lab assistants come next on the pay scale. Forensic engineers that deal with the engineering aspects of a crime scene investigation come next. This specialization requires an engineering degree. Another reason for the higher pay these people get as compared to crime scene examiners, and psychologists.

A forensic scientist’s job can involve a lot of legwork, be mainly indoors, or a combination of both. Your innate interest in a subject should be the bottom-line in choosing a master’s course in forensic science. With experience, a good salary package will follow.

Best Online Masters of Forensic Science Degree Programs

Forensic science is the use of science as it relates to the legal system. Also known as forensics, this field encompasses crime scene investigation, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, computer forensics, and more. An individual seeking a master's degree in forensic science can find out more information from the schools listed below.

MSCJ: Forensic Science	Saint Leo University – Students in the Saint Leo University MS in Forensic Science program graduates individuals ready for leadership in the law enforcement profession. As one of the top military colleges in the United States, Saint Leo University's criminal justice degree program can be completed on campus, online, or any combination thereof.
MS: Forensic Psych & Criminal Investigation	University of Liverpool – Backed by years of excellence in service to their students and alumni alike, University of Liverpool has responded to increased interested in online education by added a MS in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation to their course catalog. This degree option better serves students with busy or inconsistent personal or work schedules, but it can also help students seeking to cut down on commute or living expenses.
MS: Forensic Psychology	Walden University – The Walden University MS program in Forensic Psychology is designed for students interested in learning about criminal behavior, exploring a new career path, or pursuing doctoral-level studies. The The Walden University MS in Mental Health Counseling - Forensic Counseling prepares students to treat mental health needs knowledgeably, ethically, and with respect for diversity.
MS: Computer Forensics	Utica College – The online MS in Computer Forensics program at Utica College trains students to ascertain the threat of cyber attack and infiltration techniques. The program is designed for students curious about the collecting and preparing evidence of computer crimes including fraud, child pornography, and cyber espionage.
MA: Forensic Psychology	Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Offered in Chicago, Washington DC, and online, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology MA in Forensic Psychology program can be completed in 2 years full time or 4 years part time. The degree prepares students to take the professional counselor licensers exams in Illinois.
MS: Forensic Studies	Stevenson University – At the Stevenson University MS in Forensic Studies program, students enter the exciting world of forensic studies, where they can find careers in accounting, law, government, and throughout business. Forensic Studies Tracks include Accounting, Information Technology, Interdisciplinary, Investigations, Legal, and Criminalistics.
MS: Justice Administration	Bellevue University – Bellevue University's MS in Justice Administration & Crime Management offers class in both in-class and online formats, allowing for the completion of the degree in a flexible setting. Courses include Criminal Law, Forensics, Research Methods and Statistical Applications, and Crime Analysis and Case Management.
MA: Forensic Psychology	Argosy University – The Argosy University MA in Forensic Psychology degree is designed to offer individuals with law enforcement experience advanced education in forensic psychology. The online format enables the flexibility and freedom demanded by today's working professionals. Graduates apply clinical, counseling, and neuropsychology skills in the criminal justice system.
MBA: Forensic Accounting	Jones International University – Successful graduates of the Jones International University MBA in Forensic Accounting program complete the following objectives: apply audit risk, materiality, and evidence to business systems, understand professional audit responsibilities, evaluate fraud detection in forensic accounting, evaluate legal issues, analyze current topics, and develop foundational business knowledge.
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