Forensic and Investigative Sciences

About the forensic and investigative sciences major

Forensic science is the application of scientific methods and processes to matters that involve crime or the public. Forensic science is multidisciplinary; it involves fields such as chemistry, biology, math, psychology, physics, criminal justice, and law.

Forensic scientists analyze evidence and testify in court. With this major, you'll learn how to use tools that allow professionals to analyze chemical, biological, and physical evidence. This program is one of 22 accredited forensic science programs in the United States.

Skills and abilities this major develops: math, science, and statistical analysis skills; problem solving and critical thinking skills; detail orientation; and communication skills to report and to testify about your work.

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Undergraduate research

Undergraduate research experiences help you develop important problem-solving skills and experience for your future career.

Professional work experience

Grow your skills through internships or part-time jobs. Join the School of Science Career and Internship site in Canvas for additional information and resources.

Center for Service and Learning

The IU Indianapolis Center for Service and Learning has many service-oriented programs that allow you to work with and impact your community in endless ways.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,600 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023).

According to the IUPUI (now named IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary for School of Science graduates with a bachelor's degree was $52,391, and the median salary was $50,000.

The national median annual salary for forensic science technicians was $64,940 in 2023 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Forensic and investigative sciences majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following:

Chemistry
Dentistry
Forensic toxicology
Law
Medicine
Other science-related discipline

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Biological chemistry
Forensic biology
Forensic genetics
Forensic microscopy
Forensic science and the law
Organic chemistry 1 and 2

Possible careers

Crime scene investigator
Criminalist
DNA analyst
Forensic scientist or drug chemist
Medical examiner*
Toxicologist

*This career requires additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Indiana State Police
Marion County Coroner's Office
Marion County Forensic Services Agency
State of Indiana
Strand Diagnostics
U.S. Department of Defense

Complementing interests

IInvestigative

RRealistic

CConventional

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

School of Science

American Academy of Forensic Sciences

American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Cluster

This major belongs to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) cluster. The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the STEM cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

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