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Forensic Science Degrees in Texas

texas forensic science

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 Texas.

Students in Texas seeking a solid career option may want to look at forensics. The strong predicted growth for the forensic science technician career in the state of Texas (31%), coupled with the advertised job placement rates for graduates of some colleges in the state (as high as 90%) make Texas an attractive option for students considering a forensics education. Available programs range from certificate and associate degree programs at community colleges like Grayson County College to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at large state schools like Sam Houston State University and Texas A&M.

Forensic Science Requirements in Texas

According to Texas Tracer Labor Market Information, between 2010 and 2020 an estimated 340 new jobs for forensic science technicians will become available statewide. Because of the vastness of Texas, many forensic science and crime laboratories are located throughout the state. Some of these are affiliated directly with law enforcement agencies, while others are privately owned organizations. Fields within forensic science include forensic biology, forensic chemistry, toxicology, evidence processing and photography/videography. Forensic science jobs in Texas require those who have the necessary college education in these specialized fields.

Job titles for those with forensic science degrees in Texas include:

  • Senior trace analyst
  • Forensic photographer
  • Latent fingerprint examiner
  • Senior firearms examiner
  • Forensic biologist
  • Criminalist

Forensic Science Training in Texas

Most forensic science jobs in Texas need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but some technical and technician positions may be obtainable with an associate’s degree. The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences accredits the highest quality college programs.

Forensic science education in Texas includes these degrees:

  • Certificate in Forensics
  • Associate of Science in Forensic Science
  • Associate of Science in Criminology and Forensic Technology
  • Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science-Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
  • Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics Technology
  • Master of Science in Forensic Science
  • Master of Science in Forensic Genetics

Often, those who achieve their dreams of a forensic science career in Texas require additional training or continuing education in order to keep or advance in those jobs. Training that is provided for professional forensic scientists in Texas includes:

  • University of North Texas Center for Human Identification Online Training Courses – Created by RTI International, these courses are free and include:
    • Developing a Missing Persons Protocol
    • Forensic Anthropology
    • CODIS for Missing Persons
    • Investigative Strategies
    • Cold Case Safety Net
  • Texas Forensic Science Training and Consulting – This privately owned company provides consulting and training for forensic scientists in prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement agencies in Texas. Topics include:
    • Latent print development
    • Death investigation
    • Crime scene photography
    • AFIS and IAFIS
    • Forensic light source in the laboratory
    • Basic and advanced bloodstain pattern analysis

 

Forensic Science Salary in Texas

Texas is a very promising state for finding employment as a forensic science technician.  It had the third highest level of employment of any state in the country in 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  In particular, the Houston area had the ninth highest level of employment of any metropolitan area in the U.S.

The Texas Workforce Commission projects the rate of job growth to be 31.2% in the period from 2010 than 2020.  This is a much higher rate of growth than in most states.  In others states, the positions available for forensic science technicians are generally due to the replacement of scientists who have left the workforce.  In Texas, 44% of the new positions projected to become available each year are due to the creation of new jobs.

The BLS indicated that the average salary of a forensic science technician in Texas was $46,100 a year in 2012.  Those in the top tenth of their field earned $69,550.  They also provide salary information for a number of metropolitan areas in Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety employs a number of forensic scientists.  Level I to III forensic scientist positions paid from $41,416 to $75,517 a year in 2013.  These scientists specialize in particular types of forensic science.  Positions were available for those with expertise in firearms, forensic breath alcohol, and firearms.  In Houston, a crime lab criminalist made from $33,358 to $68,900 annually in 2013.

