Forensic science is currently one of the fastest growing industries in the country. In fact, employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2023 to 2033. That growth rate is significantly higher compared with life, physical and social science technicians at a 6 percent growth rate and all other occupations at 4 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The government agency also projects that there will be about 2,700 openings for forensic science technicians each year, on average, over the decade.
“State and local governments are expected to continue to hire forensic science technicians to process their high caseloads. Additionally, scientific and technological advances are expected to increase the availability, reliability, and usefulness of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials. As a result, more forensic science technicians will be needed to provide forensics information,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
First, however, these forensic science technicians need the proper education and training—which is why the industry is experiencing a simultaneous expansion of forensic courses and degrees across colleges and universities nationwide.
Forensics in the Virginias
In today’s digital age, there is perhaps no faster-growing forensic technology than digital forensics. From computers to cell phones, security cameras, biometrics and everything in between, the global digital forensics market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.9% between 2023 and 2028. According to MarketsandMarkets, the revenue forecast for 2028 is projected to reach $18.2 billion.
To help address employment need in this area, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is introducing a digital forensics and incident response concentration in its Master of Science in forensic science program this fall. The two-year curriculum is designed to provide students with knowledge, application-based training and relevant certifications necessary for a career in digital forensics and incident response. It will be the second of its type in Virginia, and one of a small group of accredited digital forensic graduate programs in the country.
The department has been developing the program since 2022, collaborating with advisors from the FBI, the U.S. Attorney General’s Office, Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Forensic Science, two Virginia-based private digital investigative companies, and more.
Over the course of the master’s program, students will gain expertise in foundational and advanced concepts, evidentiary procedures, tools and legal considerations of digital forensics and incident response, and they will complete an intensive research project mentored by either full-time faculty or collaborating practitioners from around the region. The curriculum was designed to meet admissions and curricular requirements as a digital evidence degree program through FEPAC—the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission. The concentration will become eligible for accreditation after graduating two cohorts.
“Our collective approach in formulating this curriculum is to produce graduates who are not only educated in the field of digital forensics, but have obtained the necessary practical skills to be an effective contributor in the field,” said Patrick Siewert, adjunct professor of digital forensics at VCU as well as director of digital forensics at ArcherHall.
Just west of VCU, West Virginia University (WVU) is celebrating the success of their forensic science programs—which helped the university attain one of the most elite designations for its research among higher education institutions this month.
In the just-released 2025 rankings by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, WVU was reaffirmed as an R1 university, the highest possible research ranking. It is the only R1 institution in West Virginia and one of 187 colleges and universities nationwide to earn the latest prestigious classification.
In a press release announcing the achievement, WVU specifically noted forensic science as a driver of research excellence. For example, renowned forensic scientist Glen Jackson runs the The (Glen) Jackson Research Group out of WVU. In addition to appearing on “Forensic Files” and other true crime documentaries, Jackson provided expertise that helped free a man wrongfully imprisoned for a fire that killed a southern West Virginia doctor.
Forensics in Indiana
Moving even further west, Indiana University trustees recently approved a Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics, saying the degree will address the increased need for skilled professionals in the industry.
Graduates will learn the skills necessary to handle digital evidence in criminal activities, ensuring that legal systems can rely on accurate information. Coursework will integrate concepts from computer science, criminal justice and law.
The school’s Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program is the only such program in the state of Indiana accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission.