Top Forensic Science Colleges

Modern criminal investigations make heavy use of advanced forensic techniques to study and analyze crime scenes. The field of forensic science has seen significant development in the past few decades with the incorporation of disciplines of Psychology, Linguistics, Engineering, Toxicology, Ballistics, etc. This has resulted in parallel growth in the number of students opting for a degree in forensic science In this article, you will get to know about the top Forensic Science colleges.

Also Read: Forensic Science Course After 12th

What is Forensic Science?

Before we talk about the forensic sciences colleges in India, let us find out what exactly is forensic science. Forensic science is the study of science applied to crime and civil laws. Forensic Scientists analyze the clues, cadaver, and produce evidence. There are various types of Forensic Scientists. We have listed below the best forensic science colleges in India and various types of jobs in forensic science for you to choose from.

Types of Forensic Science

Did you know that the field of forensic science has various kinds of sciences? To build a career in Forensic Science, you must know about the types of forensic sciences. We have listed below the various branches of Forensic Sciences.

• Digital Forensic
• Forensic Pathology
• Forensic Linguistic
• Forensic Engineering 
• Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
• Forensic Psychology
• Forensic Toxicology
• Forensic Accounting
• Forensic DNA Fingerprinting
• Forensic Chemistry

Overview of a Degree Program in Forensic Science

Pursuing a program in this field from one of the best Forensic Science colleges, you will get to explore the study of crime scenes and assess evidence to unearth essential details related to different aspects of a crime. The program stresses a scientific approach to crime investigative procedures. Its course structure is designed to develop observational skills, attention to minute details, and applying different concepts in connection to one another.  Besides possessing a firm grip on Science-related subjects, students need to be well-versed in Psychology, Pathology, Ballistics, Serology, Geology, Chemistry, and Clinical Medicine, amongst others.

Forensic science exams in India?

JEE Main and GATE are the most popular admission examinations for forensic science in India. While strong grades in JEE Main would get you into institutions like SU in Bhopal and NCU in Gurugram, GATE will get you into colleges like Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Belgaum and New Horizon College of Engineering (NHCE) in Bengaluru.

Entry Requirements For Top Forensic Science Colleges

Although there is a diverse mix of courses offered at universities worldwide, students generally opt for a master’s degree course in Forensics after completing their bachelor’s degree in a Science-related discipline. Furthermore, in many Forensic Science Colleges, a bachelor’s degree in any discipline is acceptable. For international students, GRE and English Proficiency test requirements may also be applicable. The length of the course may vary between 1 to 2 years depending on the location of the university. However, It is advised to visit the official university website for any course-related information.

Top Forensic Science Colleges & Programs Offered Across the Globe

Forensic Science is still a developing field in India but internationally, it has cemented its place as a top career choice for many. A few of the Forensic Science colleges that offer a degree in Forensic Science or allied fields have been summarised below along with the programs provided:

University College London

Program Offered: MSc Crime and Forensic Science

If you want to acquire multidisciplinary knowledge in Crime and Forensic Science and develop a scientific outlook, University College London is a much-deserved choice. It affords a scientific framework to equip students with a holistic understanding of foundational forensic principles as well as practical investigative skills. During the program, the students are also required to write a dissertation project of 10,000 words.

University of Toronto, Canada

Program Offered: Bachelors in Forensic Science (Honors)

The BS in Forensic Science is a unique program that emphasizes the practical facets of study involving laboratories and field techniques. It also affords opportunities for students to get deeper into the field and maximize their exposure.

King’s College London

Program Offered: MSc or MRes in Forensic Science

There are two programs offered at King’s College London, i.e. the MSc in Forensic Science (1 year full-time) and the MRes in Forensic Science (15 months full-time). While the former is a regular program, the latter is geared towards the development of a research mindset.

University of California, Davis

Program Offered: MS in Forensic Science

The MS in Forensic Science at UC Davis offers a unique blend of theoretical understanding and professional training in Forensic Science. The course has options for full-time (2 years) as well as part-time (3 years) programs. 

University of Amsterdam

Program Offered: Master’s in Forensic Science

A distinguished Forensic Science program, the Master’s in Forensic Science offered at the University of Amsterdam equips you with an understanding of cross-disciplinary topics like Data Analysis, Chemistry, and Mathematical Tools amongst others. 

Also Read: MSc Forensic Science

Other Forensic Science Colleges

Other than the above-mentioned Forensic Science colleges, the following universities and their offered courses are also well-deserved choices to pursue a successful career in this field.

University of Glasgow

Program Offered: MSc (Res) Forensic Science

Michigan State University

Program Offered: MS in Forensic Science

University of New South Wales, Australia

Program Offered: Master of Psychology (Forensic)

Also Read: Career in Psychology [The Only 2021 Study Guide You Need]

Forensic Science Universities in India

• Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai
• IFS Education Department, Pune
• OU – Osmania University, Hyderabad
• Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar
• BU – Bundelkhand University, Jhansi
• Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar

A career in Forensic Sciences

After you pursue your degree from one of the forensic sciences colleges in India, it opens up a broad range of job options for you. The career scope in this field is vast. We have listed below a few popular careers.

• Forensic Pathologists
• Forensic Anthropologists
• Clinical Forensic Medicine Experts
• Forensic Serology Experts
• Forensic Chemists
• Forensic Linguists
• Toxicologists
• Forensic Experts/Scientists

Recruiters of Forensic Science Graduates

The government has a demand for forensic science graduates. We have listed below the major recruiters of forensic science graduates.

• Intelligence Bureau (IB)
• Central Government Forensic Science Labs
• Quality Control Bureau
• Army 
• Narcotic Control Bureau
• Police Department
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
• Law firms
• Hospitals

Salary of a Forensic Scientist

Once you complete your degree from one of the forensic sciences colleges in India, not only will you find a huge array of job options but also the salary is very good. Due to the various roles in the field of forensic science, job opportunities are always present. Here is a detailed list of the basic average salary for a few popular job designations in the forensic sciences industry.

Job Position	Average Salary
Crime Scene Examiner	INR 9,00,000
Forensic Pathologists	INR 4,50,000
Crime Laboratory Analysts	INR 6,50,000
Forensic IT Specialists	INR 6,00,000
Forensic Psychologists	INR 4,20,000

We hope this article gave you all the key details about the top Forensic Science colleges abroad. If you are planning to study Forensic Science at one of the above-mentioned colleges, the experts at Leverage Edu can help you find a suitable course that can equip you with the right knowledge and skills for a fulfilling career in Crime and Forensics.