Turn Forensic Science Interest into a Career
Each piece of crime scene evidence has a story to tell. To uncover those stories, forensic science pros are essential. From tracing hidden DNA markers to trailing digital clues, these specialists help solve criminal cases by turning forensic science into justice.
Each September, professionals across the country mark National Forensic Science Week to recognize and honor this vital work. Backed by leading organizations, including the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), the annual event celebrates fresh innovations and the experts who make them possible. The week also points to the growing need for educated, well-trained forensic professionals who can meet the demands of this evolving field.
Careers in Forensic Science Are Growing
Why is the forensics job market so strong? It’s driven by the growing demands of the criminal justice system. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in forensic science are growing at a brisk pace, with competitive salaries and exciting opportunities across many specialties. Whether you’re drawn to the lab, the crime scene, or the expanding landscape of digital investigation, the career pathways are wide-ranging and rewarding.
Key Findings: Jobs, Salaries, and Growth
| Occupation | Projected growth, 2024–34 | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic science technicians (crime lab analysts and scene specialists) | 13% (much faster than average) | $67,440 per year |
| Information security analysts (digital and multimedia forensics) | 29% | $124,910 |
| Chemists and materials scientists (essential for trace evidence and lab analysis) | 5% | $86,620 |
| Natural sciences managers (leadership and quality assurance in forensic environments) | 4% | ~$161,180 |
Why Forensics Careers Are in Demand
As crime labs modernize to keep pace with evolving investigative demands, the volume of unprocessed evidence continues to challenge the system, underscoring the urgent need for skilled forensic specialists. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that at year-end 2020, publicly funded crime labs had about 710,900 backlogged requests not completed within 30 days of submission, the most recent federal crime-lab census available.
As reported by the National Institute of Justice, crime lab backlogs remain an ongoing challenge, particularly in areas like DNA and digital evidence, creating a constant demand for qualified talent.
As Mark Nelson, senior program manager at the National Institute of Justice, wrote in his report, Making Sense of DNA Backlogs, Myths vs. Reality, “DNA backlogs will exist until the supply, the capacity of the nation’s crime laboratories to test cases, surpasses demand, the new service requests.” As Nelson explains, crime laboratories have increased their capacity significantly, yet demand continues to outpace those gains.
Your Future in Forensics: Find Your Niche with Two MFS Specializations
Whether you are seeking a career specifically in the forensic sciences or looking to expand your skills in law enforcement, lab work, law, or investigation, you’ll gain valuable and practical expertise with a Master of Forensic Sciences (MFS) from National University.
The program provides you with advanced scientific depth and practical skills to apply scientific methods to legal problems. You’ll learn to collaborate with forensic pathologists and investigators and gain courtroom-ready expertise essential for today’s in-demand roles.
“The program is designed for students interested in forensic crime and death investigations, for professionals seeking to advance or refine their investigative expertise, and for experienced practitioners aiming to teach at the higher education level,” said Mistie Measeles, the MFS academic program director at NU.
“What makes this program especially rewarding is the faculty. Each course is taught by subject matter experts with years of professional experience, providing students with both academic knowledge and valuable real-world perspectives.”
Your Future in Forensics: Find Your Niche with Two MFS Specializations
Whether you are seeking a career specifically in the forensic sciences or looking to expand your skills in law enforcement, lab work, law, or investigation, you’ll gain valuable and practical expertise with a Master of Forensic Sciences (MFS) from National University. The program provides you with advanced scientific depth and practical skills to apply scientific methods to legal problems.
You’ll learn to collaborate with forensic pathologists and investigators and gain courtroom-ready expertise essential for today’s in-demand roles. “The program is designed for students interested in forensic crime and death investigations, for professionals seeking to advance or refine their investigative expertise, and for experienced practitioners aiming to teach at the higher education level,” said Mistie Measeles, the MFS academic program director at NU. “What makes this program especially rewarding is the faculty.
Each course is taught by subject matter experts with years of professional experience, providing students with both academic knowledge and valuable real-world perspectives.”
