Hands-On Investigation Skills for Real-World Cases
Forensics is a vital field that involves the controlled collection of evidence for criminal, biological and psychological investigations. The discipline of forensics integrates multiple scientific fields, including accounting, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and psychology, to analyze data and uncover the truth.
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Career Outcomes: Certified Fraud Examiner, Crime Scene Investigator, Criminal Investigator, Forensic Scientist
Credit Hours: 120
Learning Modality: In-Person
Begin Your Investigation
Love true crime? Fascinated by crime scene investigations? Turn that curiosity into a career with a forensic degree from Embry-Riddle. Learn how to collect, analyze and document the evidence that helps investigators solve crimes, uncover the facts and bring justice to victims. You'll build the scientific and technical skills used in criminal investigations, homeland security and other high-impact fields.
The need for forensic professionals is growing, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 13% increase in demand for forensic science technicians through 2034. At Embry-Riddle, you'll gain the knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare for a career where science helps solve real-world cases.
Explore Our Forensic Programs
As financial crimes increase and the business environment grows more complex, the demand for skilled professionals who can identify and prevent fraud is steadily rising.
Forensic accounting pairs financial acumen with forensic investigation to provide insight into legal and fiscal investigations. The program curriculum prepares you for success in accounting, law, criminal investigation, fraud prevention and more.
You'll graduate ready to apply your expertise in accounting, auditing and reporting to recognize and document fraudulent evidence for civil and criminal cases.
Forensic biology applies scientific techniques to the collection, documentation and presentation of biological evidence in criminal investigations. Forensic scientists work with criminal investigators, lawyers and judicial institutions to solve crimes and bring criminals to justice.
You'll get a foundation in biology, chemistry and law, with coursework that aligns with the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification. The forensic techniques you'll practice in campus labs prepare you for careers in local and state crime labs, private forensic labs, medical examiners’ offices, the FBI or even the Armed Forces DNA Identification Lab, to name a few.
Forensic psychologists combine psychological training with forensic science to better understand a suspect's motive and solve complex criminal cases.
You'll receive faculty-led instruction in evidence collection, psychological assessment, crime scene investigation, counseling and victim advocacy. The curriculum offers opportunities to mentor juvenile offenders, intern with local justice systems, conduct hands-on research and network with industry professionals at scientific conferences.
Participate in the Cold Case Task Force, in which Embry-Riddle partners with local law enforcement agencies to help investigate cold cases, and gain valuable hands-on experience while actively making an impact.
Key Benefits
High-Quality Labs
High-Quality Labs
At Embry-Riddle, you’ll receive more hands-on lab experience than most undergraduate students at competing institutions, preparing you for your career or graduate school aspirations.
Influenced by Industry
Influenced by Industry
Curriculum is designed by faculty with years of experience in the field, driving you to success in your chosen field of forensics. Whether it’s accounting, biology or psychology, our courses give you practical knowledge in forensic principles.
Hard-Science Background
Hard-Science Background
You'll build a foundation in the sciences behind forensic investigation and evidence gathering, including fundamental biology, chemistry and psychology skills that translate to success in the field.
Program Highlights
Prepare for Accreditation
Course curriculum is modeled to match the industry needs for forensic scientists, preparing students for seamless accreditation after graduation.
Career Options
The programs qualify graduates for diverse industry employment in areas related to law, research, biotech, pharmaceutical, healthcare, government, aviation, bio-labs and many more.
Exciting Internship Opportunities
Students have the option of exploring internships with major government intelligence agencies like the FBI, CIA, OSI and more.
Hands-On Forensics Experience
My favorite part of the program is the lab experience. The access to high-tech instruments and real lab procedures used in forensic laboratories is preparing me for when I attend an internship and join the workforce.”
Makenzi Patterson, B.S. in Forensic Biology (’25)
Program Outcomes
Embry‑Riddle has the faculty, laboratories and industry connections to propel you in your future career. Whether you are drawn to working in a crime lab, examining white-collar fraud or entering law enforcement as a criminal detective, our programs will put you on course for your career in forensics.
Small class sizes, one-on-one instruction with faculty and hands-on opportunities for experiential learning set you up for success in pursuing further education or heading to the workforce.
Jobs in the forensics fields include:
Accounting
Certified Fraud Examiner
FBI Agent
Forensic Accountant
Biology
Crime Scene Investigator
Forensic Biologist
Forensic Chemist
Psychology
Criminal Investigator
Detective
Lawyer
Scholarships and Aid
Did you know that 96% of Embry‑Riddle first-year students receive some form of financial aid through scholarships, grants and loans? Millions of dollars of internal and external scholarships are disbursed to students every year.
Don’t let the cost of attending deter you from advancing your education and your career. Our dedicated counselors can advise you on ways to help finance your future and focus on your studies. You can be assured that an investment in Embry‑Riddle is a wise one.