The benefits and challenges of pursuing an advanced degree.

Forensic science is a fascinating and rewarding field that integrates science and law to solve crimes, apprehend criminals, gather data, and secure outcomes that help deliver justice. This field can also provide a vast array of disciplines and specialties to work in and a variety of many career paths. If you are currently working in forensic science or want to transition into this career from another field, completing an advanced degree may be necessary depending on your professional goals and desired career path. But given the time commitment and financial obligations, is a master's in forensic science worth it? What can a master’s in forensic science do for you?

In this article, you’ll learn about the two types of master’s programs in forensic science, the benefits and challenges of pursuing an advanced degree, and how completing the program can help your career in forensic science. Additionally, we will explore the types of forensic science master’s programs to help you decide the right program for you.

2 types of forensic science master’s programs

There are two types of master’s in forensic science depending on your desired career path. While the names may differ slightly at various schools, potential candidates typically earn one of the following¹:

• An MS in forensic science: This degree prepares forensic scientists to work with law enforcements as experts in collecting crime scene evidence or analyzing this evidence in laboratories. There are many disciplines within forensic science and a vast, diverse range of opportunities as “any science used for the purposes of the law is a forensic science” according to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).²
• An MS or MA in forensic psychology: Also known as a master’s in forensic behavioral science, this degree is for professionals who want to study and understand the psychological and behavioral motivations behind crime, violence, and conflict in order to help mitigate and prevent these events. These professionals may provide expert testimony in court cases, conduct forensic assessments, develop rehabilitation programs and offender treatments, or conduct research in their area of expertise. In some cases, they can also assist with policy development, create forensic staff training programs, and facilitate crisis negotiations.
  
  And forensic psychologists use their expertise to explore the psychological and behavioral motivations behind crime, violence, and conflict to help law enforcement mitigate or prevent violence. 

When choosing between an MS or MA, know that an MS emphasizes the more scientific aspects of the profession, while an MA will focus more on counseling and developing psychological profiles.³

Forensic science career opportunities

Like many fields and industries, earning an MS in forensic science can help increase your career opportunities, elevate your professional status, or prepare you for some of the most advanced, top-paying jobs in the field⁴. While completing specialized certification or on-the-job training are certainly viable avenues, let’s look at the increased career benefits of pursuing a master’s degree in forensic science.

Professional benefits of an MS in forensic science

• Specialized knowledge and practical applications/experience: Graduate students can learn the latest, in-depth knowledge and advanced techniques which helps them stay current with industry standards and enter the job market with desirable, practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Master’s programs also provide hands-on training, internships, and field experiences to enhance and strengthen the learning experience. Many master’s degree programs offer concentrations or specialized tracks in niche areas of forensic science that can help you focus on your desired area of interest.
• Career advancement or transition: If your current role isn’t providing you with career advancement or you want to transition into this career from another field, a master’s in forensic science can help prepare you for higher-level positions at top law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratory facilities, and private consulting firms which often require a master’s degree in forensic science.
• Leadership and management roles: If you aspire for management or leadership roles, an MS in forensic science can help facilitate and support this career path and may even help accelerate it. With a master’s degree, you can gain the skills to oversee operations and meet relevant compliance and regulatory standards. You can also gain the skills to serve as a mentor who can help subordinates with their professional development.
• Consultant opportunities: An MS in forensic science can also help you create a career path as a forensic consultant. Professional consultants can work independently or as part of a consulting firm to help law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, private companies, and individuals.
• Research and teaching careers: With a master’s degree in forensic science, graduates can contribute to advancements in the field through research-based careers or academic teaching positions at universities to help prepare the next generation of forensic scientists.
• Networking: Graduate programs provide networking access to professionals, faculty, alumni, and peers as well as opportunities to attend professional conferences or join professional organizations. 

The challenges of pursuing an advanced degree

Pursuing a master’s degree in forensic science can be a great career decision, but there are also potential challenges and factors to consider before moving forward on this path. 

