PhD in Forensic Science Doctoral Degree Programs (2023)

There are various doctoral programs in forensic science for forensics professionals with niche research interests, several years of experience, and an unbreakable work ethic. While most of the programs at this level fall into one of the discipline’s subfields, such as chemistry, clinical psychology, or anthropology, there are a few terminal degree options in forensic science.

Preparation at the PhD level is crucial to furthering the discipline of forensic science for several reasons. First, graduate students and professors are typically responsible for revolutionizing the technologies and methods behind forensic technologies. By illustration, Discover Magazine published a piece on Dr. Robert Hare—one of the pioneers in forensic psychology—and explained that in the 1950s, he was working in uncharted waters. Dr. Hare is well-known for his Psychopathy Check List (PCL), which he developed in 1980 to identify psychopathic tendencies. While forensic psychology was still in its infancy, this groundbreaking researcher pinpointed 20 items associated with psychopathy, including exhibiting a lack of empathy, impulsivity, a tendency toward short-term relationships, and a failure to take responsibility for one’s actions.

Dr. Hare was also one of the first researchers to use physiological arousal studies to study the disease. In general, people with mental illness do not show the same arousal in response to stressful stimuli as control subjects. Overall, Dr. Hare is one example of a forensic scientist who pioneered new methods in the subfield of clinical psychology to measure a mental illness.

Second, having achieved a terminal degree in forensic science may require employment at the highest levels of universities, forensic laboratories, research organizations, and other institutions. Having a PhD can enhance one’s candidacy for leadership and teaching positions and may also increase one’s salary potential.

Lastly, it may be wise to pursue a PhD in forensic science or a subfield to prepare oneself for professional certification. In fact, several credentialing boards of the discipline require applicants to have a doctoral degree, including the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA), the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO), and the American Board of Forensic Toxicologists (ABFT), specifically for credentialing at the Fellow level. In addition, please visit the forensic science careers page to learn more about the credentialing organizations accredited by the esteemed Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB).

Read on to learn about the wealth of accredited PhD programs in forensic science and the relevant subfields of psychology, chemistry, and anthropology.

Doctoral Degree Programs in Forensics

While few doctoral programs focus exclusively on forensic science, there are many PhD options in the varied subfields. Prospective students in forensics are urged to verify the accreditation status of their institutions and programs. To learn more about accreditation, please read the section at the end.

Doctoral Degree Program Requirements

To gain entry into a PhD program, admissions committees typically call for the following from students:

• Official transcripts from all undergraduate (and graduate) institutions with a stellar GPA (e.g., >3.5)
• Proof of having completed specific coursework in a relevant major (e.g., forensic science, natural science, chemistry, biology)
• A resume with 1-2 years of professional experience in forensic science
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement (typically 1,000 words or less)
• Interview (in-person, phone, or web-based)
• Competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• GRE Subject Test scores (generally optional)
• TOEFL scores (for non-native speakers of English only)
• Proof of professional publications (recommended, but not always required)
• A background check (especially for competitive internships for program credit)
• Application fee

Doctoral Programs in Forensic Science

There are currently limited options at the PhD level for forensic science programs, but they are on the rise.

At Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, students can pursue a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in forensic science. As one of the only programs in the US, this 86-credit hour program generally takes four to five years of full-time study to complete. Sam Houston’s curriculum comprises core coursework, electives, and dissertation research.

In addition, the degree plan includes classes such as forensic instrumental analysis, trace and microscopical analysis, forensic toxicology, research methods, and forensic laboratory management.

• Location: Huntsville, TX
• Duration: Four to five years
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
• Tuition: $320.25 per credit

West Virginia University (WVU), based in Morgantown, is another program that offers a PhD specifically focused on forensic science. According to the school, the program “is strongly science-based and prepares students to work across the foundations of criminalistics.”

WVU is the only school in the nation boasting forensics programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Notably, WVU’s bachelor’s and master’s programs are accredited by the prestigious Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). FEPAC is the gold standard in program approvals for forensic science at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.

• Location: Morgantown, WV
• Duration: Four to five years
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
• Tuition: $499 per credit (in-state); $1,407 per credit (out-of-state)

Doctoral Programs in Forensic Psychology

The American Psychological Association’s (APA) American Psychology-Law Society maintains a detailed guide to legal and forensic psychology programs. In addition, there are PhD programs and PsyD and PhD/JD combined options.

Palo Alto University (PAU) in California provides a four-year PhD in clinical psychology with a forensic area of emphasis. Core coursework for this specialized PhD includes forensic assessment, an advanced forensic psychology seminar, assessment and treatment of trauma in adults, child and adolescent development, biological psychology, psychopharmacology, adult development and aging, neuropsychological assessment, and cross-cultural issues in psychology.

In addition, by dividing students into small, faculty-guided research groups, PAU ensures that students get empirical instruction in research methods and proper leadership through all phases of developing their dissertations.

