Forensic Science Scholarships

Become a CSI

Thanks, in part, to the popular television shows that dramatize the profession, crime scene investigation piques the interest of college-aged career-seekers. The glamorization of CSI work does not detract from its legitimacy – there are challenging opportunities for employment in technical specialities related to forensic science.

It all starts with education, because the field is extremely competitive. Only top performers receive the most lucrative scholarships and preferred positions in the country’s leading forensic science programs. The forensic science umbrella captures a range of academic disciplines; from chemistry, to criminal law and microbiology. Detail oriented individuals with an aptitude for scientific analysis are likely to excel in forensic science fields.

While the television shows make it look as though CSI is a jack-of-all-trades position, it is common for professionals to specialize in one facet of the field, such as ballistics, toxicology or victim identification. Laboratory work is a mainstay for many specialists, but others do engage in the glorified fieldwork seen on TV.

Scholarships for Forensic Science Education

The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) Scholarship provides funding for students pursuing degrees in Forensic Science. As part of the administration process, applicants submit essays explaining why they chose to pursue crime investigation education.  First preference for receiving scholarships is given to high academic achievers. Annual awards are valued at $2000 each.

The AFTE represents an important facet of the forensic science field, and support education for the study of firearms and weapons identification.  Some of the factors the scholarship selection committee considers when awarding funds include:

• Academic transcripts and scholastic merit
• Equal opportunity, so race, religion, etc. are not considered
• Geographic diversity in scholarship recipient location
• Quality of essay
• Contributions to the field of forensic science, if any
• Employer references
• Academic references

AFTE Scholarships are renewable, but it is not automatic:  Students must reapply each year.

Annual student scholarships are available from the American Society of Crime Lab Directors. The $1000 scholarships are reserved for students in their junior and senior years.  Bachelor’s degree candidates, as well as forensic science students enrolled in graduate studies programs are eligible to apply.  Eligible academic majors include these disciplines:

• Forensic Science
• Forensic Chemistry
• Physical Sciences
• Natural Sciences

Successful applicants submit the following materials for consideration:

• Academic transcript from secondary school
• College transcripts; especially relating to forensic science coursework
• Personal statement outlining career goals
• Recommendation from academic advisor

Students attending Forensic Science Educational Program Accrediation Commission (FEPAC) accredited schools receive priority consideration for landing ASCLD funding.

The Emily R. Murphy Scholarship in Forensic Science, issued by Virginia Commonwealth University is named in memory of a former VCU forensic science student who died in a car crash. The endowment is funded by donations from family, friends and alumni.  Each spring, a high-achieving graduate student is rewarded with educational funding from the scholarship program.  Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the VCU financial aid office.

Each year, the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists awards scholarships to regional students enrolled in Forensic Science programs. Full-time enrollment is required for application, except among graduate students who may apply as part-time or full-time students.  Undergraduates are to have reached their junior or senior years before seeking NAFS scholarships.  Scholarship issuance is based on merit exhibited within each applicants chosen academic program.  Qualifications include:

• Two letters of reference from professors involved in applicants forensic science curriculum
• 25-500 word personal statement outlining applicants career ambitions
• Official academic transcripts

In addition, successful applicants are required to attend colleges and universities located in the NAFS region including, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  The Carol De Forest Forensic Science Research Grant  is also administered by the NAFS.

C.W. Post Forensic Science Scholarships are open to undergraduate student applicants enrolled in the forensic science program at the Long Island University school. Applicants with the highest GPAs are considered first, alongside essay finalists who clearly articulate the scholarship’s value in helping them attain their career goals.  Over 85% of C.W Post students rely on financial aid administered by the school.

Cedar Crest College recognizes outstanding performers in the forensic science department, with academic scholarships.  The school’s Outstanding Forensic Science Senior award is issued based on program excellence, participation within the profession and active membership in the campus Forensic Science Student Organization (FSSO).

The Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification funds the George Robinson Memorial Scholarship. Students and working professionals seeking continuing education funding are invited to apply. Eligibility requires membership in the organization, as well as high academic achievement – qualified applicants possess superior GPAs.

The A.F. Wentworth Fellowship in Forensic Medicine Fund provides qualified University of Florida graduate students with funding for forensics studies.

Top Forensic Science Programs

American Academy of Forensic Sciences sponsors the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).  Scholarships and other financial assistance initiated by off-campus entities requires accountability.  To ensure that scholarship dollars are going toward worthwhile forensic science pursuits, funds are often reserved for FEPAC approved institutions of higher education.

The organization uses formal, standardized evaluation techniques to establish and maintain stanards of practice for forensic science educators.  The list of accredited forensic science programs includes noted programs across the country like UA-Birmingham, Marshall, Michigan State, Ohio University, Oklahoma State University, Arcadia University and Virginia Commonwealth.

University financial aid administrators specialize in matching forensic science students with appropriate scholarships, grants and educational loans.  Consult the professionals at your school for information about campus-specific CSI scholarships.