Forensic science is a field that uses science, investigation, and critical thinking to solve real-world problems. For high school students interested in forensic psychology, pathology, or crime scene analysis, summer programs offer a hands-on way to explore these topics while building practical skills.
These programs provide opportunities to work with forensic techniques, analyze evidence, and learn from professionals in the field. Whether you’re curious about criminal investigations or the science behind solving cases, these experiences can deepen your understanding and help you discover potential career paths.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 8 forensic science summer programs for high school students!
1. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) – Forensic Science
Location: American University, Washington, DC | Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Residential: $4,395. Scholarships and flexible payment plans are available.
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
Deadlines: Rolling admissions
Subject Areas: Crime Scene Investigation, FSKILLS Workshops, Active Investigations, Expert Witness Testimony, and Autopsy
Eligibility: Students aged 14-18 who have completed at least one year of high school are eligible.
During the 9-day National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), you will fully explore some sites in the United States, including American University in Washington, DC, and Columbia University in New York, NY. The curriculum covers a wealth of subjects, including crime scene investigations, FSKILLS seminars, current investigations, expert witness testimony, and even autopsy techniques.
You will also be able to go on excursions and visits. At American University, you will get a chance to visit Capitol Hill, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Agency, as well as the opportunity to view famous DC monuments. You can see historic sites at Columbia University, including Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, DNA Learning Center, and medical examiner’s offices.
2. West Virginia University—Forensic Science Summer Camp
Location: Morgantown, WV
Cost: Up to $1,414
Dates: June 16 – 20 and July 21 – 25
Deadlines: Rolling admissions
Subject Areas: Latent Fingerprints, Death Investigation, Forensic Psychology, Firearms And Toolmarks, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Evidence Detection, Crime Scene Investigation, Mock Crime Scenes, And Court Testimony
Eligibility: Students entering 11th-12th grade who’ve not attended the summer camp before are eligible to register.
The West Virginia University Forensic Science Summer program provides an immersive and hands-on experience. You will explore important forensic science subjects, including latent fingerprints, death investigation, forensic psychology, firearms and tool marks, forensic biology and chemistry, crime scene investigation, mock crime scenes, and court testimony. Overnight campers will stay at Lincoln Hall on the Evansdale campus, next to the Crime Scene Training Complex. Students can drive to campus and join a tour the day before camp starts or use transportation from Pittsburgh International Airport. The program includes supervised accommodations, all meals, evening activities, a camp T-shirt, and a certificate of completion.
3. Georgetown University—Forensic Science Academy
Location: Washington, DC
Cost: Residential: $5,950; Commuter: $4,145
Dates: June 29 – July 11
Deadlines:
- Early Bird: January 31
- Final Deadline: April 15
Subject Areas: Crime Scene Analysis, Evidence Collecting, Criminal Investigative Process, Video Forensic Analysis, Simulated Crime Scene Building, And Ethical Aspects Of Criminal Investigations.
Eligibility: Current 8th – 12th graders during the academic year before the summer program with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
The Forensic Program presents a fascinating opportunity for high school students to delve into criminal inquiry. The program covers important subjects, including crime scene analysis, evidence collecting, the criminal investigative process, video forensic analysis, simulated crime scene building, and ethical problems of criminal investigations.
Students entering some non-credit academies must be at least 15 years old by check-in without exception. These academies comprise the Medical Academy, Nursing Academy, Medical Immersion Academy, Neuroscience Academy, and Biotechnology for Science & Health. Immersion in a real-world environment combined with hands-on experience offers the program a good grasp of forensic sciences.
4. Quinnipiac University — Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Hamden, CT
Cost: Residential: $1,680; Commuter: $1,400
Dates: July 7 – July 11
Deadlines: Rolling admissions
Subject Areas: Mock Crime Scene, Crime Scene Analysis, Victim Profiling, And More.
Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th graders
The Quinnipiac University Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program provides high school students (grades 9–12) with a hands-on introduction to forensic science. As a participant, you will delve into topics such as mock crime scenes, crime scene analysis, victim profiling, and more, laying a solid foundation for the field.
