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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student-teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.

Do you want to acquire a bachelor’s degree in forensic science but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best bachelor’s in forensic science programs.

What institution did we omit from this list? Leave your suggestions in the comment section below.

1. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public, research-driven institution. It was established as a medical college, but today has over 200 academic degree programs to its 31,000 learners. Learner earning a BS in forensic science will investigate everything from microscopy to criminal procedure. This exhaustive degree program is housed in VCU’s renowned Department of Forensic Science and is fully sanctioned by FEPAC (the Forensic Science Educational Programs Accreditation Commission). Learners may specialize in one of the three concentration: forensic biology, forensic chemistry, or physical evidence.

2. Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA

Pennsylvania State University is a huge research institution with multiple campuses situated across the state. Nearly 100,000 learners study at Penn State on one of its many campuses or online. At Penn State, learner get hands-on experience when earning a BS in forensic science degree. This degree program puts learners in the lab and crime scene training facilities. Classes include essential practices of forensic science, a scientific approach to crime scene investigation, criminalistics, and laboratory in crime scene investigation.

3. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Texas A&M University is a large, public institution known for its research across the STEM fields. TAMU is a land, sea, and space-grant school with nearly 70,000 enrolled learners. At TAMU, learners  investigate both the theoretical and practical applications of forensic science, and  they will get a sturdy foundation in the principles of investigation. Coursework includes forensic implications of inheritance, biotechnology and forensics, forensic soil science, and latent print processing.

4. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University (MSU) has over 200 academic programs for over 50,000 learners. Though not a forensic science degree, MSU’s bachelors in criminal justice degree program enables leaners to specialize in forensics as they learn the patterns and causes of crime through a broad-based curriculum.

5. George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

George Mason University is the largest research institution in the state of Virginia, known for its programs in economics, law, business, computer science, and more. Over 34,000 learners attend Mason.

George Mason’s College of Science has a BS in forensic science degree that prepares learners for an array of career options. Learners participate in a curriculum that has training demonstrations, CSI methods, and lab methods.

6. George Washington University, Washington, DC

With nearly 30,000 learners, GWU is the largest and the second oldest institution in Washington DC. Although it may not offer a full forensic science degree program, GWU allows learners who major in chemistry to specialize in forensics. This degree program is perfect for learners who want to work in federal and state forensic labs. Learner can also finish an MS in forensic science degree at the same time. Classes cover general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and forensic science.

7. Marshall University, Huntington, WV

Marshall University has a BS in digital forensics and information assurance degree. This is a perfect degree program for people who want to combat cyber threats through information technology. Learners get hands-on experience conducting tests and analyses while also taking classes such as digital evidence, network penetration and attack, computer crime, and network defense.

8. St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX

St. Mary’s University is a Catholic school with around 3,000 learners. Along with foundational coursework in forensic science, learners can get crucial real-world experience through the institution’s internship degree program. Concentration options consist of a BS in forensic science with biology, a BS in forensic science with chemistry, and a BS in forensic science with criminology.

9. American Intercontinental University, Schaumburg, IL

Over 15,000 learners attend American InterContinental University. AIU has a BS in criminal justice degree that can be paired with a concentration in forensic science. At this school, you will learn how to investigate and solve crimes as well as comprehend the theories and causes behind criminal activity. Coursework includes the study of crime victim studies, juvenile justice and delinquency theory, constitutional issues in criminal procedure, and evidence.

10. Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) has campuses in Portales, Ruidoso, and Roswell, NM. Around 6,000 learners attend ENMU, enrolled in one of the institutions four colleges. This degree program teaches learner everything from human anatomy to how to handle evidence. Learners have the option of specializing in one of three areas: anthropology, biology, or chemistry.

11. Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV

Fairmont State University has dozens of degrees for its 4,000 learners. At Fairmont State University, learners can obtain a BS in forensic science degree. Graduates from this degree program have found work in everything from medical examination to forensic pathology. Classes include introduction to forensic science, forensic biology, forensic microscopy and spectroscopy, and capstone seminar in forensic science.

12. The University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

At the University of Nebraska, learners can combine the BS degree with a pre-law path, or they can concentrate on crime scene investigation or biochemistry. Either way, learner get a foundation in forensic science through its core curriculum: introduction to forensic science, forensic comparative analysis lab, current issues in forensic science, and survey of criminal justice.

13. Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

A private, non-profit institution, Hofstra University has 10,000 learners are enrolled in one of its  10 colleges, including their School of Medicine and School of Law. Hofstra’s BS in forensic science degree program prepares learners to work in the legal system. Learners  take classes in an array of subjects and also complete an internship. Hofstra’s highly regarded internship degree program places learners in various venues such as government crime labs, medical examiner’s offices, and police departments.

14. West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University (WVU) is a flagship institution and a public land-grant, space-grant, and research institution with nearly 30,000 learners. WVU has a BS in forensic and investigative science degree. Through this degree program, learners can become highly trained specialists in one of three areas: forensic examination, forensic biology, or forensic chemistry. Coursework includes the study of professional forensic communications, crime scene investigation, law and evidence, and court testimony.

15. Loyola University at Chicago, Chicago, IL

Loyola University in Chicago is a Catholic school offering 200 academic degree programs. While earning a BS in forensic science degree from Loyola, learners will have a chance to concentrate on forensic biology and DNA or forensic chemistry. Both concentrations provide a broad comprehension of the criminal justice system, and both require the following core classes: the criminal justice system, forensic science ethics and professional practice, expert witness testimony and courtroom demeanor, and introduction to biostatistics.