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Forensic Science Degree Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Data Science, Criminal Justice with a focus ...

Forensic Consulting relies on scientific principles to investigate all types of failures impacting ... Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field is preferred Salary Range: $75-$85/hr One Company ...

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Forensic Science Degree information

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$37.3K

$55.1K

$82.5K

How much do forensic science degree jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science degree in Colorado is $55,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,700.00 and $58,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic science degree?

A forensic science degree is an academic program that prepares students to apply scientific principles and techniques to solve crimes and support legal investigations. The curriculum typically covers subjects such as biology, chemistry, criminal justice, and specialized forensic methods. Graduates learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret physical evidence from crime scenes. This degree can lead to careers in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and other forensic settings. It also provides a foundation for further study in forensic specialties or advanced scientific research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and criminal justice, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science or a closely related field. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, forensic analysis software, and evidence handling protocols is essential, and some roles may require professional certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills in this field. These skills are crucial for maintaining the integrity of evidence, ensuring accurate scientific analysis, and presenting findings clearly in legal contexts.

What types of teams or professionals do forensic science graduates typically work with in their roles?

Forensic science graduates often work closely with law enforcement officers, legal professionals, and specialized laboratory staff. Collaboration is a key part of the job, as forensic scientists provide crucial evidence and expert testimony for criminal investigations and court cases. Teamwork is essential, especially when coordinating evidence collection at crime scenes or interpreting laboratory results with detectives and attorneys. This interdisciplinary environment offers exposure to a variety of cases and professionals, fostering both learning and career growth.

What is the difference between Forensic Science Degree vs Crime Scene Technician?

AspectForensic Science DegreeCrime Scene Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in forensic science, chemistry, biologyHigh school diploma or associate's; specialized training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, courtrooms, research facilitiesCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, research institutionsPolice departments, crime scene units
Common Search & ComparisonEducational requirements, career paths, certificationsJob duties, fieldwork, training needed

While a Forensic Science Degree provides a broad educational foundation for various forensic careers, a Crime Scene Technician focuses on collecting and analyzing evidence at crime scenes. Both roles often collaborate but differ in work environment and qualifications required.

Is forensic science a useful degree?

A forensic science degree provides foundational knowledge in crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, and laboratory techniques, which are essential for careers in forensic laboratories, law enforcement, and criminal justice. The degree can lead to roles such as forensic analyst or crime scene investigator, often requiring additional certifications and practical experience. It is considered a valuable degree for those interested in working within the criminal justice system and forensic fields.

What can you do with a bachelor of forensic science?

A bachelor of forensic science prepares individuals for roles such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, or laboratory technician. These positions involve analyzing physical evidence, using tools like microscopes and chemical tests, and often require knowledge of criminal justice and laboratory procedures.

What jobs can a forensic science degree get?

A forensic science degree prepares individuals for roles such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic laboratory technician, and forensic analyst. These jobs typically involve analyzing physical evidence, using laboratory tools, and working in crime labs or law enforcement agencies. Certification and knowledge of laboratory procedures are often required for employment in this field.

What jobs can you get in forensic science degree?

A forensic science degree can lead to careers such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic analyst, laboratory technician, and forensic toxicologist. These roles typically involve analyzing physical evidence, using laboratory tools, and working in crime labs or law enforcement agencies.

What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Degree jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Degree jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Forensic Science Degree jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Forensic Science Degree job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Science Degree job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,096 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Criminalistics/Forensic Science Affiliate Instructor

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Department
Chemistry
By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach.
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
Position Summary
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions. The primary responsibility of this position is to teach one or more of the following courses: Introduction to Criminalistics, Crime Scene Investigation I & II, Arson & Explosives, Field Testing, and Identification of Drugs.
For more information about the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/chemistry.
Responsibilities
  • This position typically teaches criminalistics and forensic science courses (lecture and laboratory) at basic and advanced undergraduate levels
  • The successful candidate must have the ability to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse urban population

An affiliate faculty member's duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Chemistry or closely related field
Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctorate
  • Previous teaching experience

Terms of Employment
Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University's benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.
Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.
Salary for Announcement
The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1233 - $1512.
For more information, you may view pay rates here: Affiliate Rates.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications will include the following required materials:
  • Resume or CV
  • Cover letter

Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.
Please submit any questions to:
Dr. Andrew Bonham, Ph.D. and Chair
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Metropolitan State University of Denver
P.O. Box 173362, Campus Box 52
Denver, CO 80217-3362
Email: abonham@msudenver.edu
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Tanya Rogowsky
Posting Representative Email
trogowsk@msudenver.edu
Benefits
The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.