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Texas

Bachelor’s Degree

University Saint Edward’s University, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $27,468 per year
Program link

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science at St. Edward’s University goes beyond the crime scene investigations depicted on television and in movies. Our Forensic Science program includes diverse coursework that prepares students to assist in casework using practical scientific application to criminal cases. Students can now choose between two degrees. Students who prefer to focus on laboratory-based jobs such as DNA analysis, drug analysis and toxicology should choose the Laboratory Emphasis. (This emphasis also has coursework to prepare for medical school for those interested in pathology/medical examiner professions.) Students who intend to pursue careers with an emphasis in crime scene, latent prints, firearms or who want to work as investigators/detectives should choose the Field Emphasis. The core modules are:

• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Crime Scenes Investigation I/Lab
• Crime Scenes Investigation II/Lab
• Death Investigations
• Principles of Science and Law
• Professional Practica in Forensic Science
• History and Philosophy of Science
• Senior Internship or Research Seminar
• Molecular Biology
• General Chemistry/Lab
• Analytical Chemistry/Lab
• Organic Chemistry/Lab
• University Physics I/Lab
• University Physics II/Lab
• Applied Statistics

The BS in Forensic Science with a Field Emphasis balances the study of science and criminal justice. This combination prepares forensic science majors for careers in law enforcement or criminal justice.

With a BS in Forensic Science (Field Emphasis), graduates are eligible for entry-level positions as crime scene technicians or fingerprint technicians, or they may pursue advanced degrees in general forensic science or other specialized fields. Our graduates have found rewarding careers with the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory, the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Austin Police Department, and other jobs relating to science and the law.

Close interaction with forensic science faculty at St. Edward’s — and time spent in classes, labs, advising sessions and departmental events — allows you to learn more about career options.

University University of Houston Downtown, Forensic Chemistry B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $27,468 per year
Program link

The Forensic Sciences degree program at the University of Houston-Downtown provides a broad-based curriculum in the liberal arts and the Natural Sciences. This degree is particularly appropriate for students interested in working in criminal justice laboratories, legal and paralegal firms, as well as graduate studies in chemistry, forensic science, anthropology or archaeology. Some of the courses included in this area are organic chemistry, physical chemistry, quantitative analysis and biochemistry.

The courses specified for this degree are consistent with those suggested by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society for a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a special focus on forensic science. Students are required to participate in an appropriate field experience or research activity as part of their curriculum to satisfy graduation requirements for this degree. The core modules are:

  • General Ecology Laboratory
  • Advanced Laboratory in Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology Laboratory
  • Evolution of the Earth and its Inhabitants
  • Histology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Biochemistry Laboratory
  • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Petrology
  • Inorganic Geochemistry
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Medical Microbiology Laboratory
  • Thermal Physical Properties of Materials

There are many career options to choose from in the field of forensic science. Forensic scientist may gather and document or analyze physical evidence using science and problem solving methods involving complex techniques and instruments. Many work in laboratories, offices, morgues, classrooms or at crime scenes, while others work out in the field. The University of Houston-Downtown is a comprehensive four-year university offering bachelor’s and selected master’s degree programs and providing strong academic and career preparation as well as life-long learning opportunities. Located in the heart of the city, the University reflects the diversity of the Greater Houston Area, and through its academic programs, engages with the community to address the needs and advance the development of the region. UHD is an inclusive community dedicated to integrating teaching, service and scholarly research to develop students’ talents and prepare them for success in a dynamic global society.

 

University Lamar University, Forensic Chemistry B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $30,210 per year
Program link

As a comprehensive university granting bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, Lamar University continues to enhance its instructional, service, and research missions.  Lamar’s growth has produced an economic impact that exceeds $200 million annually and, even more influential, is the impact of more than 71,000 Lamar University graduates.

A board of nine regents, appointed by the Governor and approved by the State Senate for terms of six years, governs The Texas State University System.  The Board of Regents delegates the direction of university affairs to the university presidents, campus administrative officers, and faculty.  Current members of the TSUS Board of Regents are listed on the TSUS website.

Lamar University is organized into six colleges.  The Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Development, Engineering, and Fine Arts and Communication are each headed by a dean.  Within each college are academic departments and programs, with each department being headed by a department chair.  The College of Graduates Studies provides support services to enhance graduate education by recruiting, admitting, and enrolling qualified students and assuring degree requirements are met. The core modules are:

  • General Ecology Laboratory
  • Advanced Laboratory in Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology Laboratory
  • Evolution of the Earth and its Inhabitants
  • Histology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Biochemistry Laboratory
  • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Petrology
  • Inorganic Geochemistry
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Medical Microbiology Laboratory
  • Thermal Physical Properties of Materials

Freshmen and sophomores with fewer than 60 credit hours are advised in the Undergraduate Advising Center (UAC). The UAC supports the mission of Lamar University by enhancing student development and success through exemplary service, collaboration, and support in academic advising. The UAC facilitates student success and engagement by advising, enrolling, tracking, and referring students to faculty, departments, support services, and activities. The UAC proactively assesses and responds to student needs as professional advisors meet multiple times each semester to formulate the appropriate plan for student success toward degree completion.

