What Is Forensic Science? Definition, Areas, Careers, and More

Do you love solving puzzles, following clues, and applying science to find out the truth? If so, forensic science could be the perfect field for you. From DNA analysis to digital evidence recovery, this interdisciplinary area of study allows professionals to combine scientific expertise with a passion for justice. For international students who want to study in the US, forensic science degrees offer world-class laboratory training, access to innovative technologies, and direct pathways into careers that make a difference in criminal justice systems worldwide. 

Read on to learn what is forensic science, discover key areas within the field, explore how to become a forensic scientist and potential career pathways, and more.

What Is Forensic Science?

At its core, forensic science is the application of scientific principles and techniques to solve crimes and support legal processes. Experts collect, examine, and interpret physical and digital evidence to answer questions such as: What happened? Who was involved? How can the evidence hold up in court?

A simple definition of forensic science is that it’s the scientific study and analysis of evidence to support criminal and civil investigations. This field combines biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, computer science, and even psychology to uncover facts that can withstand legal scrutiny.

Accuracy is important to criminal justice, so forensic scientists work methodically to ensure every sample, photograph, and digital file is reliable and admissible in court. Their findings can determine whether a case is solved, a suspect is convicted, or an innocent person is cleared of charges.

Now that you understand what is forensic science, you may wonder what is in forensic science and what subjects it covers. Let us go over several of the major areas you will come across in your studies and career.

What Is in Forensic Science?

Forensic science is not one single subject, but a network of specialized disciplines that work together to uncover the facts behind a crime or legal dispute. Each area focuses on a different type of evidence, including DNA and fingerprints, chemicals, digital data, and human remains. Understanding these branches can help you decide which path to follow as a student and future forensic professional.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

Crime scene investigation focuses on documenting and preserving evidence where an incident took place. Investigators:

• Secure and document the scene

• Photograph and sketch evidence locations

• Collect and preserve physical samples like fingerprints, fibers, and blood

• Maintain strict chain-of-custody records so evidence can be used in court

In many programs, you will learn scene documentation techniques, how to use specialized lighting and powders for latent prints, and the legal standards required to present scene evidence in court.

Forensic Biology

Forensic biology applies life sciences to solving crimes. Students study genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology to:

• Analyze blood, saliva, hair, and tissue samples

• Build DNA profiles to match suspects or victims

• Trace biological evidence in environmental samples

• Identify unknown remains

It is a key area for those interested in genetics or laboratory work, as DNA analysis is one of the most powerful tools in modern investigations.

Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology

Chemists and toxicologists investigate substances that may have influenced a crime or caused harm. They test for:

• Drugs and controlled substances

• Poisons, alcohol levels, and hazardous chemicals

• Explosives or residues from firearms

• Environmental contaminants

In coursework, students typically use advanced instruments such as gas chromatographs and mass spectrometers to learn how drugs and chemicals interact with the human body.

Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathologists are medical doctors who perform autopsies to establish cause and manner of death. They can:

• Perform autopsies to determine time and cause of death

• Identify disease or injury patterns

• Provide expert testimony about medical findings in court

If you are interested in medicine and law, this is the most clinically focused branch of forensic science, but it requires completing medical school and pathology training after your bachelor’s degree.

Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropology specializes in analyzing human remains when a body is skeletonized, burned, or otherwise incomplete. Anthropologists:

• Determine age, sex, ancestry, and stature from bones

• Analyze trauma to bones to reveal injuries or cause of death

• Assist in mass disaster victim identification and war crime investigations

Students may study human osteology (bone biology), archaeology, and methods for recovering remains in field conditions.

Digital Forensics

With cybercrime on the rise, digital forensics has become one of the fastest-growing areas in the field. Specialists:

• Recover deleted or encrypted files

• Trace cyberattacks or online fraud

• Extract evidence from smartphones, computers, and cloud networks

This field combines computer science with legal procedures for handling electronic evidence. Coursework often includes cybersecurity, network analysis, and specialized forensic software.

