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Forensic Courses

Forensic courses can help you learn crime scene investigation techniques, evidence collection methods, and the fundamentals of forensic biology and chemistry. You can build skills in analyzing fingerprints, interpreting DNA evidence, and understanding ballistics. Many courses introduce tools like crime scene simulation software, forensic analysis kits, and laboratory equipment, that support applying your knowledge in real-world investigations.


Popular Forensic Courses and Certifications


  • U

    University of Cambridge

    Forensic Science: DNA Analysis

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Investigation, Laboratory Testing, Statistical Analysis, Molecular Biology, Specimen Collection, Scientific Methods, Medical Science and Research, General Science and Research, Data Collection, Case Studies, Biology, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    11 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • N

    Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

    Introduction to Forensic Science

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Investigation, Scientific Methods, Hematology, Laboratory Techniques, Case Studies, Molecular Biology, Biology

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.8K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • M

    Macquarie University

    Cyber Security: Digital Forensics

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Investigation, Cybersecurity, Cyber Governance, Data Security, Cyber Security Policies, Computer Security, Digital Assets, Security Testing, Cyber Risk, Incident Management

    4.2
    Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
    ·
    14 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • W

    West Virginia University

    Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination

    Skills you'll gain: Fraud detection, Internal Controls, Anomaly Detection, Financial Auditing, Cybersecurity, Investigation, Analytics, Big Data, Accounting, Compliance Reporting, Data Analysis Software, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    6.3K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • I

    Infosec

    Computer Forensics

    Skills you'll gain: Digital Forensics, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Cybersecurity, TCP/IP, Network Protocols, Information Systems Security, File Management, Operating Systems, Data Structures, General Networking, Data Validation, Record Keeping, Data Integrity, Data Storage, Data Analysis Software, User Accounts, USB, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Encryption

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    345 reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • E

    Edureka

    Incident Response and Cyber Forensics

    Skills you'll gain: Incident Response, Digital Forensics, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Computer Security Incident Management, Incident Management, Endpoint Detection and Response, Continuous Monitoring, Event Monitoring, System Monitoring, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Threat Hunting, Anomaly Detection, Cybersecurity, Cyber Security Strategy, Threat Detection, Malware Protection, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Engineering

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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  • E

    EDUCBA

    Forensic Accounting: Detect, Investigate & Prevent Fraud

    Skills you'll gain: Investigation, Fraud detection, Auditing, Litigation Support, Accounting, Report Writing, Due Diligence, Employee Training, Internal Controls, Risk Analysis, International Finance, Compliance Training, Analytical Skills

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    20 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • I

    IBM

    Incident Response and Digital Forensics

    Skills you'll gain: Digital Forensics, Incident Response, Computer Security Incident Management, Threat Detection, Incident Management, Cybersecurity, Security Management, Cyber Threat Hunting, Event Monitoring, Data Integrity

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.9K reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • M

    Macquarie University

    Cyber Security: Essentials for Forensics

    Skills you'll gain: Mobile Security, Digital Forensics, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Investigation, Cyber Security Strategy, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Threat Detection, Cyber Attacks, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cybersecurity, Cyber Security Policies, Mobile Development, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Cyber Governance, Data Security, Threat Modeling, Computer Security, Application Security, Machine Learning Methods, Digital Assets

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    34 reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • U

    University of Lausanne

    Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Statistical Reporting, Court Systems, Legal Proceedings, Laboratory Reports, Scientific Methods, Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Research, Technical Communication, Case Studies

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    530 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Hands-On Projects
    Hands-On Projects
    E

    EC-Council

    Information Security Analyst

    Skills you'll gain: Digital Forensics, Network Security, Incident Response, Computer Security Incident Management, Cryptography, Penetration Testing, Cybersecurity, Application Security, Cyber Security Policies, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Threat Detection, Network Monitoring, Cloud Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Malware Protection, Mobile Security, Identity and Access Management, Internet Of Things, Risk Analysis, Web Applications

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    45 reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • P

    Pearson

    (SSCP) Systems Security Certified Practitioner

    Skills you'll gain: Incident Response, Vulnerability Management, Continuous Monitoring, Digital Forensics, Public Key Infrastructure, Security Management, Business Continuity Planning, Cryptography, Endpoint Security, Disaster Recovery, Computer Security Incident Management, Encryption, Network Security, Authentications, Mobile Security, OSI Models, System Monitoring, Security Controls, Security Strategy, Risk Analysis

