While there are a number of forensic science programs in the U.S., this is the first program with a concentration in death investigations. Throughout your courses, you’ll become skilled in report writing, critical synthesis, anatomy, statistics and surveying, data analysis and modeling. You’ll also become familiar with topics including:
- Advanced scene mapping.
- Excavation and recovery.
- Forensic anthropology.
- Forensic entomology.
- Human and comparative osteology.
- Photography.
- Taphonomy and wildlife forensics.
- The history and psychology of death investigation.
This program will prepare you to become a competitive job candidate and applicant for graduate and medical school in areas such as medicolegal death investigation, biology, pre-dental forensic odontology, wildlife forensics, forensic nursing and more. If you’re interested in becoming a crime scene investigator, law enforcement agent or crime lab personnel, ASU's online Bachelor of Science in forensic science is another option you can consider.
What does a medicolegal death investigator do?
A medicolegal death investigator’s role is similar to that of a crime scene investigator. However, medicolegal death investigators focus on human remains. Their duties include responding to scenes of suspicious deaths, photographing and documenting the human remains and transporting them to the medical examiner’s office. They also work alongside medical examiners to identify how individuals passed away and the details surrounding their deaths. The medicolegal field is multidisciplinary, blending the fields of medicine, science and the judicial system.
Who’s a good candidate for this bachelor’s program?
The ideal candidate is interested in working within the medicolegal system to find answers to suspicious or unexplained deaths. This program is a good fit if you’re looking to take the first step toward a career in forensic death investigations or further your education in medical or graduate school.
Please note: This degree doesn’t prepare you to immediately become a forensic pathologist, anthropologist, odontologist or psychologist upon graduation. While this program does provide an excellent foundation, additional schooling is required to work in these fields.
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in forensic science with a concentration in death investigations is the first of its kind. Built on a foundation of anatomy, biology and chemistry, this program provides specialized education, research and training experiences in forensic techniques for investigating death. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for positions in the forensic science and medicolegal fields.
In addition to completing coursework, you’ll have the opportunity to gain experience in a laboratory setting by being involved in research or an internship. You can conduct research under experts in varying forensic fields, including anthropology, biology, entomology, investigations and data science. You may also apply for and participate in forensic science internships sponsored by crime labs or medicolegal offices nationwide.
This program requires two separate in-person lab sessions in Arizona. First, you’ll gain practical organic chemistry and biochemistry skills at ASU’s Tempe campus. In your second experience, you’ll participate in a hands-on culminating forensic science experience at ASU’s West campus. There are a limited number of alternative options to meet these requirements for those with extenuating circumstances.
Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
best online bachelor’s programs.
best global universities.
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”