Specialize Your Forensic Science Degree With Pre-Professional Programs
Thinking of pursuing admission to a professional school after earning your bachelor’s degree? Our Pre-Health Professional Programs in pre-med, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy and pre-veterinary tracks can help you fulfill your pre-professional requirements. The curriculum of our Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences degree complements most of the course requirements for these tracks.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences Careers
A bachelor’s degree in forensic science can open the door to a variety of career opportunities, including:
- DNA Analysis, Serology, or Forensic Biology Technician in public and private forensic/crime labs.
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Entry-level Laboratory Assistant/Technician in forensic biology labs, pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
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Research Assistant/Technician in research labs in universities/medical schools and government agencies such as National Institutes of Health (NIH), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), etc.
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Pharmacy Assistant/Technician in pharmacy or drug stores.
Additional studies at the graduate level can open up even more pathways to senior positions—and higher salaries.
What Is the Typical Salary for BS in Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences Degree Graduates?
The forensic science degree program at Hilbert College can help you build a foundation to pursue any of a number of careers in the field. Following are median salaries for some of those roles:
Evidence Technician
Median Annual Salary: $42,800
Serologist/DNA Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $55,000**
Forensic Scientist
Median Annual Salary: $61,930*
Forensic Computer Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $75,400**
Forensic Accountant
Median Annual Salary: $77,250*
*Salary, growth and job numbers info based on data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Salary info based on data compiled by Payscale
Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences Job Outlook
The job outlook for forensic science degree holders is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of forensic scientists to grow 11% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations (5%). Drivers of this growth include additional hiring of forensic science technicians by state and local governments to process their high caseloads, as well as scientific and technological advances that are expected to increase the availability and reliability of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials.
In addition, U.S. News & World Report ranks “forensic science technician” at #5 on its list of Best Science Jobs for 2022 owing to its high earning potential (largely dependent on geographic location), the diverse array of career possibilities available in forensic science and the relatively low stress level reported by forensic science technicians in the field today.
Why Choose Hilbert for Your BS in Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences Degree?
Hilbert’s forensic science degree program is distinguished by the experience and expertise of our faculty, many of whom have worked in criminal justice for 25 years or more and have earned advanced degrees. Our professors have worked as special agents, detectives and forensic investigators and come from the ranks of the FBI, New York State Police, county sheriff’s departments, local police departments and the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office.
But our expert faculty is only the start. Hilbert also offers you:
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Small class sizes that guarantee you face time with your professors
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A program that is rooted in laboratory sciences and fulfills the requirements for pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary programs and more
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A state-of-the-art science laboratory with spacious benches for lab work, chemical hoods with efficient ventilation systems, cabinetry, glassware, computer software and the proper instrumentation needed to conduct scientific research projects
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More than 400 classroom hours of hands-on training and laboratory practice
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Exciting internship opportunities with forensic labs and law enforcement agencies—which commonly lead to job offers for our graduates
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Academic skills workshops, one-on-one tutoring, learning strategies instruction and academic counseling to help you perform at your best
- A dedicated Office of Career Development providing resources, knowledge and strategies to help you achieve your career potential
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More than 30 student organizations, clubs and honor societies, plus intramural and club sports
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Full immersion in a culture of giving back to communities through service learning
Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences Curriculum
The Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences degree curriculum offers an interdisciplinary course of study that focuses on the development of critical skills and knowledge for analysis of evidence and its use in the criminal justice system. Coursework includes biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, cell and molecular biology, population genetics, laws and rules of evidence, and moot court. This background promotes a stronger, more precise relationship between the scientific lab responsible for analysis of evidence and its relation to the criminal justice system through reliable, objective forensic DNA information used as evidence at trials. All of this coursework is embedded within a well-balanced liberal arts–based scientific bachelor’s degree that includes more than 400 hours of hands-on training and laboratory practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science: laboratory sciences?
Graduates of Hilbert’s Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences degree program may pursue any of a variety of rewarding careers, each offering competitive salaries and growth potential.
- As a Forensic Biologist or DNA Analyst, you'll analyze DNA, body fluids, and other biological evidence from crime scenes. Your work helps link suspects to crimes, exonerate the innocent, and prepare you for expert witness testimony in court. You'll translate complex scientific findings into clear and concise explanations for legal proceedings.
- Forensic Toxicologists examine bodily fluids and tissues to determine the presence and effects of drugs and poisons. These findings can be crucial in investigations, helping determine cause of death or impairment, and may be presented as evidence in court.
What is the average salary for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science: laboratory sciences?
The median annual salary for professionals holding a bachelor’s degree in forensic science from a U.S. higher education institution was about $63,000 as of January 2023, according to Payscale.
How long is the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences degree program?
Most students complete our Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences degree program in four years or less. Full-time students with eligible transfer credits may be able to complete the program sooner.
In addition, Hilbert offers the innovative combined bachelor’s/master’s program, a “4+1” plan that lets students earn a bachelor’s degree in forensic science: laboratory sciences or a forensic science: crime scene investigation degree and a master’s in criminal justice administration in five years.
What are the benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree in forensic science: laboratory sciences?
Our Forensic science: Laboratory Sciences degree comes with many benefits, from job security and the opportunity to do meaningful work to diverse career paths and opportunities for career advancement. The specialized skills and knowledge you will gain on your way to becoming a forensic scientist will make you an invaluable resource to law enforcement and the criminal justice system as you apply your curious mind and love of science to the protection and good of society.
Apply to the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science: Laboratory Sciences Program at Hilbert College