Forensic Science BS – Death Investigations

Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in forensic science with a concentration in death investigations is the first of its kind. Built on a foundation of anatomy, biology and chemistry, this program provides specialized education, research and training experiences in forensic techniques for investigating death. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for positions in the forensic science and medicolegal fields.

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Quick facts

Next start date: 08/22/2024

Total classes: 31

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours: 120

Prepare for a career in death investigations

While there are a number of forensic science programs in the U.S., this is the first program with a concentration in death investigations. Throughout your courses, you’ll become skilled in report writing, critical synthesis, anatomy, statistics and surveying, data analysis and modeling. You’ll also become familiar with topics including:

Advanced scene mapping.
Excavation and recovery.
Forensic anthropology.
Forensic entomology.
Human and comparative osteology.
Photography.
Taphonomy and wildlife forensics.
The history and psychology of death investigation.

This program will prepare you to become a competitive job candidate and applicant for graduate and medical school in areas such as medicolegal death investigation, biology, pre-dental forensic odontology, wildlife forensics, forensic nursing and more. If you’re interested in becoming a crime scene investigator, law enforcement agent or crime lab personnel, ASU's online Bachelor of Science in forensic science is another option you can consider.

What does a medicolegal death investigator do?

A medicolegal death investigator’s role is similar to that of a crime scene investigator. However, medicolegal death investigators focus on human remains. Their duties include responding to scenes of suspicious deaths, photographing and documenting the human remains and transporting them to the medical examiner’s office. They also work alongside medical examiners to identify how individuals passed away and the details surrounding their deaths. The medicolegal field is multidisciplinary, blending the fields of medicine, science and the judicial system.

Who’s a good candidate for this bachelor’s program?

The ideal candidate is interested in working within the medicolegal system to find answers to suspicious or unexplained deaths. This program is a good fit if you’re looking to take the first step toward a career in forensic death investigations or further your education in medical or graduate school.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Forensic science and death investigations courses

In addition to completing coursework, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical experience in a laboratory setting by being involved in research or an internship. You can conduct research under experts in varying forensic fields, including anthropology, biology, entomology, investigations and data science. You may also apply for and participate in forensic science internships sponsored by crime labs or medicolegal offices around the country.

Please note: This program requires two separate in-person summer lab experiences in Arizona. First, you’ll gain laboratory skills in organic chemistry and biochemistry at ASU’s Tempe campus. In your second experience, you’ll participate in a hands-on culminating forensic science experience at ASU’s West campus. There are a limited number of alternative options to meet these requirements for those with extenuating circ*mstances.

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The jobs this degree concentration prepares you for

Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to enter the growing field of forensic science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic science technician roles are projected to grow at a quicker-than-average rate of 13% from 2022 to 2032. You’ll also have the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level positions in death investigation, cultural resource management and archaeology, law enforcement and crime scene investigation. Specific career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Anthropologist/Archeologist

Growth: 4.2 %

Salary: $63,940

Anthropology Professor

Growth: 4.0 %

Salary: $85,000

Biological Scientist (General)

Growth: 3.9 %

Salary: $87,300

Crime Scene Investigator

Growth: 12.6 %

Salary: $63,740

Field Researcher

Growth: -3.8 %

Salary: $60,410

Forensic Specialist

Growth: 1.5 %

Salary: $86,280

Forest Ranger

Growth: 14.8 %

Salary: $48,110

Medical Scientist

Growth: 9.8 %

Salary: $99,930

Medical Social Worker

Growth: 9.6 %

Salary: $60,280

Learn from top forensic scientists, anthropologists, entomologists, chemists, biologists and more

As an online student at ASU, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.

Learn from top forensic scientists, anthropologists, entomologists, chemists, biologists and more

How to apply

I am a future

first-year student

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

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Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

A world-class research institute for a first-rate forensic psychology education

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.

#1

in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5

best online bachelor’s programs.

Top 10%

best global universities.

80%

of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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