Piedmont University Ranked No.1 Best College with Forensic Science & Technology Degrees

Piedmont University has been recognized as Georgia's top institution for students pursuing forensic science and technology degrees, earning the No. 1 ranking in the state from Niche.com's 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

The annual rankings are based on an extensive evaluation of academic quality, admissions data, affordability, campus life, and student outcomes. Niche also incorporates millions of reviews from current students and alumni, along with data from the U.S. Department of Education.

The recognition highlights the continued growth and success of Piedmont's forensic science program, which has become one of the university's fastest-growing areas of study.

"We are honored to see that Niche ranked Piedmont University as the 2026 Best College with Forensic Science and Technology Degrees in Georgia," said John Lanneau, professor and chair of Piedmont's Department of Forensic Science and Criminal Justice. "This achievement is a reflection of our students' hard work and commitment to their future careers."

Lanneau said the program's success is measured not only by rankings, but by the accomplishments of students preparing for careers in forensic science and criminal justice.

"Every day, we have the privilege of helping students develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities to build the confidence needed to succeed in forensic science career fields," he said. "Watching our students grow, achieve their goals, and make a difference in their communities is the most rewarding part of what we do."

Established in 2015, Piedmont's undergraduate forensic science program has experienced rapid growth in recent years. University officials report enrollment in the major has more than tripled since the fall of 2020. The university's master's degree program, launched in fall 2024, has also expanded quickly, with enrollment increasing fourfold in just its second year.

Students enrolled in the program complete a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and other investigative fields. Coursework includes forensic science, natural sciences, courtroom procedures, evidence documentation, and crime scene photography.

In addition to classroom instruction, students gain hands-on experience through semester-long internships with state and local law enforcement agencies and participate in practical crime scene investigations and evidence analysis.

The program recently received an additional boost through federal funding aimed at expanding educational opportunities and workforce development initiatives.

Earlier this year, Piedmont University was awarded $608,000 in federal funding to strengthen its forensic science program and help prepare the next generation of forensic professionals. University officials credited U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff for his leadership in securing the funding.

With enrollment continuing to grow and national demand increasing for trained forensic professionals, university leaders say the recognition reflects both the quality of the program and the dedication of the students and faculty who have helped build it into one of Georgia's premier forensic science programs.