Online forensic science summer programs allow high school students to develop technical skills in crime scene analysis, forensic chemistry, and digital forensics—all without having to attend programs in person. These programs help you explore investigative techniques, gain hands-on experience with forensic tools and software, and understand real-world applications of forensic science. Many of these courses also integrate case studies, lab simulations, and expert-led instruction, helping you apply scientific reasoning to criminal investigations.
Below is a list of 10 online forensic science programs that cover a range of topics, from forensic pathology to cyber forensics:
1. Excel High School Forensic Science Course
Location: Online
Eligibility: All high school students
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Self-paced
Cost: $325 per course
This introductory forensic science course covers fundamental topics such as crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and forensic analysis. You will explore the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system, learning about chain of custody protocols and different types of physical evidence.
The curriculum includes forensic chemistry, DNA profiling, and crime scene documentation, helping students develop analytical skills relevant to forensic casework. You will also examine historical forensic cases to understand how investigative techniques have evolved.
2. Syracuse University Forensic Science Course
Location: Online
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, or recent high school graduates who have completed biology
Application Deadline: Varies (refer to program website)
Program Dates: July 7 – August 15
Cost: $3,905
This six-week course explores the scientific principles behind forensic investigation, focusing on the analysis of crime scene evidence. You will examine how forensic chemistry, probability, and statistical analysis are applied to criminal cases, distinguishing between valid forensic science and pseudoscience. The curriculum includes case studies and weekly “at-home” laboratory exercises to simulate forensic techniques such as fingerprint analysis and chemical detection.
You will also engage in discussions on forensic ethics and the role of science in the legal system. By the end of the program, you will have a foundational understanding of forensic methodologies and their applications in modern criminal justice.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Forensics Track
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: The Spring Cohort application deadline is February 9. Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. If selected, you’ll work closely with mentors to create a college-level research paper based on your project, with additional support from writing coaches.
During this period, you’ll engage in thorough research, participate in workshops, and gradually refine your work. By the end of the program, you will have completed a research paper and gained experience in research methods, critical thinking, and academic writing. More details about the application are here You can choose your subject track in the application form, or create your own (like forensics!).
4. Horizon Academic Research Program
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology, behavioural economics
Location: Virtual
Program Dates:
- Summer: June 16 – July 25
- Fall: March 3 – June 16
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade, with a 3.67+ GPA. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. It is one of the few research programs that offers you a choice between quantitative and qualitative research. In the Bio-Industry or Formulation Chemistry tracks, you can be exposed to the same biological or chemical foundations that are important to learn in the forensics science world. Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. Apply here!
5. BGSU Forensic Science Camp
Location: Online
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders
Application Deadline:
- Early registration: March 2
- General deadline: April 25 (rolling admissions until spots are filled)
Program Dates: June 23–27
Cost:
- Webinars Only: $50
- Webinars + Camp Crate: $225
- Webinars, Camp Crate & Expansion Pack: $275
This virtual forensic science camp introduces students to crime scene investigation, forensic lab techniques, and evidence analysis. You will engage in live webinars with forensic specialists, learning about DNA analysis, fingerprinting, bloodstain analysis, and trace evidence collection.
Hands-on labs, depending on the selected tier, include fingerprint lifting, shoe print casting, blood typing, and DNA extraction. A virtual crime scene tour provides insight into real forensic workflows, and expert-led sessions cover the role of forensic scientists in courtrooms and crime labs.
6. Ladder Internships – Healthcare Track
Location: Remote
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. February 9, 2025, for the spring session
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
The Ladder Internship is a selective program that offers high school students an opportunity to work with startups related to healthcare, which will prepare you for the field of forensics. Ladder’s start-ups are dynamic, often having raised substantial funding, with founders from accelerators like YCombinator and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
During the internship, you will work on a real-world project and present your work at the end. You’ll be guided by a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, who will act as a second mentor and help you navigate the startup environment. The internship lasts 8 weeks and follows a coaching-plus-work model.
7. AU High School Summer Scholars – Psychology & Neuroscience
Location: Online
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Deadline:
- January 26 (Priority consideration)
- March 16 (Regular deadline)
- May 18 (Final deadline)
Program Dates:
- Session I: June 16 – July 11
- Session II: June 23 – July 18
Cost: $1,004 per course
This four-week, one-credit college course allows high school students to engage with various subjects, including global public health and psychology- related to forensics science. Conducted in an asynchronous format, you complete coursework at your own pace, accessing pre-recorded lectures, documentaries, and faculty-led discussions through AU’s Canvas platform.
Assignments involve reading, writing, and participation in online discussion boards, requiring five to ten hours of study per week. The curriculum is designed to introduce you to college-level academics while exploring new areas of interest. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate and can request an official transcript from American University.
8. Ashworth College Forensics Online Course
Location: Online
Eligibility: Open enrollment; no specific prerequisites
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Self-paced (can be completed in as few as four months)
Cost: $1,399 (full pay) or $1,799 (monthly payment options available)
This forensic science career diploma course provides an in-depth introduction to forensic investigation techniques, crime scene analysis, and laboratory procedures. You will study forensic biology, fingerprint analysis, forensic chemistry, and document examination, learning how evidence is collected and analyzed in criminal cases.
The curriculum also covers microscopy, fire investigation, and emerging forensic technologies used in modern crime labs. In this flexible, self-paced format, you can gain practical skills applicable to forensic science careers while exploring the legal and ethical considerations of the field. After graduating, you will have access to career development resources, including resume-building tools and job search guidance.
9. Aim Academy Online Forensic Science
Location: Online
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10-12) who have completed a basic biology course
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (registration opens March 1)
Program Dates: August 25 – May 9
Cost: $749
This year-long forensic science course provides students with an in-depth exploration of crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, and forensic laboratory techniques. Covering disciplines such as forensic pathology, anthropology, toxicology, and psychology, the curriculum integrates case studies, hands-on experiments, and independent research projects.
Live weekly sessions focus on interactive labs, forensic simulations, and discussions on investigative methods. You will complete online assessments, participate in digital lab exercises, and study forensic applications in criminal justice.
10. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) – Introduction to Forensics
Location: Online
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-9; CTY-Level qualification required
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (varies by session)
Program Dates: June 16 – September 7 (session-based)
Cost: $1,015
This forensic science course introduces you to crime scene investigation, forensic lab techniques, and evidence analysis. Covering topics such as fingerprinting, blood and DNA analysis, and trace evidence, you will engage in hands-on lab activities and online discussions to deepen your understanding of forensic methods.
The curriculum explores historical forensic cases and the impact of forensic science on the justice system. You have to complete independent coursework (3-6 hours per week) and have the option to schedule one-on-one virtual meetings with your instructor for additional support. The program emphasizes scientific inquiry and analytical reasoning in forensic investigations.
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