Beyond the core programming, you will also engage in one week of faculty-designed courses, either online or on campus, with support staff and access to program materials. The program includes technology and software support, a Quinnipiac T-shirt, and a digital badge for use on social media, resumes, or portfolios. Students will also gain access to exclusive Quinnipiac Admissions events. Partial financial assistance is available through the online application process for those in need.
5. Roger William University—Forensic Science Summer Camp
Location: Bristol, RI
Cost: $1,495
Dates: July 13 – 18; July 20 – 25
Deadlines: Rolling admissions
Subject Areas: Fingerprint analysis, footwear evidence, unknown substance analysis, crime scene processing, and bloodstain pattern analysis.
Eligibility: 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
High school students in grades 10–12 can have a dynamic and involved forensic science experience at the Roger Williams University Forensic Science Summer Camp. Using state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) technology, you will investigate fingerprinting, gather footwear evidence, examine unidentified drugs, and become fully involved in crime scene processing and bloodstain pattern analysis. Apart from the practical exercises, pupils will have complete access to university resources, including the recreation center, sailing center, kayaks, and RWU waterfront, while not in the lab. All situated in a dynamic university setting, this program offers a thorough and engaging introduction to forensic science.
6. Tiffin University—Forensic Science Academy Camp
Location: Tiffin, OH
Cost: $949
Dates: June 9 – June 13
Deadlines: Rolling admissions until seats are occupied
Subject Areas: Crime Scene Investigations, Autopsy, Fire Forensics, Ballistics And Bullet Trajectory, Explosive Detonation, Forensic Anthropology, Blood Spatter Analysis, Digital Autopsy, Autopsy Experience, And Crime Scene Recreation.
Eligibility: Rising sophomores and juniors
The Tiffin University Forensic Science Academy Camp provides an engaging and thorough program for students just beginning their sophomore or junior year of high school. You can investigate crime scene investigations, autopsy techniques, fire forensics, ballistics and bullet trajectory, explosive detonation, forensic anthropology, blood spatter analysis, digital autopsy, and crime scene reconstruction. The training also covers the mental health issues investigators typically experience.
With just 30 campers, you will benefit from individualized, hands-on learning in a close-knit setting. Campers are urged to pack personal hygiene products, towels, pillows, and bedding for an XL twin bed to guarantee a comfortable stay. This course offers a unique chance for future forensic science experts to delve deeply into the discipline.
7. Saint Marry’s College—Forensic Science Summer Institute
Location: Notre Dame, IN
Cost: $995. Financial Assistance Available
Dates: July 13 – 18; July 20 – 25
Deadlines: Rolling admissions
Subject Areas: Evidence gathering, suspect interviews, scientific application, lab work, and case building.
Eligibility: Residential program for girls entering grades 9th-12th
The Saint Mary’s College Forensic Science Summer Institute is a unique, hands-on learning opportunity for girls in grades 9-12. Under this residential program, you will work in teams to compile tangible evidence — such as fingerprints, fibers, and hair samples — to solve a fictitious case.
To develop a scientific case, you will also do suspect interviews and apply ideas from biology, chemistry, mathematics, and logical reasoning. Under the direction of Saint Mary’s STEM program instructors, students will acquire helpful lab experience learning proper presentation techniques for forensic evidence. After the program ends, participants will have one hour of elective college credit from Saint Mary’s College.
8. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Forensic Science Summer Camp
Location: Prescott, AZ
Cost: $1,700
Dates: July 6 – July 11; July 13 – July 18
Deadlines: Rolling admissions
Subject Areas: Legal requirements, crime scene, chemical analysis, biological analysis, psychological profiling, phone hacking, ethics, communication skills, and forensic applications.
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18
The Forensic Science Summer Camp at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University provides high school students between the ages of 14 and 18 an interesting and immersive experience. Legal requirements, crime scene investigation, chemical and biological analysis, psychological profiling, phone hacking, ethics, communication skills, and forensic applications will be among the subjects you will get to engage with. The program offers supervised housing, on-campus meals, classroom teaching, and book and material access throughout the camp.
Off-campus field excursions could also be part of the program, allowing students to experience forensic science in the real world. This practical experience is a unique teaching tool that sparks interest and improves understanding of forensic science.
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like chemistry, biology, and physics, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs!
This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
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