• Location: Palo Alto, CA
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)
• Tuition: $5,678 to $18,128 per quarter (depending on course type)

The aforementioned Sam Houston University also provides a 108-credit PhD program in clinical psychology with a forensic emphasis. In addition to clinical training and coursework, the forensic track helps students specialize in applying psychology to legal issues by learning how to perform court evaluations, mental health assessments, court consultations, and more.

Classes in Sam Houston’s forensic psychology track include psychopathology, dysfunctional behavior, assessment of intelligence and achievement, professional standards and ethics, and forensic evaluations.

• Location: Huntsville, TX
• Duration: Four to five years
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)
• Tuition: $320.25 per credit

Doctoral Programs in Forensic Chemistry

Forensic chemistry specializes in forensic science that can provide many career avenues. For example, forensic chemists holding PhDs can go on to work at a university in academia or may end up heading a forensic research lab.

Florida International University (FIU) in Miami is one of the top 25 largest universities in the nation and provides a PhD program in chemistry, forensic sciences, and biochemistry. With over 100 graduate students and a $4 million annual research budget, FIU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has a multidisciplinary approach to the forensic science field.

For example, the forensic science track focuses on the environmental impact of trace elements (e.g., mercury, arsenic, lead), an essential line of work primarily in the wake of the Flint, Michigan water crisis. Other projects involve the study of hydrocarbons, airborne particulate matter, free radicals, and organophosphates. The forensic track also focuses on advanced aspects of biomedical research, such as the synthesis of essential molecules, protease enzymes, and how macular pigments are impacted by diet and nutrition.

• Location: Miami, FL
• Duration: Four to five years
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
• Tuition: $4,101 per semester (in-state); $9,015 per semester (out-of-state)

The University at Albany in Albany, New York, offers a PhD in analytical and forensic chemistry. This program is committed to advancing the techniques in forensic analysis at a molecular level and features classes such as advanced forensic chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, analytical methods, comprehensive biochemistry, experimental methods of organic structure determination, and a forensic drug chemistry internship.

Finally, all students must pass the American Chemical Society graduate exams in organic and physical chemistry and inorganic or biological chemistry.

• Location: Albany, NY
• Duration: Three to five years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Tuition: $5,655 per semester (in-state); $11,550 per semester (out-of-state)

The University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando offers a PhD in chemistry and four concentration areas: materials chemistry; environmental chemistry; biochemistry; and forensic science.

The 72-credit forensic science program requires coursework in forensic analysis of explosives, advanced mass spectrometry, forensic molecular biology, kinetics and catalysis, applied organic synthesis, and chemical thermodynamics. Students at UCF will also have access to the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS), a highly regarded research center.

• Location: Orlando, FL
• Duration: Three to five years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $288.16 per credit (in-state); $288.16 per credit (out-of-state)

Doctoral Programs in Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropology is an essential part of the crime-solving goals of all forensic sciences. PhD programs in forensic anthropology will allow students to deepen their understanding of how human remains and other evidence can help in the legal process.

The University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville provides a PhD program in biological anthropology focusing on forensic science. Students receive advanced instruction in recovering human remains and analyzing trauma. Classes include biostatistics, human functional anatomy, genetic analysis, radiology, osteology, and water and soil sciences.

UF also boasts a state-of-the-art forensics lab: the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory (CAPHIL), which services other agencies around the state. This school’s multidisciplinary approach to forensic anthropology involves collaboration with departments in entomology, laboratory medicine, and soil and water analyses. Please note that this program is highly competitive, with fewer than 3 percent of applicants gaining admission. Typical admittees have high GPAs (>3.5) and impressive GRE scores (1,320 average).

• Location: Gainesville, FL
• Duration: Three to five years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $12,740 per year (in-state); $30,134 per year (out-of-state)

The University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa offers a doctoral program in applied anthropology. In addition, students may choose a concentration in archeological and forensic sciences (AFS). Courses include research and data collection and dissertation writing.

As the first institution in the US to offer a doctoral-level degree in applied anthropology, USF helps forensic anthropology students prepare for careers in the public and private sectors.

• Location: Tampa, FL
• Duration: Three to five years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $7,840 per year (in-state); $15,864 per year (out-of-state)

International PhD Programs in Forensic Sciences

For forensic science professionals seeking to advance their knowledge while living abroad, there are some PhD programs in forensic science in other countries. Among them is a doctoral program at Australia’s Deakin University. Deakin, based in Geelong in the state of Victoria, provides a PhD program in chemistry, biotechnology, and forensic sciences.

Key research emphases at Deakin include forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic entomology, materials chemistry, and agricultural biotechnology, to name a few.

• Location: Geelong, Victoria, AUS
• Duration: Three to five years
• Accreditation: N/A
• Tuition: Contact the school for a customized assessment

Istanbul University provides a research-heavy PhD in forensic sciences for speakers of Turkish through its Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine. Dissertation foci of students include document examination, forensic genetics, forensic toxicology, forensic biochemistry, and more.