Career-Ready Specializations
Criminalistics
The lab-focused side of forensic science, criminalistics, applies scientific principles to the analysis of physical evidence from crime scenes. It’s designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a physical or biological science (or with program director approval). This path prepares you for laboratory analysis and technical roles, with courses such as:
- Trace Evidence: Examining microscopic materials like fibers, hair, and glass
- Advanced Forensic Toxicology: Studying drugs and poisons in the body
- Advanced Forensic Serology and DNA: Profiling bodily fluids for DNA analysis
- Forensic Anthropology and Archeology: Identifying human remains and reconstructing events
- Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis: Applying modern DNA techniques in crime labs
Investigation
This specialization broadens the scope beyond the lab, focusing on gathering and analyzing evidence in the field and during follow-up investigations, including digital forensics associated with cybercrimes. It’s an excellent fit for current law enforcement professionals or those seeking to transition into forensic roles. Courses include:
- Forensic Psychology: Exploring how psychology intersects with the legal system
- Law and Criminal Procedure: Understanding the framework that governs investigations and trials
- Major Case Investigation: Strategies for managing complex, high-profile cases
Graduates of a high-quality MFS program, such as the one offered by National University, are prepared for a variety of work environments, including:
- Public crime labs (state, county, municipal), medical examiner/coroner offices, and public health labs
- Federal agencies (e.g., multidisciplinary labs and investigative agencies)
- Private laboratories (DNA, toxicology, trace, digital), consultancies, and R&D groups in instrument/assay development
- Law enforcement agencies and district attorney (DA) offices (investigations, evidence units, litigation support)
To learn more about these specializations for the Master of Forensic Sciences program, read this post comparing and contrasting criminalistics and investigation.
Skills Employers Demand
Forensic science is a field where every detail matters. From a single strand of hair to a line of computer code, professionals must analyze evidence with precision to uncover the truth. NU’s MFS program is designed with this reality in mind, giving students both scientific depth and practical, courtroom-ready training to become a digital forensic investigator.
In fact, a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) report points to a shift in the field from “trust the examiner” to “trust the method.” NU embraces this paradigm by teaching students the validated methodologies and professional standards employers expect. Key skills include:
- Evidence handling and chain of custody: We prepare you to follow the systematic procedures for crime scene investigation, ensuring all evidence (from biological to toxicological) is properly collected and documented.
- Applying scientific standards: You’ll learn to apply the latest scientific standards, like those developed by the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), a program run by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
- Navigating the digital realm: With crime increasingly moving online, digital evidence has become a crucial component of many investigations. Our curriculum teaches you how to investigate and handle digital and multimedia evidence, and more.
- Laboratory quality and accreditation: Forensic labs must meet rigorous international standards, which is why our program emphasizes quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). You’ll graduate ready to uphold best practices and contribute confidently in accredited lab environments.
Most forensic science roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in a physical or biological science, though graduate study can help you specialize or move into leadership, which is exactly how NU’s MFS is structured, with a science bachelor’s expected for Criminalistics and broader entry for Investigation.
Top Growth Fields in Forensic Science
DNA/Serology
The continuous advancement of DNA technology and persistent backlogs at public labs drive a constant need for analysts who can process evidence quickly and accurately.
Digital Forensics
With nearly every crime now leaving a digital footprint, the demand for experts who can recover, analyze, and testify about evidence from computers, mobile phones, and cloud services is exploding.
Toxicology
The ongoing public health crisis related to opioids and other substances has placed immense pressure on toxicology labs, creating a significant need for analysts to identify and quantify drugs in biological samples.
Of course, forensic science spans far more roles than any single program can cover, DNA and serology analysts, digital forensic examiners, toxicologists, and many others. But most paths fall into two broad categories: lab-based analysis or field and investigative work. That’s the logic behind NU’s two MFS specializations.
Criminalistics prepares you for the lab side, while Investigation focuses on evidence gathering and case management in the field. With more than 50 years of experience serving adult learners, WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation, monthly start dates, and four-week courses, National University is built for working professionals ready to take the next step.
About National Forensic Science Week
National Forensic Science Week, created by the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations (CFSO), honors the field’s vital role in the justice system through nationwide events that raise awareness, showcase innovation, and celebrate the professionals behind the work and the future of the field. At National University, the Master of Forensic Sciences program is designed to prepare you for that future, combining advanced scientific training with the flexibility and support to fit your life.
It’s your chance to look beyond the headlines, see where you belong in this dynamic field, and begin building a career that makes a lasting impact. Request Info Apply Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
They collect and analyze evidence, document findings, and often testify in court. Some roles focus on the scene (CSI), while others are lab-based (DNA, trace, toxicology).
The job outlook is strong. Forensic science technicians are projected to grow by 13% (2024-2034) with about 2,900 openings each year. Digital-adjacent roles, like information security analysts, are projected to grow even faster at 29%.
For the Criminalistics specialization, a science bachelor’s (biology, chemistry, or lab science) or program director approval is expected. The Investigation specialization has no specific major requirement, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants.
If your goal is to specialize in lab science, compete for analyst roles, or move into leadership, a master’s degree can be the differentiator that gets you noticed.
Yes. Federal agencies, including the FBI, employ forensic professionals such as digital forensic examiners, cryptanalysts, evidence technicians, and lab analysts. You can explore forensics careers at the FBI for more information.
Among forensic-adjacent roles, natural sciences managers earn a median of around $161,180 per year, while information security analysts, who often work in digital and multimedia forensics, earn a median of $124,910. Advanced degrees and specialization tend to drive higher pay.