University St. Mary’s University, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $26,560 per year
Program link

One of St. Mary’s University’s newest majors, Forensic Science is an exciting field and one of the country’s fastest growing job markets. It relies on the physical and behavioral sciences for investigating and solving crimes and examining physical trace evidence. The St. Mary’s program integrates biological science, social science and professional preparation so students are uniquely prepared for this cutting-edge area of study.

The Forensic Science major encompasses classes from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Science, Engineering and Technology. The core modules are:

  • Police Role in Crime and Delinquency
  • International Justice Systems
  • Topics in Criminal Justice
  • Law and Society
  • Criminology
  • Interviewing Techniques
  • Computer Technology in Criminal Investigation
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Forensic Science in Criminology
  • Forensic Victimology
  • Internship in Forensic Science

St. Mary’s newest major, forensic science is an exciting field and one of the country’s fastest growing job markets. Solving crime requires knowledge of biological, physiological, social and individual factors. St. Mary’s program integrates biological science, social science and professional preparation so students are uniquely prepared for this cutting edge career path.

Forensic science is the application of science to the law. It relies on the physical and behavioral sciences for investigating and solving crimes and examining physical trace evidence.The School’s forensic science degree with a criminology option emphasizes the integration of academic preparation and real world problem solving with a focus on ethical and professional commitment.

Master’s Programs

University Prairie View A&M University Juvenile Forensic Psychology M.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $13,787 per year
Program link

Juvenile Forensic Psychology is the application of psychological insights, concepts, and skills to the understanding of adolescents in the juvenile justice system. Students in the Master of Science in Juvenile Forensic Psychology Program (MSJFP) at Prairie View A & M University will study psychological theories, methods of assessment, and different treatment modalities related to child and adolescent psychopathology. Additionally, students will gain insight into the developmental stages of children and adolescents and possible factors that may contribute to delinquent behaviors at each stage. The student will gain knowledge of varied counseling techniques, assisting children in various settings, and dealing with “at-risk” children at home, school, and in the community. The core modules are:

  • Violence and Aggression
  • Psychology and Treatment of the Juvenile Offender
  • Behavior Modification and Learning Theory
  • Group Dynamics and Group Treatment
  • Treatment and Prevention of Childhood Psychopathology
  • Introduction to Neuropsychology
  • Social Psychology and the Legal System
  • Psychology Seminar in Selected Topics
  • Clinical Interviewing
  • Substance Abuse
  • Domestic and Family Violence
  • Conflict Mediation/Resolution
  • Counseling
  • Ethics
  • Foundations of Juvenile Justice
  • Theories of Delinquency

Experienced and licensed psychologists in externship settings will supervise students. Students will assist in the assessment, management, and treatment of clients. Training will include clinical interviewing and conducting psychological tests. A minimum of 450 hours of field work training is required, supplemented by weekly supervision with a faculty advisor.A maximum of six (6) credits of psychology-related graduate coursework may be transferred from other accredited universities. A minimum of “B” is required in any such courses. The transferred class must be equivalent to a course not previously taken, from the list of courses offered in the MSJFP degree program. When the application package for the MSJFP program is complete, the Graduate Committee will meet to consider admission. The committee submits recommendations for admission to the program to the Psychology Department Head, Dean of the College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology, and the Graduate School. The applicant will be notified of the final decision by the Graduate Coordinator.

University Sam Houston State University,  Forensic Science M.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $16,604 per year
Program link

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) and provides a rigorous core curriculum with a multi-discipline approach. This unique and interdisciplinary program was the first of its kind in Texas, and allows students the flexibility to tailor their degree to specific needs and goals.