The field of forensic science is broad with other emerging areas such as forensic psychology (studying criminal behavior and mental health in legal settings), forensic odontology (teeth and bite mark analysis), and forensic engineering (investigating product failures or accidents). 

Learning about the key branches of forensic science helps you understand the different specializations available. The next step is exploring how to prepare for a career in this field.

How to Become a Forensic Scientist

Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field, so preparing for this career usually involves a mix of classroom learning, laboratory training, and real-world experience. Most professionals begin with an undergraduate degree in a science-based area, they build practical skills in crime scene work and evidence analysis, and then specialize further through graduate study or professional training if needed.

In the US, many universities offer programs that combine rigorous academics with hands-on opportunities, such as internships, research, and partnerships with law enforcement agencies. Below are examples of Shorelight universities that provide strong foundations in forensic science and related fields. These programs combine scientific rigor with practical experience, preparing graduates for careers in laboratories, crime scene units, and advanced research.

Seattle University 

Seattle University offers a BS in Forensic Sciences that consists of courses in criminal justice, chemistry, biology, and physics with specialized forensic electives. Students work closely with experienced faculty and can gain valuable field exposure through internships. Ambitious students can enhance their credentials by adding a double major or a minor in a physical science (such as chemistry for crime lab work or biology for medical/legal death investigation).

Palm Beach Atlantic University

At Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida, the BS in Forensic Sciences combines a rigorous science curriculum with strong ethical foundations, making it a good fit for students who value personal mentorship and a values-driven education. The program provides extensive hands-on laboratory training, where students analyze biological fluids, chemical substances, and trace evidence. Coursework includes forensic chemistry, toxicology, serology, and criminalistics, alongside classes in law and criminal procedure that prepare graduates for providing expert courtroom testimony.

St Thomas Aquinas College 

Offered through St. Thomas Aquinas College’s School of STEM, this BS in Forensic Science is designed for students who want both a strong scientific foundation and a clear understanding of investigative work. The curriculum at this university, not far from New York City, covers molecular biology, analytical chemistry, genetics, forensic toxicology, and evidence analysis, while introducing students to mock crime scene work, evidence collection, and preservation techniques. Legal and ethical components are also integrated into coursework, ensuring students understand how scientific results fit into the justice system.

University of Central Florida 

The University of Central Florida’s BS in Forensic Science offers two tracks in biochemistry and chemistry so students can tailor their studies toward areas like DNA analysis, toxicology, or chemical evidence. The program features state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced forensic instruments, including high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry systems. The university also has strong connections with local and federal agencies, giving students access to internships, research opportunities, and exposure to real-world casework. 

A degree in forensic science can lead to a wide range of careers, both in and out of traditional crime labs. Let us take a closer look at career roles you can pursue with a forensic science degree in the US. 

Forensic Science Career Options

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth for forensic science technicians, with increasing demand for specialists in DNA, digital forensics, and toxicology. Forensic graduates have opportunities to work in local, state, and federal crime labs, police departments, medical examiner’s offices, environmental agencies, private testing labs, and corporations that need cybersecurity or compliance expertise.

Here are several roles you could pursue and their average annual salaries in the US, Brazil, China, and India:

Source: SalaryExpert, 2025

If you plan to enter this growing field, earning a US university degree can provide the skills, technology access, and professional connections that employers value worldwide.

Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Help

A US degree in forensic science can open doors to diverse careers, from crime scene investigation and toxicology to digital forensics and laboratory research. International graduates are well-positioned for roles in public agencies, private testing facilities, and cybersecurity-focused companies as well as for advanced study in medicine, law, or specialized forensic fields.

If you are interested in exploring these opportunities, Shorelight can help you identify universities with strong forensic science programs, guide you through the application process, and connect you with support resources as you begin your academic journey in the US. Take the next step toward a career in science and justice by pursuing a degree in forensic science. 

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