Home Forensic Scientist Forensic Science Degree Programs in Mississippi

Forensic Science Degree Programs in Mississippi

Updated October 2, 2026

Mississippi reports two in-state schools with programs in the Security Science and Technology CIP family, which includes forensic science, but BLS says most forensic science technician jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Median pay here runs $52,850 a year, per May 2025 BLS data, with the state projecting 11.4% job growth through 2034, per ProjectionsCentral.

Forensic science is one of the more science-heavy paths into criminal justice work, and most agencies want a bachelor’s degree before they’ll put you in the lab, per BLS. Mississippi reports two schools with programs in the right CIP family, so here’s what the federal data actually shows before you commit to one.

Get more information on your options now by contacting forensic science MS schools.

What Forensic Scientists Actually Do in Mississippi

A 2017 Jackson Free Press report described criminal justice reforms underway in Mississippi at the time, including efforts to speed up case processing. That’s historical context, not a current picture of the state’s labs.

The job itself hasn’t changed: analyze what’s collected, document it precisely enough to survive cross-examination, and get the results to investigators and prosecutors. Depending on the agency, that can mean working the bench, the scene, or both.

Forensic Science Degree Options in Mississippi

Per BLS, most forensic science technician positions require a bachelor’s degree, typically in a natural science or forensic science itself. Mississippi’s federal education data reports one in-state bachelor’s-level program in the Security Science and Technology CIP family, which includes forensic science, at the University of Southern Mississippi.

A bachelor’s-level curriculum in this field typically covers lab-based forensic chemistry or biology, evidence handling and documentation procedures, and coursework that prepares you to testify as a lab witness. Confirm the specific course sequence with the University of Southern Mississippi directly before enrolling, since program structure can change between catalog years.

Where to Study Forensic Science in Mississippi

Per federal education data, two Mississippi institutions report programs in the Security Science and Technology CIP family, which includes forensic science:

InstitutionLocationCredential Reported in CIP Family
East Mississippi Community CollegeScooba, MSUndergraduate Certificate
University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg, MSBachelor’s Degree

This data establishes that both schools report a program in the broader Security Science and Technology family, not that either program is titled or marketed specifically as forensic science. Confirm current enrollment, format, and admission requirements with each school before you apply.

Forensic Science Salary and Job Growth in Mississippi

Forensic science technicians in Mississippi earn a median $52,850 a year, per May 2025 BLS data. ProjectionsCentral’s 2024-34 state projection shows 11.4% job growth for the occupation through 2034.

Detectives and criminal investigators earn a median $58,640 a year in Mississippi, per the same May 2025 BLS data, with ProjectionsCentral projecting a slower 1.9% through 2034. It’s a separate occupation from forensic science technician, with its own hiring, academy, and certification requirements set by each agency.

May 2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for Forensic Science Technicians and Detectives and Criminal Investigators. Long-term (2024-34) job growth projections from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, ProjectionsCentral. Figures reflect state-level data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2026.

School and program data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, institution file May 2025 and field-of-study file April 2025. Data accessed October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a four-year degree to work in forensic science in Mississippi?

Per BLS, most forensic science technician positions require a bachelor’s degree, typically in a natural science or forensic science. Mississippi’s federal education data reports one in-state bachelor’s-level program in the relevant CIP family, at the University of Southern Mississippi.

What does a forensic science technician actually do?

Per BLS, forensic science technicians collect and analyze physical evidence, which can mean working crime scenes as well as the lab bench, depending on the employer. You’ll also document your findings precisely enough to hold up under cross-examination.

How much do forensic science technicians make in Mississippi?

The median is $52,850 a year, per May 2025 BLS data. Pay varies by employer, with state crime labs, local police departments, and hospital or university labs each setting their own scales.

Is forensic science the same career as being a detective?

No. Forensic science technician and detective or criminal investigator are separate occupations, each with its own hiring, training, and education requirements. They’re distinct jobs with separate training paths.

Key Takeaways

  • Two in-state schools – East Mississippi Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi both report programs in the Security Science and Technology CIP family, which includes forensic science, per federal education data.
  • A bachelor’s degree is the BLS norm – most forensic science technician positions require one, typically in a natural science or forensic science.
  • Median pay is $52,850 – per May 2025 BLS data, with 11.4% projected job growth through 2034 per ProjectionsCentral.
  • Technician and detective are separate occupations – each with its own hiring, training, and certification requirements set by the employing agency.

Comparing the lab to the badge? Forensic science technician and detective are separate occupations in Mississippi, each with its own education, hiring, and training requirements set by individual labs and agencies.

Looking for a Forensic Science Program in Another State?

Want the bigger picture? Read the full guide to Compare Forensic Scientist Schools & Training Programs.