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

1234…14

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular forensic courses

  • Forensic Science: DNA Analysis: University of Cambridge
  • Introduction to Forensic Science: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Cyber Security: Digital Forensics: Macquarie University
  • Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination: West Virginia University
  • Computer Forensics: Infosec
  • Incident Response and Cyber Forensics: Edureka
  • Forensic Accounting: Detect, Investigate & Prevent Fraud: EDUCBA
  • Incident Response and Digital Forensics: IBM
  • Cyber Security: Essentials for Forensics: Macquarie University
  • Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court: University of Lausanne

Frequently Asked Questions about Forensic

Forensic means the use of science or scientific methods to detect and solve crimes. As science continually advances, forensic science approaches become more and more important to understanding and using evidence such as DNA, blood, or ballistics in court. The use of forensic evidence offers the potential to improve outcomes in our criminal justice system, but only if it is properly interpreted.

The biology, chemistry, and physics used to analyze the evidence left by blood and bullets aren’t the only types of science or scientific approaches relevant to forensics. Osteoarchaeology, a branch of anthropology, is used to analyze skeletal evidence from crimes that occurred a long time ago. Computer science is critical for monitoring and combating steadily-growing cybersecurity risks. And forensic accounting has long been important for financial fraud investigations as well as “following the money” used to commit other types of crimes.‎

Forensics, broadly defined, can apply to any number of career paths that deal with crime. From forensic accountants who trace financial fraud to IT security analysts focused on detecting cyber attacks, today’s criminal justice system as well as businesses are increasingly dependent on all types of forensic science.

Perhaps the most familiar career in this field is that of a forensic science technician, who is responsible for collecting and analyzing evidence from crime scenes in the laboratory. From weapons to fingerprints to bodily fluids, analysis of forensic evidence by these experts can play an invaluable front-line role in criminal investigations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic science technicians earned a median annual salary of $59,150 in 2019, and typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science such as chemistry or biology.‎

Certainly. Coursera offers courses to build your background in forensic evidence across a range of disciplines, including biology, anthropology, and cybersecurity, as well as in the proper application of this evidence in the criminal justice system. You can learn remotely from top-ranked institutions from around the world, including Princeton University, West Virginia University, McMaster University, University of Lausanne, and Nanyang Technological University. And, if protecting against cyber attacks is your focus, you can get a Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate from IBM by completing a Specialization spanning multiple courses.‎

A background in biology, chemistry, anatomy, or computer science can be beneficial before you start to learn forensics. Forensic courses typically cover topics like DNA, chemical analysis, and insect behavior. With fundamental knowledge like vocabulary, you may feel better prepared for beginning your studies. You may find that building your computer science or accounting skills before tackling topics like forensic accounting, digital forensics, or cybersecurity is helpful too.‎

People who are passionate about science and able to handle gory details and unpleasant situations are well suited for roles in forensics. Forensic science usually involves serious crimes that resulted in the death of a person or animal, and the details can be uncomfortable to learn about. People well suited for forensic roles typically have strong analytical skills, are detail-oriented workers who like connecting dots, and are able to keep accurate records that are likely to be used in court. Individuals with a strong sense of ethics and good communication skills also tend to work well in the field of forensics.‎

Common career paths for someone in forensics include crime scene analysis, crime lab technicians, forensic investigation, forensic accounting, and document examination. Someone with strong problem-solving skills may want to work in the field looking for and analyzing evidence at a crime scene. Others may prefer working in a laboratory where they analyze fingerprints and process blood and DNA found on evidence. Individuals who are willing to earn an advanced degree may choose to study fields like forensic psychology, engineering, and odontology.‎

If you’re interested in forensics, other topics you may want to study include hard sciences like biology, anatomy, and chemistry. You also may choose to learn more about psychology, criminal justice, or anthropology to build your knowledge of how people behave and interact with others. Courses in law enforcement and law may also interest you if you want to learn practical applications for forensic science.‎

Online Forensic courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Forensic skills. Choose from a wide range of Forensic courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Forensic, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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