Associate in Forensic Science Degrees and Careers

An associate degree in forensic science may help you tackle a number of learning goals. You may get an introduction to this field and develop a range of basic hands-on skills. This degree choice may help you decide if you’re interested in continuing your study at the Bachelor’s degree level. As a forensic science student, you may work on your critical thinking skills, develop your scientific knowledge, and begin studying the legal system.

If you opt to earn an associate degree in forensic science, you may have great attention to detail, be ready to tackle a number of situations and cases, and have an interest in ensuring that justice is served. If you’re ready to take the first step in this degree, contact forensic science associate degree schools in your area!

Classes You Will Take for Forensic Science

An associate degree in forensic science is designed to give you an introduction to many different career paths and areas of study within this field. This is clear when you look at the courses required in the typical associate degree program. You may start with core science courses like Microbiology and General Chemistry, both of which help you start developing the skills you need to work in a forensic laboratory. From there, you may move on to Introduction to Forensic Science and Photography in the Forensic Sciences. The latter course may help you with the proper and accurate photography of crime scenes, victims, and evidence.

As you move through your curriculum, you may take courses that help you delve into different aspects of criminal justice and forensic science. Commonly required courses include Crime Scene Investigation, Introduction to Criminal Justice, and Criminal Law. To round out the 60 credits required for an associate degree, you may be able to choose from courses like Forensic Aspects of Death Investigation, Basic Accident Investigation, and Forensic Psychology. These courses may make use of theoretical learning from books and instructors, as well as practical learning opportunities like laboratory time or field time. As you near the end of your degree, you may be expected to complete an internship or other practical work experience.

Potential Salary for Forensic Scientists

After completing an associate degree in forensic science, you may be curious about which types of jobs you can pursue. You may be ready for entry-level jobs in criminal justice or crime scene investigation. This may be a good move if you want to earn a Bachelor’s degree, as some employers offer tuition assistance for you to finish your degree.

You may look into job openings for forensic science technicians. In this job, you may analyze physical evidence, process it, store it properly, and analyze it for the benefit of investigators and police. Per O*Net, forensic technicians earned an average salary of $63,740 per year in 2022.

Another popular option is a records officer position. O*Net reports that records officers earned an average of $86,280 per year in 2022. This job may require slightly less physical interaction with evidence. Rather, you may be expected to record, file, and retrieve evidence and files for investigators. If you’re ready to start your forensic science education, use our school directory to find forensic science programs in your area!

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.