Forensic Science

Why study forensic science?

If you’ve ever wanted to help solve crimes and other puzzles through scientific means, forensic science is the right program for you. Forensic science is the application of scientific methods and processes to matters that involve crime or the public.

People who work in forensic science solve scientific puzzles, testify as experts in court, and even sometimes help collect evidence at crime scenes. You could work in crime scene investigation, ballistics, forensic pathology, and more.

Even better, forensics experts are in demand, all over the country, in both law enforcement agencies and private labs. In fact the field is expected to grow by 14 percent by 2028.

What will I learn as a forensic science student?

Students at IUPUI can shoose between a concentration in Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry. There are many branches of forensic science because almost any science has some applications to public or criminal matters. To ensure you have the solid foundation you’ll need to succeed, we combine courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, along with criminal justice and law, enabling you to solve crimes and settle civil disputes.

It’s important to note that forensic science requires an ability to tolerate situations and scenes of crime and violence that are difficult to understand and accept. Loss of life and suffering are often involved in these cases, so a forensic scientist needs to have the ability to maintain perspective when working in terrible situations.

Because the forensics program requires such a strong background in chemistry and other science disciplines, I really feel like I have a lot of options where to take my career.
Kelsie Faulds, undergraduate in the Forensics and Investigative Sciences department

What can I do with a degree in forensic science?

As a forensic science expert, you’ll spend your career solving crimes by analyzing a variety of evidence.

Most forensic scientists work in laboratory settings, but you may also attend crime or other incident scenes to help reconstruct the crime or help in the recognition, collection, and preservation of evidence within your specialty.

For example, a forensic chemist may be asked to help in the processing of a clandestine drug laboratory. A trace evidence examiner may be asked to collect hairs and fibers and other traces from a homicide scene. Usually the crime scene component of a forensic scientist’s job is a relatively minor part of the duties.

In the United States, there are more than 4,000 crime laboratories administered by the federal, state, or local governments or private industry. Most crime laboratories employ scientists in the areas of forensic chemistry (drugs, toxicology, trace evidence, explosives, fires, etc.), forensic biology (mainly DNA and body fluids and tissues), and criminalistics (fingerprints, questioned documents, firearms, and toolmarks).

You can get an entry-level position in forensics with a bachelor’s degree. To advance to the managerial level, you’ll most likely need to obtain a master’s degree.

33%of forensic science grads pursue advanced degrees

75%of forensic science grads find employment related to their degree after graduation

80%of employed grads work in Indianapolis

$58,230median salary

Find the right forensic science program for you

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Master of Science in Forensic Science