Graduate level topics include forensic biology, forensic toxicology, controlled substance analysis, trace evidence and microscopy, instrumental analysis, crime scene investigation, pattern evidence, law and forensic science, ethics, and quality assurance. These core topics are complemented with advanced coursework and laboratory instruction.

The program maintains strong ties with accredited forensic laboratories in both the private and public sectors. Students are required to complete an internship in a forensic laboratory, complete an independent research project, and demonstrate good oral and written skills that will prepare them for future success in both the laboratory and in the courtroom. The core modules are:

  • Forensic Instrumental Analysis
  • Trace Evidence and Microscopic Analysis
  • Controlled Substance Analysis
  • Pattern and Physical Evidence Concepts
  • Quality Assurance in Forensic Science
  • Forensic Biology
  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Forensic Science Internship
  • Forensic Science Capstone Course
  • Law and Forensic Sciences

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program requires the completion of 44 graduate semester hours of core and forensic science coursework that can be completed in two years. The program is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to forensic science. This unique and interdisciplinary program was the first of its kind in Texas. Graduate level topics include forensic biology, forensic toxicology, controlled substance analysis, trace evidence and microscopy, instrumental analysis, crime scene investigation, pattern evidence, law and forensic science, ethics, and quality assurance. These core topics are complemented with advanced coursework and laboratory instruction. The program maintains strong ties with accredited forensic laboratories in both the private and public sectors. Students are required to complete an internship in a forensic laboratory, complete an independent research project, and demonstrate good oral and written skills that will prepare them for future success in both the laboratory and in the courtroom. Those seeking careers in this field should be aware that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment. Drug testing, history of drug use, criminal background checks and other factors may be considered for employment or internship placements.

University Texas Tech University,  Forensic Science M.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $10,000 per year
Program link

The Master of Science in Forensic Science degree program emphasizes extensive learning in the scientific and laboratory skills necessary for application in a modern forensic laboratory. The program offers concentration focuses in areas of forensic investigation and includes exposure to the breadth of forensic disciplines, including the principles, practices, and contexts of science as they relate to specialized forensic topics.

Students from various undergraduate backgrounds may pursue either of two tracks within the program: the forensic Scientist track or the forensic Examiner track. The program offers both theoretical and practical coursework and is designed to allow students to emphasize areas of special interest such as toxicology, DNA, crime scene investigation, computer forensics, and trace evidence.

Students in the Scientist track must take at least 21 hours from the core curriculum, including a statistics, research methods, and law course of their choice. Students in the Examiner track must take at least 15 hours from the core curriculum, including a statistics, research methods, and law course of their choice. The remaining coursework requirements for each track are satisfied by selections from a broad list of approved electives. Students are required to complete a comprehensive component made up of one of the following: thesis, report, internship, portfolio, or a comprehensive exam that is either written or oral or combination of the two.

The non-thesis option is a total of 39 credit hours of graduate-level work while the thesis option is a minimum of 24 hours of graduate coursework plus 6 hours of thesis (6000). The core modules are:

  • Serial Crimes
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Analytical Toxicology
  • Techniques in Biotechnology
  • Statistics
  • Research Methods
  • Law

Following the first 9 credit hours of graduate study, each student’s curriculum will be formalized through consultation with a graduate faculty member and will reflect the student’s area of emphasis. This degree plan will be approved by the program coordinator and the Senior Director of the Institute for Forensic Science before being submitted to the Graduate School. When approved, it will serve as a tool for advising and reviewing to assure completion of degree requirements.

Applicants will be considered for admission to the forensic science program after the following materials are received: three letters of recommendation from persons knowledgeable of the student’s professional abilities and career aspirations, a letter of intent, and resume. The program accepts students in the fall and spring semesters. Summer applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prior to admission consideration, students must complete the appropriate application forms and satisfy all the requirements of the university. Once that process is completed, program admission and competitive scholarship awards are based on the following three general categories of criteria: academic record, test scores and individual profile.

