Aside from its multi-disciplinary study framework that is beneficial to beginning online learner, online degrees in criminal investigation also prepare career shifters who already have baseline majors but want to pursue a different career path. Give it a few years and it will become one of the most popular learning degree programs. Here’s a list of the most interesting forensic science degrees online:

Forensic Degree #1: MSc/MA in Forensic Science

Directly schooled with the competencies required for evidence collection, analysis, and preservation, students of forensic science are the experts that you see in the frontline of any criminal investigation. They are usually the first on the scene, and are charged with the responsibility to reconstruct the contributing events and elements of a crime scene. Although they are trained to investigate every nook and cranny, they also have the capacity to discriminate which type of evidence they need would need to further analyze. Graduates in forensic science will be trained in evidence collection and preservation, applications of physics, chemistry, and biology to forensics, law enforcement and legal procedures, and forensic equipment. They would also need to specialize in different aspects of forensics should they want to further their career in the field, an opportunity that’s also covered in some online forensic science courses. If you want to live out your dream as a CSI, then there’s no better way to do it than forensic science degree.

Forensic Degree #2: MA in Forensic Psychology

Also one of the hottest online psychology degrees today, forensic psychology is the application of forensics to human behavior. Forensic psychologists are trained in the expert testimony, deception detection, analysis of non-verbal behavior, psycholinguistics, profiling and counseling. Their major responsibility is the finding ways to project and profile what a particular person would do next, and the necessary strategies to alleviate the situation should it run a less than ideal course. Forensic psychologists may also be trained as police negotiators and interrogators who – though they may focus on different things – implement various degrees of persuasion. If you’re very interested in the field of forensics as applied in psychology, then you’re welcome to give this course a go.

Forensic Degree #3: MS/Certificate in Forensic Nursing

Included in our list of interesting online nursing degrees, a major in forensic nursing puts you at the helm of healthcare support as applied to law enforcement. Forensic nurses are usually in charge in the collection of blood and tissue evidence, and are usually called in for cases concerning sexual assault, abuse, and violent crimes. Given their supportive nature, they also give on-the-spot treatment for victims and provide basic counseling and support should there be a need. This course is designed for registered nurses who want a sub-discipline connected with law enforcement.

Forensic Degree #4: MA in Criminal Justice

Though not an online forensic science degree in the strictest sense, a degree in criminal justice prepares students not only in the basics of procurement, collection, and the preservation of evidence but in executing different investigative procedures that help lead to the successful resolution of cases. Sub-disciplines in criminal justice may vary, but basically all students will be trained with basic forensics, law enforcement and legal procedures, security issues, and physical health. This degree is a good choice for those who want to strike out a new career path in criminal justice, or for law enforcement officers who want to upgrade their skills.

Engineering is actually one of the most sought-after degrees in the professional market and it makes sense to devote popular online degree programs solely for engineering education. Here are the top 5 online engineering degrees that most distance-learning universities offer:

MS in Computer Engineering – Those who are interested not only in programming computers but also in building them might well take a closer look at online computer engineering degrees. Taking up computer engineering means undergoing a rigorous curriculum centered on computer systems engineering, electronics, circuit-board design and fabrication, digital signal processing, computer architecture and organization, digital logic, and embedded systems. Those interested in robotics and artificial intelligence might also go for taking up this online engineering degree. A whole spectrum of jobs ranging from research to computer systems architecture are open to graduates of computer engineering, and with today’s dependence on technology it may well be one recession-friendly career path.

MS in Electronics Engineering – A degree in electronics engineering means being able to come up with solutions towards engineering challenges involving signal processing, electronic communications, and semiconductor design. Electronics engineers deal with broad issues, and could be seen working at TV and radio stations, telecom industries, manufacturing, and research. A typical online electronics engineering curriculum would consist of courses that range from network communications, electronic devices and circuits, and control systems. If working with bare-bones electronic devices is more to your fancy then you might consider taking up an online electronics engineering degree.

MS in Electrical Engineering – The big brother of the top two online engineering degrees, electrical engineering focuses on engineering challenges that deal with broad-scale issues about electrical power distribution and design. Though those in this field might also dabble in issues concerning electronics (signal processing, telecommunications, circuit design) and computers (computer architecture and design), the practice of electrical engineering focuses more on the how’s and what’s of transmitting and distributing electricity. If electrical power interests you then an online electrical engineering degree might me more to your liking.

MS in Environmental Engineering – The number four spot is occupied by a field of engineering that focuses on the adaptation of natural resources for human consumption and the management of pollution. More as an application of geology, chemistry, biology, and ecology, environmental engineering tackles ways in which we could still be provided with the resources we need without adversely affecting the world around us. This means that an environmental engineer would be at the forefront of issues involving air and water pollution, waste disposal and sanitary engineering, and public health. Most environmental engineers would work in tandem with cities and corporations who deal with natural resources (i.e. mining, oil), and would also specialize in issues revolving around construction. If the environment holds a special place in your heart, then you might want to read more about online environmental engineering degrees.

MS in Biomedical Engineering – Last but not the least is the field of engineering that deals with the development and application of engineering solutions to problems of the medical field. Specializing in the design and construction of medical diagnostic and therapeutic devices, biomedical engineers are schooled under a combination of courses that’s a mixture of chemical, electronics, and mechanical engineering, topped with a whole lot of physics and biology. If you want to deal with cutting-edge technology that saves lives, then an online biomedical engineering degree could be your cup of tea.