• Financial investment: While tuition can vary due to a variety of factors, you should consider the amount of debt you will incur vs. the professional return on your investment. Research financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
• Time commitment: Most programs take an average of 18-24 months to complete, and some may require full-time attendance. It’s important to determine if you can commit to the time required for a master’s program and how it will impact your personal life and other responsibilities. However, you may be able to find an online or hybrid program that lets you continue to work while you learn from home.
• Rigorous coursework and skills training: Master’s programs in forensic science are intense, with challenging, technical coursework and the demands of laboratory work and research projects. You’ll also need to develop and master skills for your career such as the ability to understand and explain complex scientific concepts, strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and technical precision and proficiency in a variety of situations.
• Competition for admission: Admission to reputable programs can be highly competitive, requiring a strong academic background, relevant experience, and often, high standardized test scores.
• Adjusting to a new career: For those transitioning into forensic science from another field, it’s important to understand the challenges that come with this career. Forensic science professionals often work in high-pressure environments dealing with criminal cases that can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Additionally, the intensive nature of the job can create stress, burnout, or mental health issues if you don’t have a strong support system or work-life balance plan in place. 

Forensic science work is not for the faint of heart. The physical demands of working at crime scenes can be great and many areas of forensic science involve exposure to potentially disturbing material. This career also comes with significant ethical and legal responsibilities requiring you to maintain objectivity, impartiality, and integrity at all times. Any errors or misconduct can have serious legal consequences and impact the criminal justice system.

Explore the program

Career goals and professional aspirations

If you’ve made it this far and are still considering an MS in forensic science, spend time evaluating your career goals and personal circumstances. The following questions can help when you’re ready to research school programs and submit your application for graduate admission:

• Is a master’s degree necessary to achieve my specific career goals and aspirations? 
• Does the program offer courses, advanced knowledge, and training in my desired specialty?
• What is the reputation of the academic program or school?
• Are the faculty also working practitioners that can deliver the most current, real-world experience?
• Does the curriculum provide research opportunities and professional internships or partnerships that will help my career?
• Are there opportunities to build a professional network with the faculty and my peers?
• What does the school offer in terms of financial aid or scholarships? 
• Will I engage in practical, hands-on training and field experiences that are essential for my career? 
• Does the program deliver the latest technologies and methodologies used in forensic science?
• Will the program support professional development and help me secure a job upon graduation?

Earning your master’s degree at Alliant International University

Now that you’ve learned how a master’s degree in forensic science can benefit your career, you may want to consider studying at The California School of Forensic Studies (CSFS) at Alliant International University. Alliant offers online forensic science master’s degree program options that provide flexibility for the working professional.

CSFS at Alliant offers an MS in Forensic Behavioral Science for those looking to advance or move into forensic psychology roles, and an MS in Forensic Science, Investigation, & Technology for those interested in careers at the forefront of forensic science investigation, analysis, and new technologies. Both forensic science degree programs include quality concentrations with practical, hands-on training using the latest evidence-based tools and theories. Courses are taught by faculty who are current practitioners and bring real-world experience to your classroom. Alliant also offers advanced practice certificates in a variety of forensic science subject areas, and a PhD in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law for those who want to go even further in their careers.

What can you do with a master's in forensic science? Is an MS in forensic science worth it? Hopefully we’ve helped to answer that question and get one step closer to your professional goals. No matter your forensic science career path, a master’s degree in forensic science can be worth it if you want to transition into this career from another field, move forward in your current career, elevate your professional reputation, or train for leadership roles in a variety of areas and environments.

Sources

1. Staff, “Forensic Scientist vs Forensic Psychologist”, Zippia the Career Expert. Accessed on June 23, 2024.  https://www.zippia.com/forensic-scientist-jobs/forensic-scientist-vs-forensic-psychologist-differences/ 
2. Staff, “What is Forensic Science?” American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Accessed June 21, 2024.  https://www.aafs.org/careers-forensic-science/what-forensic-science
3. Staff, “Forensic Psychology: Master’s Degree Programs”, AllPsychologySchools.com. Accessed June 22, 024. https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/degrees/masters-in-forensic-psychology/ 
4. Staff, “Top Forensic Science Career Guide”, forensicscienceonline.com. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.forensicscienceonline.org/top-careers/