 

Forensic Science Degrees in New York

new-york forensic science

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 New York. New York State could be a great environment for those who have an interest in forensic science and want to pursue a career. A number of forensics colleges in New York offer courses and certificates, some of which may available through colleges located in the heartbeat of the state — New York City. Potential students who are interested in exploring their options can look beyond forensic science colleges in New York to industry sites such as the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) to find additional information and guidance. The site offers a great deal of information on the occupation and various aspects of a career.

Forensic Science Requirements in New York

Forensic scientists in New York are vital to solving criminal cases, even those that have gone cold. For example, in 2013 the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory assisted in solving a homicide from 1998 that had occurred in the Onondaga Indian Nation Territory, where a skull was discovered but no other remains. The family of a Syracuse woman who had disappeared came forward in 2010 with DNA evidence, which the county crime laboratory entered into a national DNA database. A match to the skull was found, confirming that the skull had come from the missing woman. Furthermore, a DNA match was linked to a man who was already in prison for a sexual assault case where he died in 2006, believed to be the perpetrator in this case.

Forensic scientists in New York are often rewarded with the positive feelings that come from solving challenging cold cases like this one.

Forensic science jobs found in New York include:

  • Criminalist
  • Chief Medical Examiner
  • City Medical Examiner
  • Forensic Science Faculty Position
  • Forensic Technology Services Managing Director
  • Laboratory Preparation Technician
  • Digital Forensics Director

Forensic Science Training in New York

A master’s degree may be required for senior-level, supervisory and management positions in forensic science. A master’s degree field of study often correlates with a forensic science technician’s career specialty. For example, a supervisor who works in DNA analysis might pursue a master’s degree in molecular biology or genetics, while a drug analyst might pursue a master’s degree in chemistry. According to the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), science-based graduate programs with extensive lab coursework provide the best training for forensic science career advancement.

Entry-level forensic science technicians may be hired by police departments, coroner offices, forensic laboratories, academic institutions and government agencies. Once hired, they are often trained in a particular specialty, including DNA analysis, trace evidence, drug analysis, latent fingerprints, toxicology or firearms. Training periods may last from six months to two years.

Forensic Science Salary in New York

The BLS provides information on the salaries of these technicians throughout the state and in certain cities.  The average salary of a forensic science technician in New York state was $60,750 in 2012.  Those in the 90th percentile made $84,250 a year.  The salary levels for selected cities are: Albany-Schenectady-Troy – $63400 average annual salary and $84250 top tenth percentile salary; New York City area – $61720 average annual salary; $86680 top tenth percentile salary.

In addition to the wages of forensic science technicians being slightly higher in the Albany area, this metropolitan area had the ninth highest concentration of jobs of any metropolitan area in the U.S.  There were 120 such positions in 2012.  Approximately one out of every 3000 employees in the city was a forensic science technician in that year.

One type of forensic scientist job available in the state is that of a criminalist.  The New York City Police Department has five different types of positions for criminalists, depending on their educational level and amount of experience.  In 2013, a Criminalist IA earned $43,727, while a Criminalist IV made up to $104,454.

Other types of forensic science jobs take place out of the lab.  Scientists who go into the field and preserve evidence at crime scenes are known as crime scene investigators (CSIs).  Some law enforcement agencies use sworn officers who are experts in investigation as their CSIs, while others employ civilians in this position.  One type of civilian position is an evidence technician.  Such a position in Albany started at $30,928 a year in 2013.

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in New York

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

University John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,360  per year
Program link

The major in Forensic Science is designed to provide academic and professional training for students seeking to work in forensic science laboratories, or who are planning to pursue careers as research scientists, teachers or medical professionals. The major draws primarily from chemistry (organic, analytical and physical) with courses in biology, physics and law. Students may specialize in one of three tracks: Criminalistics, Molecular Biology, or Toxicology. The core modules are:

  • Introduction to Criminalistics for Forensic Science
  • Forensic Science Lab
  • Undergraduate Research Internship
  • Toxicology of Environmental and Industrial Agents
  • Forensic Pharmacology
  • Analytical Toxicology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Forensic DNA Analysis and Interpretation
  • Forensic Science Lab Internship
  • Modern Biology
  • Law and Evidence

An internship is required for the forensic science degree. This can be fulfilled by either FOS 401 or FOS 402 . The internship requirement is to be completed after the junior year in the Forensic Science major progression.  Consult the course descriptions in the bulletin or the designated coordinator for proper program planning. Please note that certain courses have specific prerequisites that must be taken for timely progression through the major. The chemistry or biology taken in the freshman year of the Forensic Science major fulfills the science component of the general education requirements.

