Piedmont forensic science program ranked No. 1 in Georgia

DEMOREST, Ga. — Piedmont University’s forensic science program has been ranked the best in Georgia by Niche.com, a distinction that comes as the university expands the rapidly growing program with the help of a $608,000 federal grant.

Niche recently named Piedmont the No. 1 Best College with Forensic Science & Technology Degrees in Georgia for 2026. The rankings are based on an analysis of academic, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with millions of reviews from students and alumni.

University officials say the recognition reflects the growth of a program that has become one of Piedmont’s fastest-rising academic offerings.

“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 the 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 university is committed to helping students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in forensic science careers.

“Watching our students grow, achieve their goals, and make a difference in their communities is the most rewarding part of what we do, and this recognition celebrates their success as much as our programs,” he said.

Established in 2015, Piedmont’s undergraduate forensic science program has more than tripled in enrollment since fall 2020, making it the university’s fastest-growing major. The university launched a master’s degree program in forensic science in fall 2024, and enrollment in that program quadrupled from its first year to its second.

Students complete coursework in forensic and natural sciences while also studying courtroom procedure, evidence documentation and crime scene photography. The program includes semester-long internships with state and local law enforcement agencies and opportunities to participate in real-world crime scene investigations.

The program recently received a boost through $608,000 in federal funding secured through the efforts of U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff. The funding is intended to strengthen the forensic science program and improve workforce development opportunities across Georgia.

“We are deeply grateful for Sen. Ossoff’s unwavering support and commitment to advancing education and meeting workforce needs in our state,” Piedmont President Marshall Criser III said when the grant was announced. “This funding will significantly enhance our ability to mitigate the forensic science workforce shortage in Georgia and beyond. It will not only benefit our students and faculty but also Georgia’s law enforcement professionals and have a lasting positive impact on the broader community.”

According to the university, the grant will be used to purchase equipment, materials and investigative tools commonly used in field and laboratory settings. The funding also will expand access to coursework for law enforcement personnel and broaden training opportunities for students pursuing careers as forensic scientists, analysts and investigators.

University leaders say the investment will help address workforce shortages in forensic science while ensuring students graduate with hands-on experience using the same technology and techniques employed by crime laboratories and law enforcement agencies.

The top ranking from Niche, combined with the recent federal investment, highlights the growing prominence of Piedmont’s forensic science program as it works to prepare the next generation of forensic professionals in Georgia and beyond.