Forensic Science Degrees in Louisiana

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 Louisiana.

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.

The Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory, which is part of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, was created in 1937 to provide forensic services to the State of Louisiana. The Crime Laboratory is responsible for assisting local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal activity through scientific analyses of physical evidence.

Forensic Science Requirements in Louisiana

As the largest laboratory of its kind in the state—the lab receives more than 18,000 requests for analyses each year—the Crime Laboratory is used by both law enforcement and judicial agencies, from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

The Crime Laboratory is accredited by the American Society of Crime Lab Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board in the following forensic science disciplines:

Controlled substances
Trace evidence, including fire debris, impression evidence, and general physical analysis
Biology
Latent prints
Toxicology
Firearms
Toolmarks
Crime scene

The Crime Laboratory is organized into distinct units, including:

DNA Unit
Drug Analysis Unit
Evidence Receiving Unit
Photo Lab
Physical Evidence Unit
Toxicology Unit

Forensic Science Training in Louisiana

Prospective students who are seeking a good option for schooling in Louisiana will find that the forensic science field could lead to an exciting career. Today, there are more forensic science specialists working in the state than there were a couple of years ago, and there are several quality forensic science colleges in Louisiana that offer the courses and the training that people interested in the field will need to prepare for a career in the field of forensics. As well, students choosing to attending one of the forensics colleges in Louisiana could be eligible for student affiliate membership in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences(AAFS), which provides a plethora of resources and information germane to the forensic science field.

Forensic Science Salary in Louisiana

According to 2012 information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 110 forensic science technicians were employed in the state, and they earned mean annual wages of $45,520. The job opportunities for forensic science technicians available in Louisiana are expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to Career One Stop, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. This job growth could provide opportunities to recent graduates of forensics colleges in Louisiana or even online programs. Many opportunities could be available in Louisiana’s largest cities, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Students wishing to pursue job opportunities outside of Louisiana will be reassured to know that job growth nationwide is expected to increase by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020 for forensic science technicians.

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Louisiana

Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Louisiana

University	Loyola University, Forensic Chemistry B.S.
Duration	24 months
Type	Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees	$24,635 per year
Program link

The Bachelors of Science in Forensic Chemistry program at Loyola University seeks to provide students with an excellent education in chemistry with specialization in forensic science.

In 1999, our department began offering a degree track in forensic chemistry. Our program provides students with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, focusing on forensic analytical techniques used in the field and in the laboratory. Graduates leave the program with both specialized chemical knowledge and substantial laboratory experience.

The degree track is designed to prepare students to step into a job in a forensic laboratory or to pursue an advanced degree in forensic chemistry. Recent graduates have worked in professional laboratories including the New Orleans Police Department Crime Lab and Quest Diagnostics, and have been accepted into graduate programs at universities including George Washington University and the University of New Haven. The core modules are:

General Chemistry I Lecture
Organic Chemistry I Lecture
Intro to Forensic Methods
Integrated Chemistry Lab
Techniques in Biochemistry
Forensic Instrumental Analysis
Forensics Seminar

Of the 31 CHFS graduates who have provided post-graduation information, 42% continue on to graduate school, usually in either forensic science or chemistry. An additional 16% entered medical school after graduating from Loyola. The remaining graduates progress directly into employment in a laboratory setting; 50% of these students are currently working in forensic laboratories.

The curriculum includes the specialized science coursework required for forensic laboratory analysis, with coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, and statistics. Students may select from three different concentration options: Instrumental Analysis, Biochemistry and Genetics, or Human Mind and Behavior.

Incoming students should plan for a rigorous curriculum by reviewing the required degree plan. Students (especially transfer students) are urged to consult with the Program Director to discuss their area of interest and the appropriate curriculum.

Master’s Degree Programs in Louisiana

There are currently no master’s programs in Louisiana.

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Forensic Science Degrees in Louisiana