Forensic and Criminal Investigation

Forensic and criminal investigation is a degree that applies scientific and analytical methods to the investigation of crime, combining knowledge of forensic science with an understanding of the criminal justice system and the investigative processes through which evidence is gathered, analysed, and presented. The field encompasses crime scene investigation, trace evidence analysis, digital forensics, fingerprint and DNA evidence, toxicology, and the legal frameworks governing the use of forensic evidence in court. It is a discipline that sits at the intersection of science, law, and professional practice.

At Arden University, this programme is delivered online and at a distance, making it accessible to students who are managing other commitments and who cannot or do not wish to study on a traditional campus. The part-time mode gives you flexibility to progress through the programme at a pace that suits your circumstances. The curriculum immerses you in the diverse aspects of the investigative process, using contemporary approaches and developing practical insight into real-life investigations through case-based learning and digital tools.

Graduates from forensic and criminal investigation programmes find careers in crime scene investigation, forensic laboratory analysis, digital forensics, intelligence analysis, law enforcement support roles, and the criminal justice system. The scientific and analytical skills you develop are also valued in roles in health and safety investigation, insurance fraud investigation, and regulatory compliance. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in forensic science, criminology, or law, developing specialist expertise for research or professional careers.

The distance learning format is particularly well suited to those already working in law enforcement, the military, or related fields who wish to formalise and develop their knowledge.