Forensic Science Degree Programs in Connecticut

Check out the list of Connecticut forensic science programs below and contact schools near you.

What Can I Do with a Forensic Science Degree in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, forensic science is responsible for a lot of job growth in criminal justice. Current research indicates that Connecticut has a growing demand for cybersecurity and computer forensics specialists (CT Post, 2016).

Many Connecticut crime labs have revamped their layouts, processes, and equipment to stay aligned with current research (NH Register, 2016). As a result, Connecticut crime labs were able to clear their entire backlog of cases. Cases used to wait one to two years to have their evidence processed.

With the right training and hands-on experience, you may be ready to analyze evidence, store it safely, and ensure that it can be used in court cases to bring offenders to justice.

Forensic Science Degrees in Connecticut

While comparing forensic science schools in Connecticut, it’s important to choose the degree that fits your current level of experience and education. If you have a high school diploma or GED, but no postsecondary education, you may want to start out with an Associate’s degree.

This program is fairly fast-paced, allowing many students to graduate within two years. This degree provides a broad introduction to the field of forensic science, possibly offering the training needed for entry-level careers. You need to earn 60 credits to earn an Associate’s degree.

With an Associate’s degree, you may also be able to advance your education with a Bachelor’s degree in the future.

Associate’s-Level Forensic Science Classes

• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Crime Scene Investigation
• American Legal Systems
• Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice

Another option for recent high school graduates is a Bachelor’s degree program. This is also a popular choice for those who already have an Associate’s degree, since an Associate’s degree from an accredited institution may save you up to two years on your four-year Bachelor’s degree.

At this level of education, you need at least 120 credits to graduate. In addition to high-level forensic science courses, you may take laboratory and internship courses that give you confidence in actual work settings and situations. This undergraduate degree helps students develop a solid foundation of critical thinking skills and scientific knowledge, both of which are required for graduate-level study in forensic science.

Forensic Science Bachelor’s Degree Coursework

• Forensic Biology
• Criminalistics
• Physical Investigation Methods
• Criminal Justice Fundamentals
• Crime Scene Investigation

Graduate degrees tend to be highly specialized, since they require quite a bit of prior education. To apply to a Master’s program, you need a Bachelor’s degree. Some schools require a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, biology, chemistry, or a related field, but others accept students from a diverse variety of fields. You may need excellent references from previous professors and high grades to be accepted to a competitive graduate program.

As a graduate student, you may learn highly scientific concepts and figure out how to apply them to forensic science. This degree may take you into a greater variety of criminal cases and show you how forensic evidence works with other types of reasoning to determine the facts.

Graduate Courses in Forensic Science

• Survey of Forensic Science
• Forensic Expert Testimony
• Physical Analysis in Forensic Science
• Forensic DNA Analysis
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Toxicology

With so many forensic science degrees, you can discover the option that fits your career goals.

Use our list of Connecticut programs below to contact forensic science schools in your area.

Working as a Forensic Scientist in Connecticut

Whether you earn an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree, you should have a thorough understanding of your career options by the time you graduate. Exploring forensic science careers ahead of time can make it much easier to make the most of your education. Compare career paths and tailor your elective courses and internship applications to suit your interests.

If you feel at home in a laboratory setting, you may choose to become a forensic science technician. Job openings in this field are expected to jump 10% between 2014 and 2024 (O*Net, 2016). On average, forensic science technicians earn $72,550 per year in Connecticut (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). This may be a valid career choice for professionals at any level of education. Those with higher degrees may be able to take on more responsibility.

Coroners are typically employed by the city or county to process cadavers and determine the cause of death. This job may require on-call shifts and overtime. Coroners claim an average annual income of $80,630 (BLS, 2016). Between 2014 and 2024, job openings may see a 5% boost (O*Net, 2016).

Criminal investigators often use forensic science in their daily work, since they may oversee cases from start to finish. To assess and analyze evidence properly, a forensic science degree is encouraged. Demand for criminal investigators may remain stable between 2014 and 2024 (O*Net, 2016). Currently, Connecticut criminal investigators earn an average income of $86,040 per year (BLS, 2016).

A popular option for Associate’s-level professionals is a career in law enforcement. Law enforcement officers may report to crime scenes, collect evidence, and prepare it for processing. A 1% increase in job openings may be seen between 2014 and 2024 (O*Net, 2016). In Connecticut, the average income for a law enforcement officer is $65,950 per year (BLS, 2016).

By contacting forensic science schools in Connecticut, you can find a school that fits your learning needs, provides experience in different areas of practice, and helps you build your scientific understanding.

Contact forensic science programs listed below to get started.