Forensic science is the study of evidence collected from a crime scene or car accident to determine how an event occurred. Specialists in the field of forensic science study blood-splatter, guns, and bullet casings, and often transition between the field and in the lab. They can be employed at the federal level for agencies like the FBI or CIA, and also at local institutions like the City of Miami Police Department.
Students interested in becoming forensic scientists should note that, while some schools offer a Bachelors of Science in Forensic Science, many schools recommend pursuing a science major like chemistry or anatomy before applying to full-time positions post-graduation.
Students can earn their degree in forensic in-person or online, though many programs require in-person lab time and research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 1,500 forensic science opportunities in Florida with an abundance of jobs located in Miami and Tampa.
The University of Central Florida’s College of Criminal Justice is a top school in the Southeast for students interested in forensic science. Their forensic science program fosters professional growth for those interested in biochemistry, scientific evidence, and lab work. This program has been around since 1974, and the school expects job opportunities to climb up to 11% by 2029.
Florida Gulf Coast University offers 3 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 89 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 83 Bachelor's degrees, and 6 Master's degrees.
St Petersburg College offers 6 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 71 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 36 Certificates, and 35 Associate's degrees.
Florida State University offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 38 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 38 Bachelor's degrees.
Saint Leo University offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small suburb.
Miami Dade College offers 3 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 176 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 108 Certificates, and 68 Associate's degrees.
The University of Tampa offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 20 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 20 Bachelor's degrees.
Florida International University offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 57 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 40 Bachelor's degrees, and 17 Master's degrees.
Florida Institute of Technology offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide offers 4 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 10 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 9 Master's degrees, and 1 Certificate.
School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Central Florida Orlando, FL | 45 : 1 | 68,346 | ||
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL | 15 : 1 | 19,020 | ||
Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL | 30 : 1 | 15,969 | ||
St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FL | 73 : 1 | 23,501 | ||
Florida State University Tallahassee, FL | 28 : 1 | 44,161 |