Forensic biologists are critical to crime investigations. Whether in the field or in the lab—or both—forensic biologists collect and analyze biological evidence of all types, including blood, bodily fluids, hair, bones, insects and even plant and animal remains.
Career-wise, a degree in forensic biology is a great choice for prospective forensic scientists. In addition to overall forensic analyses, specializations for forensic biologists abound, such as pathology, entomology, botany, anthropology, biological chemistry and more. Forensic biology is a broad degree that puts students in a positive position to start and expand their careers.
But, first, they need to obtain an undergraduate degree. Forensicscolleges.com recently ranked the top forensic biology programs in the country, with Boston University, Fayetteville State University and Ohio Northern University comprising the top three.
Boston University offers a MS in biomedical forensic sciences as part of its School of Medicine. Not all forensic degrees are within a university’s School of Medicine, so that’s a unique attribute of this undergraduate degree. Indeed, Forensicscolleges says “earning a degree at a major medical center means access to high-caliber equipment and facilities.”
Fayetteville State University is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, about 80 miles northwest of Raleigh Durham’s Research Triangle. The university offers a BS in forensic science, and is the only Forensic Education Programs Accreditation Council-accredited program in the state of North Carolina. According to Forensicscolleges, the program at Fayetteville State University offers an in-depth biology curriculum and high-quality equipment to help student develop hands-on experience.
Ohio Northern University’s BS degree in forensic biology has a very specific two-fold purpose: ensure fundamental knowledge and crime scene techniques. Too often, young professionals arrive at a crime scene feeling incredibly overwhelmed—classroom-based lectures cannot adequately express the totality of a real crime scene. The university, based in Ada, Ohio, solves this problem by offering a core of four forensic biology courses and five upper-level forensic science classes that focus on the crime scene.
Rounding out the top 10:
- Delaware State University (Dover, Delaware)
- Chestnut Hill College (Philadelphia)
- The University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond, Oklahoma)
- Ferris State University (Big Rapid, Michigan)
- The University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, Mississippi)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Virginia)
- The University of North Texas (Denton, Texas)
The methodology used, according to Forensicscolleges, comprises different characteristics, but schools that offer hands-on skills with laboratory classes, seminars and internships or field study were highly rated.