• Location: Istanbul, TUR
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: N/A
• Tuition: Contact the school for a customized assessment

Hybrid and Online Graduate Programs in Forensic Science

The American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) recognizes a number of online graduate programs related to forensic science. Still, there are no PhDs in forensic science that students can complete 100 percent online. This is mainly due to the importance of being present in a lab to analyze research findings and learn the empirical techniques of forensic science in a clinical context.

That said, there are some online programs related to forensic science, including:

• The University of Massachusetts, which offers a graduate certificate in forensic criminology
• The University of North Dakota, which provides a master’s degree in forensic psychology
• The University of Florida (UF), which offers a master’s in forensic science

UF offers four online master’s programs related to forensics which can also be completed as web-based, 15-credit graduate certificates. These may be ideal for master’s-prepared forensic scientists seeking to enhance their knowledge in a subfield before committing to a PhD program. The four featured subfields at UF include forensic drug chemistry, forensic death investigation, forensic DNA and serology, and forensic toxicology.

While there are limited distance-based options for PhD programs in forensic science, some advanced programs in the subfield of digital forensics offer web-based coursework.

For example, the University of Rhode Island offers a hybrid PhD in computer science focusing on cybersecurity and digital forensics. In addition to an original research project, online courses include units on algorithms, programming languages, computer architecture, theory of computation, and software design. This program typically takes four to six years of full-time study.

• Location: Kingston, RI
• Duration: Four to six years
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Tuition: $16,322 per year (in-state); $29,774 per year (out-of-state)

Additionally, the University of Fairfax in Virginia offers an online and hybrid doctoral degree in cybersecurity. This doctorate of information assurance (DIA) program requires applicants to have a master’s degree and five years of relevant professional experience. Students are required to complete a cybersecurity research project related to enterprise-level management.

Courses are project-driven, and students are expected to work collaboratively with other students on distance-based learning platforms. Courses include legal and ethical practices in information security and cloud cybersecurity.

• Location: Salem, VA
• Duration: Three to five years
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
• Tuition: $895 per credit

Please visit the online forensic science programs page to learn more about distance-based options in this field.

Common Courses and Requirements for Forensic Science PhD Programs

To complete a PhD program in forensic science, students typically need to complete the following:

• Advanced didactic coursework (generally 60-85 credit hours)
• Internships, externships, or clinical practicums
• A dissertation on original scientific research
• Oral examination (i.e., oral defense of one’s thesis or dissertation to a program committee)
• Other exams (e.g., American Chemical Society graduate-level exams for forensic chemists)

These programs generally take four to six years to complete.

Organized by the popular subfields of forensic science, here are typical classes within each of the doctoral programs discussed above:

PhD in forensic science: forensic instrumental analysis, law and forensic sciences, forensic toxicology, controlled substance analysis, trace and microscopical analysis, ethical conduct, scientific communications, research methods, forensic lab management, forensic analysis of ignitable liquids, population genetics and genetic data analysis, forensic analysis of explosives

PhD in forensic psychology: mental health law, developmental psychopathology, psychological assessment, research methodology, psychometrics, multicultural psychology, effective intervention, theories and methods of diagnosis, experimental design, advanced statistics, consultation and supervision

PhD in forensic chemistry: microscopy, DNA in forensics, applied organic synthesis, chemical thermodynamics, kinetics and catalysis, drug chemistry, computer-assisted data analysis, questioned documents, toxicology, comprehensive biochemistry, advanced synthesis laboratory, toolmark and ballistics analysis, infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, solid phase extraction, medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, techniques in polymer science

PhD in forensic anthropology: forensic entomology, human growth and development, comparative analysis, archaeological methods and techniques, human variation, evolutionary medicine, anthropology of genocide, biophotography

Forensic Science Programmatic and Institutional Accreditation

Aspiring PhD candidates are encouraged to verify the accreditation status of their schools and programs. This program-approval process is essential for several reasons. It helps to establish a requisite level of quality in the faculty, curricula, student outcomes, program resources, and other aspects that can impact a student’s education and experience. Also, graduating from an accredited institution may be a prerequisite to professional credentialing for some organizations.

There are two main types of accreditation: programmatic and institutional.

Programmatic Accreditation

Forensic science’s gold standard for programmatic accreditation is the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). As of early 2022, FEPAC has not accredited any PhD programs. However, it is worthy of note that West Virginia University (WVU) has both FEPAC-accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs. Since WVU’s new PhD in forensic science program will share facilities and faculty with these FEPAC-accredited offerings, prospective students can presume that the doctoral program may also reflect this tradition of excellence.

Also, additional programmatic accreditation agencies may exist depending on one’s intended subfield of forensic science. For example, the American Psychological Association (APA) accredits forensic psychology programs at the doctoral level. Likewise, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredits graduate programs in forensic accounting.

Institutional Accreditation

There are seven leading institutional accreditation agencies, which are organized according to region. They have been recognized by the US Department of Education’s Council of Higher Education Agencies (CHEA). These include:

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
• Commission on Colleges for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
• Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)