Forensic Science Degrees in Hawaii

Forensic Science

Forensic science combines science and investigation in order to aid and support the prosecution or defense in criminal and civil investigations. While the profession has been widely romanticized by various TV shows, make no mistake – this job is most likely different that you expect. In contrast with popular perception, this is a highly scientific role, which often involves detailed, painstaking work. Field duties are limited to a few areas of expertise, and most often than not a forensic scientist will spend his time in the lab.

If you made it this far, though, congratulations! You’re taking the first steps in joining a very rewarding profession and itsGOV is here to guide you through what you need to know and what you need to do to join a forensic science program in Hawaii.

Depending on the type of forensic science practiced, different degrees and educational backgrounds may help a candidate get a job and excel in this field. Regarding formal education, requirements vary across jobs, but you should definitely have a solid background in mathematics, biology and chemistry.

The National Institute of Justice, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, offers guidelines for model undergraduate and graduate forensic science degree programs. According to the American Academy of Forensic Science, strong programs should offer a curriculum that concentrates on scientific writing, laboratory skills, public speaking, and computer software application training.

Forensic Science Requirements in Hawaii

Forensic scientists in Hawaii are called upon to analyze evidence resulting from criminal crime scenes. From blood splatters to DNA hair samples and forged signatures, the work of these forensic professionals involves expert analysis and sometimes court testimony to solve crimes and serve justice. Their expertise involves chemical and physical analyses that are often times instrumental to convicting or absolving accused persons.

Forensic scientists in Hawaii resolve legal issues through many scientific fields, including: anthropology, biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, pathology, phonetics, psychiatry, toxicology, and genetics, among others.

Forensic services in Hawaii are provided by the Honolulu Police Department Crime Lab and the Scientific Investigation Section, which was recently extensively renovated and expanded as to provide all federal, state and county law enforcement agencies in the State of Hawaii, from Kailua-Kona to Hilo and beyond.

any Honolulu police department crime scene investigators are sworn officers. The requirements for joining the HPD include:

At least 20 years old
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
High school diploma or G.E.D.
Meet requirements for possessing firearms
Pass physical trainability and medical examinations
Pass background investigation

The crime scene investigation unit additionally requires at least an associate’s degree or special training in forensic science. Criminalists in the scientific investigation section are civilians. Requirements for an entry-level lab forensic scientist position are:

U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry or a related field
Valid Hawaii driver’s license
One year experience doing chemical analyzes in a laboratory OR Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology or forensic science
Willing to work shifts and weekends

Entry-level criminalist positions receive a salary of $3,511/month. Information regarding all open positions and the application process is available from the City of Honolulu Human Resources Department.

Forensic Science Training in Hawaii

Hawaii, even given its relatively small size, is home to a number of forensic science degree-granting schools that provide both undergraduate and graduate programs:

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences

A Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences involves a demanding schedule that includes study in chemistry, biology, math and physics. As such, coursework in this type of undergraduate program often includes:

Cellular and Organismal Biology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Criminal Justice Systems
Introduction to law
Introduction to Forensic Sciences
Calculus
University Physics
Criminal Law
Forensic Biology
Crime Scene Investigations

Master of Science in Forensic Sciences

A Master of Science in Forensic Sciences provides students with the latest advances in the field of criminal investigation, while also providing in-depth instruction in criminal law and practical field experiences. In addition to independent research, a Master of Science in Forensic Sciences includes a rigorous course of study in:

Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
Criminal Law
Criminal Procedures
Forensic Psychology
Forensic Sciences
Crime Scene Investigation
Forensic Biology
Forensic Biology Laboratory
Laboratory Management
Trace Evidence
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Forensic Entomology
Firearms, Toolmarks and Ballistics
Fingerprint Analysis
Medical Examiner Investigation

Forensic scientists in Hawaii (also often referred to as police evidence specialists) must possess, at a minimum, a degree from a four-year college or university with a major in one of the biological, physical, or forensic sciences.