A senior college of The City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice is the preeminent national and international leader in educating for justice. Whether it is in the pages of The Lancet, across from opposing counsel, or behind a podium, John Jay students, graduates and faculty make their mark on the world.

Set in the heart of New York City, John Jay offers students a liberal arts and criminal justice curriculum that balances the sciences, humanities and the arts with professional studies. Offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees, the College is unique in its mission, preparing students to build and sustain just societies by using their talents to make a difference for themselves and others. John Jay students learn how to transform their ideas into social action and leadership through rigorous course work, research, internships, community service, and other learning experiences. As a result of a John Jay education, students and graduates gain the skills and knowledge to become fierce advocates for justice in their communities, across the nation and throughout the world.

University John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology B.A.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,360  per year
Program link

The Forensic Psychology major is designed for students who are interested in the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. The mission of the Forensic Psychology major is to enhance students’ understanding of individual behavior, in terms of its biological, cognitive, social and emotional components and their interaction, and its effects on the broader community. Students will learn to employ an empirical approach to understand human behavior. The major prepares students for a number of careers and graduate work in psychology, social work, law enforcement, or other criminal justice professions. The core modules are:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Psychology and the Law
  • Brain and Behavior
  • Perception
  • History of Psychology
  • Multicultural Psychology
  • Psychology of Criminal Behavior
  • Correctional Psychology
  • Forensic, Social and Experimental Psychology
  • Seminar in Forensic Psychology
  • Seminar in the Psychology Analysis of Criminal Behavior and the Criminal Justice System

An internship is required for the forensic science degree. This can be fulfilled by either FOS 401 or FOS 402 . The internship requirement is to be completed after the junior year in the Forensic Science major progression.  Consult the course descriptions in the bulletin or the designated coordinator for proper program planning. Please note that certain courses have specific prerequisites that must be taken for timely progression through the major. The chemistry or biology taken in the freshman year of the Forensic Science major fulfills the science component of the general education requirements.

A senior college of The City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice is the preeminent national and international leader in educating for justice. Whether it is in the pages of The Lancet, across from opposing counsel, or behind a podium, John Jay students, graduates and faculty make their mark on the world.

Set in the heart of New York City, John Jay offers students a liberal arts and criminal justice curriculum that balances the sciences, humanities and the arts with professional studies. Offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees, the College is unique in its mission, preparing students to build and sustain just societies by using their talents to make a difference for themselves and others. John Jay students learn how to transform their ideas into social action and leadership through rigorous course work, research, internships, community service, and other learning experiences. As a result of a John Jay education, students and graduates gain the skills and knowledge to become fierce advocates for justice in their communities, across the nation and throughout the world.

University The College of Saint Rose, Forensic Psychology B.A.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $28,036  per year
Program link

Forensic Psychologists apply psychology to criminal justice. Already an interdisciplinary field, the forensic psychology major will bring together primarily two programs at Saint Rose: Psychology and Criminal Justice. The field of forensic psychology is immense, ranging from assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of criminal forensic populations, courtroom process, and organization analysis to policy studies. If the student is appropriately prepared, s/he can skillfully work among those in psychotherapeutic management and advocacy communities. Specifically, forensic psychologists are invested in crime and justice. They examine issues, controversies, social problems, psychological states, and other complex phenomenon within the adult, juvenile, civil, and family domains of practice.As a Forensic Psychology major at The College of Saint Rose, you will have the opportunity to obtain a B.S. degree that will give you a variety of career options, as this is a rapidly growing field. Despite the growth in forensic psychology in recent years, relatively few colleges and universities offer a Forensic Psychology major. Becoming a Forensic Psychology major at The College of Saint Rose will allow you to experience and integrate two exciting areas of study: Criminal Justice and Psychology.  The core modules are:

