Best Forensic Science colleges in California
Forensic scientists work closely with police departments and even the FBI to study crime scenes and evidence to further a legal investigation. It is common for students interested in forensic science in California to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related field before applying to positions where they typically require on-the-job training to become familiar with operating procedures.
The California Bureau of Investigation is one of the largest employers of forensic scientists statewide, with the San Francisco and Los Angeles police departments providing similar roles for graduates interested in entering the workforce in a government role.
Students can earn their degree in forensic science in-person or online, though many require in-person lab time and field research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that opportunities in California will exceed 2,000 statewide with salaries that can reach almost $90,000 annually.
Best Forensic Science colleges in California for 2026
National University offers 6 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 163 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 87 Master's degrees, 69 Bachelor's degrees, and 7 Certificates.
Grossmont College offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2024, 48 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 24 Associate's degrees, and 24 Certificates.
San Diego Miramar College offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2024, 6 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 4 Associate's degrees, and 2 Certificates.
East Los Angeles College offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2024, 69 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 37 Associate's degrees, and 32 Certificates.
Southwestern College offers 2 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2024, 9 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 9 Associate's degrees.
Riverside City College offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2024, 11 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 11 Certificates.
University of California-Davis offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2024, 16 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 16 Master's degrees.
Long Beach City College offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2024, 22 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 22 Certificates.
Diablo Valley College offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2024, 6 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 6 Certificates.
California State University-Los Angeles offers 1 Forensic Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 20 Forensic Science students graduated with students earning 20 Master's degrees.
Top schools offering Forensic Science degrees in California
List of all Forensic Science colleges in California
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
National University San Diego, CA | 64 : 1 | 22,115 | |
|
Grossmont College El Cajon, CA | 73 : 1 | 14,440 | |
|
San Diego Miramar College San Diego, CA | 89 : 1 | 14,257 | |
|
East Los Angeles College Monterey Park, CA | 106 : 1 | 33,677 | |
|
Southwestern College Chula Vista, CA | 81 : 1 | 20,986 | |