Through strategic investments on the state-of-the art laboratory equipment, diversified forensic science program curriculum, small class size (12:1) student to faculty ratio in forensic specialized courses and strong emphasis on hands-on learning, Fayetteville State University's (FSU’s) Forensic Science Program has earned a prestigious national ranking as the #2 program on the list of the Top 15 Forensic Biology Degree Programs.
 

The ranking is released by ForensicsColleges.com, evaluated programs nationwide based on academic rigor, hands-on training, faculty expertise, and graduate outcomes. FSU’s forensic science program stood out for its commitment to producing highly skilled forensic scientists who are well prepared for both professional careers and graduate studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Furthermore, FSU undergraduate forensic science program has distinct status as a leader in forensic education by completing a successful reaccreditation review by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) in 2024 for the next five years. It is essential to mention that the forensic science program at FSU is the only FEPAC accredited in North Carolina. The combined National recognition of FSU forensic science program by ForensicsColleges.com and FEPAC accreditation signifies the credibility of forensic science education at FSU. It has increased the forensic science program’s visibility and attracts students across the US. Furthermore, it improves the reputation and quality of education at FSU.

A focus on evidence based hands-on learning using state-of-the-art laboratory. FSU is equipped to train the workforce ready forensic scientists. Students are instructed by faculty who have professional experience working in crime lab, providing them with firsthand insight into workforce operations. The program focuses on collecting, documenting, maintaining the chain of custody, and analyzing physical evidence to help solve various types of crimes. Also, provide students the communication skills such as technical report writing and testifying as an expert witness in the court. The forensic curriculum as well as evidence-based training students received at FSU allow students to jump right into the workforce, whereas graduates from other programs may require six to 18 months (depending on the forensic discipline) of on-the-job training to become acquainted with the forensic laboratory requirements.

We highly encouraged our students to participate in research as undergraduates. Conducting research allows students to expand their interests and define their career goals. Research builds both hard and soft transferable skills that increases their competitiveness when seeking placement in forensic science positions or graduate studies. Many of our students have co-authored peer-reviewed articles and presented their research at local, regional, national and international conferences. The outcome forensic education and training at FSU is the recent May 2025 cohort included 11 students’ total. Three (3) got acceptance into the PhD program; one (1) was accepted into the master's in forensic science program, and one (1) entered the forensic internship program. 

It has been proven that the forensic education you receive at FSU will prepare you for your future career goals in crime laboratory, industry (biotechnology/chemical), research or graduate/professional schools! Our graduates entered forensic crime labs, biotechnology, chemical industry and research with no prior experience. FSU’s graduates are working across the country in various forensic disciplines such as forensic serology, forensic DNA, drug chemistry, latent fingerprint, CSI, etc. These graduates are working in forensic crime labs such as North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Raleigh, NC; Charlotte Mecklenburg Crime Lab (CMPD); Marion County Forensic Services Agency, Indianapolis, IN; Mississippi Forensics Laboratory, MS; Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory, Wilmington, NC; Fayetteville Police Department, Fayetteville, NC and more. Graduates’ starting salaries between $50,000 and $60,000 with room for promotion with experience and pursuing graduate studies. A critical factor of forensic profession is the job security as “physical evidence” cannot be outsourced to another country.

FSU forensic science students enter the workforce ahead of their peers and enjoy comfortable working conditions, high pay and rewarding work in a growing field. Apply to begin your journey towards your degree today. Additional program details are available here.