If you’re a high school student interested in forensic science, a research program can help you develop crime scene reconstruction, evidence collection, fingerprint analysis, and DNA testing skills. You’ll gain experience in lab techniques, forensic photography, and digital forensics.
These programs cover a range of fields including biology, chemistry, toxicology, anthropology, and psychology. You’ll also learn how each discipline contributes to crime scene investigations, from analyzing biological evidence to understanding the chemical composition of substances found at crime scenes.
Here’s a list of 10 forensic science research programs for high school students!
10 Forensic Science Research Programs for High School Students
1. The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE) – The Forensic Sciences Mentoring Institute
Location: The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education, Horsham, PA
Cost: Participation is free, but students must cover meals and transportation to the lab. Travel for tours is covered, and financial aid recipients receive a travel scholarship.
Application Deadline: April 4
Program Dates: June 23 – August 9
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older who are currently enrolled and have completed biology, algebra, and chemistry with passing grades. Preference is given to seniors, followed by juniors.
The Forensic Sciences Mentoring Institute (FMI), part of the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, offers high school students a seven-week program where you’ll investigate and solve a crime using real forensic techniques and equipment. Throughout the FMI Summer Science Program, you’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced instruments used in top forensic laboratories.
You’ll work in three key forensic disciplines. In Forensic Biology, you’ll learn to identify body fluids like blood and saliva, followed by DNA analysis to determine the source of the biological sample. In Forensic Chemistry, you’ll analyze controlled substances and evidence related to arson and explosives. Forensic Toxicology will teach you how to examine the effects of drugs and chemicals on the body, helping determine causes of death or impairment.
2. National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Tuition is $4,395 and includes room and board, site visits, transportation, lectures, simulations, materials, college credit, and faculty support.
Application Deadline: Most students are nominated by educators or chosen through academic partnerships. Those who have not been selected but are interested in the program can contact the Office of Admissions.
Program Dates: July 5 – July 12 | July 19 – July 26
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 9–12
The National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI offers high school students hands-on experience in evidence analysis and courtroom simulations. You will choose between a law or CSI track, which covers the judicial process from crime discovery and evidence collection to trial preparation and participation.
In the law track, you will visit a local courthouse to observe proceedings and conduct a mock trial. You’ll also learn about law school and potential career paths from legal professionals. In the CSI track, you’ll attend a panel with university professors and forensic scientists, exploring advanced forensic technologies and careers in the field.
3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)—Forensic Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: You can find the exact cost by submitting an interest form. Full financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Program Dates: Varies from cohort to cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of at least 3.67 on a 4.0 scale can apply. Most accepted students are in 10th or 11th grade. Some tracks have specific prerequisites, which can be reviewed here.
If you’re interested in forensic science, you can explore topics such as psychology and law, pathology and data science, formulation chemistry, digital forensics, and biotechnology.
Once you choose your subject and research method, you will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar for mentorship. By the end of the program, you will complete a 20-page university-level research paper, which could be submitted for academic publication. The program also offers a letter of recommendation and feedback to support your college applications and future research. You can apply here!
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program—Forensic Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I priority application deadline is March 9!
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to conduct independent research with guidance from a Ph.D. mentor. You will receive personalized support, including help from a writing coach.
With your mentor’s support, you will choose and refine a research topic, participate in workshops on research methods, and complete a detailed independent research paper. Fields of study include data science, sociology, history, physics, chemistry, engineering, and economics. Forensic science topics include biotechnology, organizational psychology, and organic/inorganic chemistry, or you can customize your research topic based on your interests. More information about the application process is available here.
5. Boston Leadership Institute’s Three-Week Summer Science Program—Forensic Science
Location: The Newman School, Boston, MA
Cost: The 3-week Day Program tuition is $2,500, and the residential fee is $2,097, which includes housing, three daily meals, and staff supervision.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Program Dates: June 23 – July 11
Eligibility: Residential students must be rising 10th graders or above, while rising 9th graders may be considered for both the residential and day programs on a case-by-case basis.
The Boston Leadership Institute’s 3-week Forensic Science Summer Program provides high school students with hands-on experience in forensic techniques like fingerprint casting, footprint molding, and blood spatter analysis using projectile physics. You will investigate mock crime scenes, conduct mock autopsies, and analyze insect activity on outdoor specimens.
