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  2. Forensic

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


  • N

    Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

    Introduction to Forensic Science

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Chemistry, Investigation, Biochemistry, Laboratory Testing, Pharmacology, Science and Research, Laboratory Procedures, Molecular Biology

    4.9 stars, 2.9K reviews, Mixed, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.9 (2.9K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • U

    University of Cambridge

    Forensic Science: DNA Analysis

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Molecular Biology, Specimen Collection, Biostatistics, Laboratory Techniques, Biology

    4.8 stars, 20 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.8 (20) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • W

    West Virginia University

    Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination

    4.7 stars, 6.4K reviews, Mixed, Course

    ★ 4.7 (6.4K) · Mixed · Course

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • M

    Macquarie University

    Cyber Security: Digital Forensics

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

    4.4 stars, 34 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.4 (34) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
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  • I

    Infosec

    Computer Forensics

    Skills you'll gain: Digital Forensics, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, grep, Network Protocols, Operating Systems, Data Structures, General Networking, Data Validation, Data Storage, File Management, Digital Analysis, User Accounts, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Encryption, System Configuration, Software Installation, Technical Documentation

    4.7 stars, 367 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.7 (367) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
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  • M

    Macquarie University

    Cyber Security: Essentials for Forensics

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

    4.5 stars, 62 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.5 (62) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of Glasgow

    Introduction to Clinical and Forensic Toxicology

    Skills you'll gain: Laboratory Testing, Pharmacology, Drug Interaction, Laboratory Techniques, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Analytical Testing, Case Studies, Emergency Departments, Precision Medicine, Drug Development, Patient Evaluation, Public Health, Healthcare Industry Knowledge

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Category: New
    New
    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • E

    EDUCBA

    Forensic Accounting: Detect, Investigate & Prevent Fraud

    Skills you'll gain: Investigation, Fraud detection, Litigation Support, Financial Accounting, Accounting, Legal Support, Report Writing, Employee Training, Business

    4.8 stars, 26 reviews, Mixed, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.8 (26) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • I

    IBM

    IBM Cybersecurity Analyst

    Skills you'll gain: Operating System Administration, Digital Forensics, Cyber Threat Hunting, Email Security, Incident Response, IT Service Management, Cloud Computing, Governance Risk Management and Compliance, Information Technology Infrastructure Library, Network Security, Malware Protection, Identity and Access Management, Penetration Testing, Linux, Linux Commands, Database Management, Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Interviewing Skills, Cybersecurity

    4.6 stars, 28K reviews, Beginner, Professional Certificate, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.6 (28K) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Trending right now
    Trending right now
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • 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, Statistical Analysis, Report Writing, Probability & Statistics, Technical Communication

    4.9 stars, 533 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.9 (533) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • I

    IBM

    Incident Response and Digital Forensics

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

    4.7 stars, 1.9K reviews, Intermediate, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.7 (1.9K) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • E

    Edureka

    Cyber Threat Intelligence and Incident Response

    Skills you'll gain: Incident Response, Vulnerability Assessments, Vulnerability Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Cyber Security Strategy, Cybersecurity, Endpoint Detection and Response, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, IT Security Architecture, Cyber Attacks, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Cyber Engineering, Patch Management, Network Security, Malware Protection, Security Management, Cyber Risk, Digital Forensics, Risk Analysis

    Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
1234…14

Best free Forensic courses

High-quality free Forensic courses you can start today.

  1. 1
    Introduction to Forensic Science
    Nanyang Technological University, SingaporeMixed1 - 3 Months4.9(2,852)Free
  2. 2
    Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court
    University of LausanneBeginner1 - 3 Months4.9(533)Free

Best Forensic courses from Macquarie University

Top-rated Forensic courses offered by Macquarie University on Coursera.

  1. 1
    Cyber Security: Digital Forensics
    Macquarie UniversityBeginner1 - 3 Months4.4(34)Macquarie University
  2. 2
    Cyber Security: Essentials for Forensics
    Macquarie UniversityIntermediate3 - 6 Months4.5(62)Macquarie University

Best Forensic certificate programs

Earn a certificate in Forensic from top universities and companies.

  1. 1
    Computer Forensics
    InfosecIntermediate3 - 6 Months4.7(367)Specialization
  2. 2
    IBM Cybersecurity Analyst
    IBMBeginner3 - 6 Months4.6(28,443)Professional Certificate
  3. 3
    Cyber Threat Intelligence and Incident Response
    EdurekaIntermediate1 - 3 Months4.2(5)Specialization

Best Forensic courses for beginners

Top-rated beginner-friendly Forensic courses with no prerequisites.

  1. 1
    Forensic Science: DNA Analysis
    University of CambridgeBeginner1 - 3 Months4.8(20)No prerequisites
  2. 2
    Introduction to Clinical and Forensic Toxicology
    University of GlasgowBeginner1 - 4 Weeks5.0(1)No prerequisites

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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