Best Forensic Science colleges in California
Forensic scientists work closely with police departments and even the FBI to study crime scenes and evidence to further a legal investigation. It is common for students interested in forensic science in California to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related field before applying to positions where they typically require on-the-job training to become familiar with operating procedures.
The California Bureau of Investigation is one of the largest employers of forensic scientists statewide, with the San Francisco and Los Angeles police departments providing similar roles for graduates interested in entering the workforce in a government role.
Students can earn their degree in forensic science in-person or online, though many require in-person lab time and field research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that opportunities in California will exceed 2,000 statewide with salaries that can reach almost $90,000 annually.
Best Forensic Science colleges in California for 2025
National University offers 6 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 127 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 66 Bachelor's degrees, 56 Master's degrees, and 5 Certificates.
Grossmont College offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2022, 49 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 29 Certificates, and 20 Associate's degrees.
Fresno City College offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 2 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 1 Associate's degree, and 1 Certificate.
San Diego Miramar College offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 9 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 7 Associate's degrees, and 2 Certificates.
East Los Angeles College offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2022, 63 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 42 Certificates, and 21 Associate's degrees.
Southwestern College offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 6 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 5 Associate's degrees, and 1 Certificate.
Riverside City College offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 13 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 13 Certificates.
University of California-Davis offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 11 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 11 Master's degrees.
Long Beach City College offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 19 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 19 Certificates.
Diablo Valley College offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2022, 6 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 6 Certificates.
Top schools offering Forensic Science degrees in California
List of all Forensic Science colleges in California
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
National University San Diego, CA | 55 : 1 | 18,631 | |
|
Grossmont College El Cajon, CA | 45 : 1 | 12,862 | |
|
Fresno City College Fresno, CA | 62 : 1 | 22,609 | |
|
San Diego Miramar College San Diego, CA | 91 : 1 | 13,062 | |
|
East Los Angeles College Monterey Park, CA | 94 : 1 | 27,855 | |