Exploring forensic science at a college level while still in high school can give you a head start in understanding crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, digital forensics, and forensic psychology. The free online summer programs in the list below allow you to learn directly from experts — professors at top universities and professionals in the field — without leaving your home.
Attending these programs can be a valuable addition to your academic journey, helping you explore career paths in law enforcement, forensic research, and legal studies. Since these courses are free, they offer an inclusive opportunity for students from all backgrounds to access high-quality education without financial barriers.
Below, we have curated a list of 15 free and online forensic science summer programs for high school students. We’ve also included online courses — while they aren’t traditional summer programs, they can still be a helpful way to explore forensic science topics at your own pace.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; upcoming summer cohort starts on July 15
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The upcoming summer cohort deadline is April 13
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students, across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application form here!
2. Learn Forensic Science: Introductory Online Course, University of Strathclyde
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: No prior knowledge or experience in forensic science is required; the course is designed for beginners
The University of Strathclyde offers a free online forensic science program that provides a structured six-week exploration of crime scene investigation and evidence analysis through a case-based learning approach. You will examine four key evidence types — drugs of abuse, DNA, firearms, and impression evidence — while following a simulated murder case set in Scotland.
The program covers the fundamentals of forensic science, including crime scene processing, fingerprint and blood pattern analysis, and the interpretation of scientific evidence within the legal system. By engaging with real-world forensic methods, you will develop analytical and critical thinking skills essential for evaluating evidence, forming conclusions, and understanding the role of forensic science in criminal investigations.
3. Forensic Psychology Course: Witness Investigation
Location: Online
Cost: No cost
Program Dates: Self-paced; 8 weeks (3 hours per week)
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
The Open University offers Forensic Psychology: Witness Investigation, a free online program that examines the reliability of eyewitness testimony in criminal investigations. Through real police case studies and interactive exercises, you will explore the psychology behind memory, perception, and cognitive biases that influence witness accounts.
The program covers key topics such as interview techniques, facial recognition, and visual identification, allowing you to test your own investigative skills. By the end of the course, you will gain a deeper understanding of human cognition, the limitations of memory, and how these factors contribute to criminal investigations and potential miscarriages of justice.
4. Forensic Facial Reconstruction University of Sheffield
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Self-paced; 2 weeks (2 hours per week)
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
The University of Sheffield offers a free online forensic science course that explores forensic anatomy through the real-life case of an unidentified body discovered in Sheffield. You will learn key forensic techniques used to determine identity, including skeletal analysis for estimating sex and ethnicity, as well as facial reconstruction methods. The program covers muscle structure, forensic applications of anatomy, and how these techniques contribute to criminal investigations. By the end of the course, you will understand the role of forensic anatomy in solving cases, gain foundational skills in forensic identification, and be awarded a digital certificate.
5. Introduction to Forensic Science Nanyang Technological University
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Self-paced; 18 hours to complete OR 3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
Offered by Nanyang Technological University, this free online forensic science course explores the scientific principles behind forensic investigations, using real-world case studies from Singapore and beyond. You will examine key topics such as chemical analysis, blood detection, DNA profiling, toxicology, narcotics, and methods for estimating the time of death. The course also covers how trace evidence, such as carpet fibers or hair, can be used in criminal cases. By the end of the program, you will have a foundational understanding of forensic science techniques and their applications in criminal and non-criminal investigations.
6. Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court, Coursera and Lausanne University
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Self-paced; 18 hours to complete OR 3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
Offered by the University of Lausanne, this free online course examines the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system, focusing on its limitations and the importance of probabilistic reasoning in evidence interpretation. You will analyze real-world cases that highlight potential miscarriages of justice, gaining a deeper understanding of how forensic techniques are applied in legal contexts. The course challenges the perception of forensic science as infallible, teaching critical thinking skills essential for evaluating forensic evidence and its impact in court.
7. Forensic DNA Testing – Current State and Challenges Harvard University via YouTube
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
Offered by the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University via YouTube, this forensic science program explores the fundamentals of forensic DNA testing, its current applications, and the challenges it faces. You will gain insight into forensic science methodologies, national standards, and accreditation processes while examining DNA analysis techniques such as RFLP testing and molecular weight measurement. The course also covers the role of publicly funded forensic labs and the handling of forensic evidence, providing a critical understanding of how DNA analysis contributes to criminal investigations.