  • Foundations of Psychology I and II
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems
  • Criminal Behavior
  • The Court System
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Physiological Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Psychometrics
  • Ethics in Criminal Justice
  • Thanatology
  • Introduction to Psychopharmacology
  • Seminar in Clinical Psychology

As can be seen in the program requirements, the Forensic Psychology major at Saint Rose has a balance of both criminal justice and psychology classes. There are a number of credits that all students are required to take and these are from a mixture of courses from both disciplines. Students also should pick five criminal justice courses from those in the list and five psychology courses from those in that list. Choosing these courses should occur in conjunction with your advisor, so she can help you choose courses that fit with your specific career goals. Students should keep in mind that the

Forensic Careers: this dynamic four-year program leads to a bachelor of science degree and trains students for positions in crime and forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, private industry and medical examiners’ offices, as well as laying the foundation for many other criminal justice careers. Student associations: Criminal Justice Association and Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society. Developing from student interests, students in these groups organize speakers and field trips. Internships: with a location in the heart of New York’s capital and proximity to state and federal courts, law schools and the New York State Police Crime Laboratory, the College’s program affords students with invaluable internship opportunities offering real-world experience and remarkable insights into real-life criminal justice procedures. Speakers: based on student interest, the criminal justice program invites speakers to talk about their jobs or criminal justice topics. Upon completion: this degree qualifies a student to pursue graduate or professional studies at other leading institutions.

 

University The College of Saint Rose, Forensic Science B.A.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $28,036  per year
Program link

The Forensic Science program explores the interdisciplinary nature of forensic science as well as the criminal justice setting these scientists work in. The extensive science component requires the student to excel in biology, chemistry, earth science, math, and physics, which develops vast flexibility in the crime lab. The student will also learn the procedure of evidence in the court of law and criminal investigation and develop an analytical understanding of the investigative process through the theories, concepts and terminology used. Class size: our average class size of less than 20 students allows you to receive individual attention and to build relationships with your classmates and professors. Instructor: the forensic science instructor works at the New York State Police Crime Laboratory, thereby providing the students current information in the field of forensic science and real life applications offered in the classroom. The core modules are:

  • General Chemistry
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Instrumental Analysis
  • Physical Geology
  • Introduction to Forensic Science
  • Forensic Assays plus Lab
  • Contemporary and Descriptive Topics in Forensic Science
  • The Law and Theory of Criminal Investigation
  • Criminal Evidence
  • Social Statistics

 

Forensic Careers: this dynamic four-year program leads to a bachelor of science degree and trains students for positions in crime and forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, private industry and medical examiners’ offices, as well as laying the foundation for many other criminal justice careers. Student associations: Criminal Justice Association and Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society. Developing from student interests, students in these groups organize speakers and field trips. Internships: with a location in the heart of New York’s capital and proximity to state and federal courts, law schools and the New York State Police Crime Laboratory, the College’s program affords students with invaluable internship opportunities offering real-world experience and remarkable insights into real-life criminal justice procedures. Speakers: based on student interest, the criminal justice program invites speakers to talk about their jobs or criminal justice topics. Upon completion: this degree qualifies a student to pursue graduate or professional studies at other leading institutions.

University Utica College, Cyber Security B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $33,216  per year
Program link

The cybersecurity and information assurance major at Utica College offers the most extensive coursework in digital forensics and investigation currently available. It is an innovative, multidisciplinary program that provides the critical skills you need to succeed in this highly specialized profession. Part of UC’s internationally respected suite of economic crime and justice studies programs, the cybersecurity and information assurance major is designed to address the growing demand for expertise in defending critical infrastructure – public and private – from the threat of cyberattack. It enables you to play a crucial role in this fight.  The core modules are:

  • Computer Hardware and Peripherals
  • Information Security
  • Cybercrime Law and Investigations
  • Senior Seminar
  • Professional Ethics
  • Criminology
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice Research Methods
  • Cybercrime Investigations and Forensics I and II
Utica College offers an on-ground undergraduate program in Cybersecurity; there is also an undergraduate online program for transfer students who have already earned an associate’s degree. There is an online master’s program in Cybersecurity. For more information on the master’s program, visit the M.S. in Cybersecurity or consult the UC graduate catalog. Students in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance are required to achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) across major, major-related, major elective, and major concentration courses by the first semester of their junior year and to maintain that average thereafter.
University Pace University, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $36,732  per year
Program link

