Overview
Forensic science is a diverse field that involves a wide range of skillsets. To complement this multi-faceted subject, the University of Florida offers multiple graduate options that will allow you to focus on the areas of forensic science that interest you most. Tailored for professionals, all of UF’s graduate programs are offered entirely online with asynchronous elements so they can be completed anywhere, at your own pace. Since we accept students year-round, you can start your desired program at your convenience.
Both our 32-credit master’s degree and our 15-credit graduate certificate offer four specialization options. You can also enroll as a non-degree seeking student if you’re interested in learning more about a particular subject or if you want to explore online learning with UF before committing to a graduate program.
Transferring Credits
You can transfer up to 6 credits earned as a non-degree seeking student to the master’s degree or graduate certificate in forensic science. Graduate certificate students can benefit from this option as well; up to 15 credits earned in your certificate program can be transferred to the master’s degree.
In both instances, you must be admitted to the respective graduate program and must have earned a grade of “B” or higher in the course(s) for the credits to transfer.
Advanced Career Opportunities
Our comprehensive program allows you to diversify your career options and make yourself a more versatile and in-demand asset in the workforce. Potential career opportunities include working in medical examiners’ offices, hospitals, clinical chemistry laboratories and law enforcement agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many jobs in forensic science enjoy a higher median salary and occupational growth rate compared to all other professions in the United States.
Why Choose UF?
Master’s Degree
You can earn your master’s degree in as little as two years with UF’s convenient online courses. This Master of Science degree is a 32-credit program that has four possible specializations:
Forensic Science: This comprehensive master’s degree includes courses in forensic medicine, forensic anthropology, drug analysis, toxicology, entomology, criminalistics, environmental forensics, biological evidence, blood spatter, and forensic DNA analysis.
Forensic DNA & Serology: This master’s degree provides a strong foundation in serology, blood spatter interpretation, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and the theory of DNA analysis. The program is designed to meet educational guidelines set by the FBI National Standards for DNA Technical Leaders and Supervisors.
Forensic Drug Chemistry: This master’s degree covers analytical techniques, drug pharmacology, forensic drug chemistry, and organic synthesis. This program is beneficial for professionals who work in law enforcement, military services, the pharmaceutical industry, and more.
Forensic Toxicology: This master’s degree focuses on the principles of toxicology, forensic toxicology, and drug metabolism. Interactive online modules include forensic pharmacology, doping control, postmortem toxicology, expert testimony, and QA/QC procedures.
Graduate Certificate
In addition to a master’s degree, the University of Florida offers an entirely online 15-credit graduate certificate. Choose from four different concentrations to personalize your education. All of these programs provide a strong foundation in forensic science, analytics techniques, and lab QA/QC.
Graduate certificate specializations include:
Forensic Drug Chemistry: This certificate provides students with a foundation in analytical techniques, drug pharmacology, forensic drug chemistry, and organic synthesis. This concentration also features online modules in forensic pharmacology, drug synthesis, expert testimony, and QA/QC procedures.
Forensic Death Investigation: This graduate certificate focuses on the investigation of crime and death using forensic pathology, anthropology, and DNA analysis. Interactive online modules cover drug death, forensic odontology, wounds, and more.
Forensic DNA & Serology: This certificate provides students with the foundations of serology, nucleic acid chemistry, and the theory of DNA analysis. Additional topics include blood spatter analysis and the interpretation of biological evidence.
Forensic Toxicology: This graduate certificate centers on general and advanced principles of forensic toxicology, postmortem toxicology, and xenobiotic biotransformation. This concentration provides a strong working background in analytical techniques, pharmacokinetics, and QA/QC procedures.
How much does it cost?
All students enrolled in the University of Florida’s online forensic science graduate program will pay the same tuition, regardless of location.
Tuition is $575 per credit hour plus fees*. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. Please click here to learn more about tuition and financial aid.
If you have any questions, please contact us at dess@ahc.ufl.edu.
Minimum credits for financial aid eligibility are as follows:
- Fall and spring semesters: 5 credits
- Summer semester: 4 credits
UF’s online forensic science graduate program does not accept the UF EEP or Florida State Tuition Waiver because we do not receive funds from these programs.
*Graduate certificate and non-degree seeking students will pay capital improvement/technology fees. M.S. students will pay capital improvement/technology/financial aid fees. Tuition may increase to $625 per credit hour beginning this spring.
