There are four steps to get a forensic degree: qualify for admission, find an accredited school, pay the tuition, and complete the coursework. A forensic degree provides training in scientific data collection techniques, data analysis, statistics and human psychology. A forensic degree is available from a wide range of universities, community, and career colleges.
A forensic degree provides training in the theories of forensics and how they can be applied to a wide range of industries. This program is quite different from the forensic science degree. The science degree is focused on collecting evidence and conducting scientific tests on physical evidence. In a forensic degree, there is no biological component.
The requirements to qualify for admission to a forensic degree include high school courses in history, calculus, statistics, and English. Additional courses in an area of interest or specialization, such as computer technology or accounting will open up different career options. Both these fields require forensic staff to investigate prior activities and determine what occurred, provide fact supported data, and create plans to avoid a recurrence in the future.
When looking for a program, the first item to check is the accreditation status of the school. An independent third party grants accreditation. As part of the review process, it examines the academic and administrative policies of the school against a minimum standard. Credits completed at an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions and are accepted by certification and licensing boards.
The tuition fees for a forensic degree range between $6,800 and $15,000 US Dollars (USD) per year. Most schools require payment for each semester at least four weeks before classes begin. Some schools offer online courses that can be used toward a forensic degree. Explore these opportunities, as the course fees are quite comparable and are paid one course at a time. Accredited schools are able to offer students access to government student aid programs, which can help alleviate the cost of tuition with loans or grants.
The first year of forensic courses includes history, calculus, psychology, criminology, and communications. In each subsequent year, students can select an area of specialization. Options include accounting, information technology, engineering, and other sciences. Many programs have cooperative job or field work terms that allow students to gain valuables work experience. Competition for these positions is quite fierce and is usually granted based on course marks and classroom participation. Look at the different options available to you and select the program that has the greatest appeal and career possibilities.