The program covers various forensic disciplines, including dental record analysis for victim identification, DNA and genetic testing in criminal investigations, and bite mark analysis. You will also perform a mock autopsy on fetal pig specimens and create facial reconstructions using oil-based clay and tissue measurements.
6. NSLC – High School Summer Programs (Forensic Science)
Location: American University, Washington, D.C. | Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $4,395 (Residential program)
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Program Dates: American University: June 12–20, June 24–July 2; Columbia University: June 13–21, June 25–July 3, July 8–16, July 20–28.
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 who have completed at least one year of high school are eligible to apply. Students can also attend NSLC during the summer after graduating high school.
If you’re excited to solve a simulated crime scene, NSLC’s Forensic Science Summer Program is a solid way. You’ll investigate a simulated crime scene as part of a team, gathering and analyzing evidence to solve a case. You will learn how biology, chemistry, and criminal investigation intersect in forensic science through hands-on workshops.
In the program, you will process a mock crime scene, document and collect evidence, and then analyze your findings. You will gain experience in key forensic techniques, such as blood spatter analysis, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and forensic anthropology and pathology. You’ll also learn about the procedures medical examiners follow during clinical autopsies.
7. The Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy Summer Program
Location: Champlain College, Burlington, VT
Cost: $4,500; limited financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Program Dates: July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates aged 15–18
The Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy gives you hands-on experience in cybersecurity and digital forensics. You’ll work in teams to solve real challenges, learning about digital crime investigations and network security. The program covers topics like social engineering, malware analysis, and acquiring digital evidence.
You’ll also explore areas like cyber threats, cyber defense, and OS forensics, gaining skills to investigate and secure digital environments. The Academy includes a visit to a local cybersecurity firm and a guest speaker who will share insights about the field and career opportunities.
8. Georgetown University’s Forensic Science Academy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $5,950 (Residential) | $4,145 (Commuter)
Application Deadline: Early deadline: January 31; Final deadline: April 15
Program Dates: June 29 – July 11
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 8–12 during the academic year before the summer program with a minimum 2.0 GPA
Georgetown University’s Forensic Science Academy introduces you to forensic science through hands-on activities and instruction from professionals like detectives and pathologists. You’ll cover topics such as crime scene diagramming, evidence collection, criminal investigations, and video forensic analysis.
The program includes case studies, mock crime scenes, and guest experts from agencies like the DC Metropolitan Police Department. You’ll also explore fingerprinting, blood spatter analysis, and more while gaining insights into career paths in forensic science.
9. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Internships at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, are available in remote, hybrid, and in-person formats.
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free, with a $25 application fee that can be waived for applicants with financial need. However, transportation and housing are not provided, and the internship is unpaid.
Application Deadline: February 2
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Interns must be at least 15 years old for remote, in-person, or hybrid computer lab internships and 16 years old for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships by the program start date.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program at George Mason University allows you to collaborate with faculty researchers on various STEM projects, including forensic science, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, and more. You’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced equipment, develop your scientific writing and communication skills, and explore potential STEM careers.
If you’re interested in crime scene investigation, drones, and 3D crime scene modeling, you can apply to the Department of Forensic Science. Past forensic science projects have included using LiDAR drone technology to improve crime scene documentation accuracy and response time. You can find more details on previous projects here.
10. New Jersey Institute of Technology’s FSI JumpStart
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost: The registration fee is $50, and tuition is $1,525. Some scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Applications open in February for the summer program.
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors pre-enrolled in a forensic science course for their senior year, preferably NJIT FRSC 201 for dual credit, with at least a C in biology, chemistry, and trigonometry
The FSI JumpStart program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology introduces high school students to forensic science, helping build a foundation for STEM careers. Over five weeks, you’ll engage in hands-on activities in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Law, Forensic Biology, and Forensic Chemistry, with field research in the Greater Metropolitan Area.
You’ll work in NJIT’s labs, visit sites like the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and U.S. District Court, and participate in a mock trial at Rutgers Law School. The program also includes college prep activities like choosing schools, writing personal statements, and applying for scholarships. Only 24 students are accepted.
Image source: New Jersey Institute of Technology
