The Status of Forensic Science Degree Programs in the United States

Although forensic science has long been an area of public interest, the recent and extraordinary success of hit TV shows such as the CSI series is thought to have brought about a new generation of students with an interest in forensic science. Despite the widespread belief that the number of forensic science programs in the United States has grown over recent years in response to this heightened demand, there has previously been little factual data presented to support these assertions. Presented here is a numerical evaluation of the number of programs offering forensic science degrees, criminal justice degrees, and forensic chemistry degrees over a thirty-year period, as well as a summary of the current accreditation system for forensic degree programs in the United States. Also presented is a discussion on the retention and graduation rates for students majoring in forensic chemistry at Ohio University, a program which was founded in 1976 and is now accredited by FEPAC.