8. Crime Scene Investigation and New Technologies – Dr. Carlos A. Gutierrez Forensic 365 via YouTube
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Self-paced; 18 hours to complete OR 3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
This online forensic science program, offered by Dr. Carlos Gutierrez, provides a structured approach to understanding forensic investigation methods. You will learn key forensic science principles, including crime scene assessment, evidence documentation, and the role of ISO 2104 standards in forensic analysis.
The course also explores specialized techniques such as cry machine processing and premise investigation, emphasizing the importance of observation and documentation in forensic work. Additionally, it examines the impact of social media on forensic science, providing insights into modern investigative practices.
9. Forensic Science: DNA Analysis from University of Cambridge | Class Central
Location: Online
Cost: Free ($299 if you want a certificate)
Program Dates: Self-paced; 5 weeks, 2-5 hours a week
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
Offered by the University of Cambridge via edX, this forensic science course provides a comprehensive introduction to DNA analysis and its role in criminal investigations. You will gain an understanding of genetics, DNA structure, and forensic techniques used to collect and examine biological evidence. The program covers DNA profiling, statistical analysis, and the role of mitochondrial and plant DNA in solving crimes. Case studies highlight real-world applications, including wrongful convictions and forensic exonerations. Ethical considerations, such as DNA databases and familial searches, are also explored, offering insights into the evolving field of forensic genetics.
10. How Do Crime Labs Translate Forensic Evidence into Proof? The Royal Institution and Class Central
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
Offered by The Royal Institution of London via YouTube, this forensic science program examines how crime labs analyze forensic evidence to establish proof in investigations. You will explore the role of forensic science in the legal system, the responsibilities of lab technicians, and the methods used in toxicology and narcotics analysis.
The course also discusses the differences between forensic science in practice and its portrayal in crime dramas, along with an overview of forensic science in the U.S. By the end, you will have a deeper understanding of how forensic evidence is processed and interpreted in criminal cases.
11. Forensic Science Camp, Bowling Green State University
Location: Online
Cost: $50 for webinars
Program Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Rising 9th – 12th graders in the fall of the year of application, having completed at least one advanced math or science program
Offered by Bowling Green State University, this forensic science program provides an introduction to forensic investigation through lectures, lab work, and field exercises. You will learn about DNA analysis, trace evidence, fingerprinting, and bloodstain analysis while gaining insight into the role of forensic scientists in crime scenes, laboratories, and courtrooms. Sessions led by experts from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation will cover evidence collection techniques, forensic methods, and career pathways in the field. The program also includes virtual crime scene tours and hands-on activities such as fingerprinting, print casting, and blood typing, offering practical exposure to forensic science applications.
12. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as biology, chemistry, law, policy, and forensics! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Financial aid offered
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
13. Digital Forensics Essentials (DFE) | Coursera
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Self-paced; approximately 25 hours
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
The Digital Forensics Essentials course, offered as part of the Cybersecurity Attack and Defense Fundamentals Specialization, provides foundational knowledge in digital forensics and information security. You will develop skills in forensic investigation processes, data acquisition, and analysis of Windows, Linux, and macOS systems. The course covers key topics such as malware forensics, web attack investigations, and email crime analysis, along with an introduction to the dark web. Interactive labs ensure practical experience in handling digital evidence, making it a valuable program for those interested in cybersecurity and forensic analysis.
14. Genomics for Law | Coursera and University of Illinois
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Self-paced; 12 hours to complete OR 3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
Genomics for Law, offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, examines the intersection of genomics research and legal principles, focusing on forensic applications and ethical considerations. You will explore how genomic evidence is used in criminal law and procedure, the role of forensic genomics in investigations, and legal issues surrounding privacy, intellectual property, and biotechnology.
The course also addresses ethical concerns in genomics research and its implications for legal practice. Covering topics such as DNA evidence, privacy law, and the legal framework governing biotechnology, this program provides a structured approach to understanding how genomics influences legal systems.
15. Trails of Evidence: How Forensic Science Works from The Great Courses Plus | Class Central
Location: Online
Cost: Free trial available
Program Dates: Self-paced; 36 half-hour lectures (18 hours)
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: The course is designed for beginners
Trails of Evidence: How Forensic Science Works, offered by The Great Courses Plus, provides a comprehensive introduction to forensic science and its role in criminal investigations. You will examine crime scene analysis, fingerprint identification, forensic toxicology, digital forensics, DNA analysis, and forensic anthropology. The program also explores forensic engineering, handwriting analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, and psychological profiling. Through real-world case studies, you will develop skills in evidence examination, autopsy procedures, and expert testimony evaluation. Covering both foundational and advanced forensic techniques, this course provides a structured approach to understanding how science aids in solving crimes.
Image source: Bowling Green State University
