Summary of work: More than 33 hours of research. Every online Master in Crime Scene Investigation program in the US analyzed. 16 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 5 of the best programs identified.
Crime scene investigators perform duties that are critical to the success of criminal investigations. They analyze crime scenes, ensure the proper collection of evidence, take photos, and record descriptive and statistical information. Many also oversee the analysis and submission of evidence for courtroom procedures-an essential task for ensuring innocent people do not get falsely accused. Given the sensitive nature of their work, many consider a master’s degree to refine their skills.
A master’s degree offers intensive and practical training for professional careers. With advances in technology and cybercrime many investigators turn to such training to keep pace with changing criminal behavior. Courses in everything from criminal justice to data analytics ensures that students are able to adapt and respond to new investigative practices as they arise. The resulting literacy with cutting edge tools and techniques, allows degree holders to become trustworthy and invaluable pieces of the criminal justice system.
While most degree holders become crime scene investigators, others opt to pursue careers in forensic science or crime scene technicians. In other words, the skills a graduate obtains from a master’s program and versatile and can lead to fulfilling careers in law enforcement.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Crime Scene Investigation program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and a list of the 5 best online Masters in Crime Scene Investigation programs.Read about our methodology here.
George Washington University offers its master's in crime scene investigation program in a hybrid format which allows students to gain invaluable hands-on experience via participation in labs. Distance learners in this program will complete 7 out of 12 courses through an online or hybrid format, and complete the remaining 5 courses on campus.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Forensic Science
Program Name: Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation
Accrediting Body: MSCHE
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus, Hybrid
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A minimum of two science courses, with labs (Chemistry, Biology or Physics)
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years, but can be accelerated by taking summer courses
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0 or higher
GRE: Scores at or above, the 50th percentile
The University of New Haven offers discounted tuition for active firefighters and police officers who live in Connecticut and want to enroll in the online master's in crime scene investigation program. This program is also ideal for other working professionals who want to hone their skills and to advance their careers in forensics.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Investigations
Specialized Concentration: Criminal Investigations
Accrediting Body: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 1-2 years
Program start dates: Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: January 4; Summer: May 6
GPA: 3.0
Law enforcement professionals who want to enhance their knowledge in the field of criminal investigation should consider DeSales University. They receive a 20 percent discount on tuition and can complete all the coursework online either on a full- or a part-time basis.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Investigative Forensics
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall: August; Winter: January 7; Spring: April 8
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
The University of Florida offers a flexible online master's in crime scene investigation program for distance learners, giving them the freedom to work at their own pace thanks to asynchronous lessons. The program is designed for working adults and gives students a way to earn their degree without sacrificing their job or family obligations.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master's in Crime Scene Investigation
Accrediting Body: American Bar Association, Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities,
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 28
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Waynesburg University's Master of Criminal Investigations program is an ideal choice for students who have specific professional goals post-graduation. Advisors will personally help students customize the program to develop advanced investigative skills and techniques, through conceptual and theoretical coursework, and practical case studies.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Criminal Investigation
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full time, partime
Program Length: 18 months
Program start dates: January 14
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0