Further, candidates for forensic scientist jobs must possess at least one year of professional laboratory, research or analytical experience involving the application of scientific principles and procedures in physics, forensic sciences, chemistry, or biology. However, candidates possessing a master’s degree in any of the biological or physical sciences may qualify without possessing experience.

Forensic scientists must also pass an examination that is designed to assess their education and experience.

Forensic Science Salary in Hawaii

There have been many TV dramatizations of law enforcement in Hawaii with shows like Hawaii Five-O and Hawaiian Eye. In real life, the Aloha State differs from the other 49 by not having a state police agency. As a result, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) covers the entire island of O’ahu which has a population of 953,207 and a land area of almost 600 square miles. With over 2,500 employees, the HPD is reportedly the largest city police force in the U.S. There are at least four accredited four-year colleges/universities and four community colleges in Honolulu. This includes a unique “Underwater Investigations” Summer Institute program open to students as well as professionals currently working in forensic science. The innovative program is considered one of the world’s best for underwater forensics.

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Hawaii

Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Hawaii

University	Chaminade University, Forensics B.S.
Duration	24 months
Type	Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees	$21,620 per year
Program link

Coursework for this degree is rigorous. Undergraduates complete the equivalent of a minor in chemistry, a minor in biology, intensive math and physics courses, as well as the Forensic Sciences curriculum. Our program is one of only a few programs in the nation that are require this depth of knowledge in the sciences for a B.S. in Forensic Sciences degree. The core modules are:

Forensic Sciences
Physical Forensic Sciences
Crime Scene Investigation
Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory
Forensic Photography
Homicide: Classification and Investigation
Survey of Methods in the Analysis of Explosives
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Forensic Biology
Forensic Anthropology
Medical Examiner Investigation
Forensic Taphonomy
Crime Scene Reconstruction

Classes are small at Chaminade, with a student-to-faculty ratio of about 11:1. Because of the smaller class sizes, faculty and students are able to build a working relationship. Faculty are helpful and provide assistance to students if needed. We take an interest in the progress of the individual student throughout the forensics program. As we get to know our students, we assist them with career choices and research opportunities. The forensic sciences are an eclectic grouping of sub-disciplines, and we can guide the student into the area best suited to their interests and abilities.

Master’s Degree Programs in Hawaii

University	Chaminade University, Forensics M.S.
Duration	24 months
Type	Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees	$12,310 per year
Program link

In the pursuit of justice, evidence is everything. Join Dr. M. Lee Goff, former Chair of the Forensic Sciences program at Chaminade University, and a team of field experts as you learn and practice methods for recognizing and interpreting bioenvironmental evidence at a crime scene. This course covers techniques used in detection and recovery of scattered skeletal materials, postmortem changes during decomposition, collecting and preservation of bioenvironmental evidence, detection and excavation of clandestine graves, and more. The core modules are:

Forensic Sciences
Physical Forensic Sciences
Crime Scene Investigation
Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory
Forensic Photography
Homicide: Classification and Investigation
Survey of Methods in the Analysis of Explosives
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Forensic Biology

The study of Forensic Sciences at Chaminade allows our students an opportunity to become part of a unique community of scientists who serve the aims of justice.

Chaminade offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition, Chaminade offers additional training through the Chaminade Summer Institutes.

The Chaminade Forensics Sciences programs immerse students in the latest technological and scientific advances in the field of criminal investigation. In addition, our Forensic Sciences programs deliver instruction in criminal law and hands-on, practical experiences in the field.

The Masters of Science in Forensic Sciences is designed to provide students with the background required for employment in the forensic sciences or for future graduate study. The program serves working professionals in the field as well as recent graduates from baccalaureate programs. It features rigorous graduate course work combined with independent research.

The Masters of Science in Forensic Sciences is a two year program (two semesters per year, four semesters total) requiring a minimum of 37 credit hours beyond the B.S. Degree in courses numbered 500 and above, including 2 credit hours of Seminar (FS 790).

In addition to formal course work, the student is expected to complete an independent research project under the supervision of a research committee. Each student must submit their project and defend it in a public forum.

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Forensic Science Degrees in Hawaii