 

Forensic Science is the field in which science is used to address matters of the law. Pace offers both an undergraduate Bachelor of Science (BS) in Forensic Science degree and a graduate Master of Science in Forensic Science degree on our New York City campus. Pace’s Forensic Science program produces highly skilled individuals ready to enter a professional career. Upon completion of the BS program, students have the knowledge and experience to begin work in a forensic laboratory. Students of Forensic Science may opt to enter the fields of forensic science, biology, chemistry, or pharmaceuticals. Students will also have the knowledge needed for admission into medical or dental schools or to continue onto graduate studies in forensic science, biology or chemistry. The core modules are:

  • Calculus
  • General Biology
  • General Physics
  • Introduction to Toxicology
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Crime Scene Processing
  • Basic Criminalistics
  • Forensic Biology
  • Forensic Microscopy
  • Forensic Science Seminar

The faculty is comprised of top-notch professionals in criminalistics, forensic chemistry, and forensic biology. What makes our program truly unique is that our faculty members maintain full-time affiliations with the major forensic laboratories of local and federal law enforcement agencies. These professional affiliations enable the latest advances in forensic science to be brought into the classroom and enable students to access internships at major laboratories. The forensic science program is also supported by the Chemistry and Biology departments, two strong departments whose faculty members combine exceptional teaching skills with pioneering published research.It will offer you the opportunity to participate in internships with investigative teams in New York City at major area crime labs, and upon completing program requirements you’ll be able to begin actively working in a forensic laboratory or consider applying for admission into medical or dental schools or advanced graduate studies in forensic science, biology, or chemistry. Home to numerous forensic laboratories, New York City alone offers many career opportunities at facilities such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s Northeast Regional Laboratory, which employs forensic chemists that specialize in the identification of drugs; the New York City Police Department (NYPD) forensic laboratory, which employs criminalists for drug identification, fingerprints, arson, and trace evidence; and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), which is the largest DNA lab in the country and employs criminalists in its toxicology laboratory and forensic biology laboratory.

University Long Island University, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $28,456  per year
Program link

Forensic science is the exciting field where science and technology meet the law. As a forensic scientist you will bring the most advanced scientific tools to bear on the most pressing problems, including solving crimes and saving lives. The challenge of forensic science is to look back in time to determine the who, what, when, where and why of disputed events. In your search for clues that dispel mysteries and serve justice, you will investigate everything from DNA, blood and other body fluids to textiles, footwear, footprints, tire tracks, documents and signatures, flammables, pollutants and much more.LIU Post’s 129-credit Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree will prepare you for a rewarding career in the laboratory departments of police departments, medical examiners’ offices, toxicology and pathology. The program integrates lecture courses with laboratory work and hands-on field experiences. Students study a broad range of forensic applications such as molecular pathology, criminalistics, human genetics and forensic anthropology. Classes are taught by practicing forensic scientists, medical professionals and LIU Post professors of biomedical sciences, chemistry, criminal justice and forensic science. In addition, students serve as interns at highly-productive Long Island and Manhattan crime laboratories, health departments and medical examiners’ offices. The core modules are:

  • Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
  • College Physics I and II
  • Forensic Science Semina
  • Introduction to Toxicology
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Crime Scene Processing
  • Basic Criminalistics
  • Forensic Biology
  • Forensic Microscopy

In addition to university-wide accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, our schools, colleges, and individual degree programs are recognized by many specialized accreditation boards, including the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.

 

University Hofstra University, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $37,440  per year
Program link

Forensic science is the application of science to investigations pertaining to the legal system. Forensic scientists apply principles and techniques of various sciences to the examination and comparison of biological evidence, trace evidence, impression evidence, drugs and firearms.  A forensic scientist may specialize in a subdiscipline.  The role of a forensic scientist will depend on his/her area of concentration, type of employment (government crime lab, medical examiner’s office or private practice) and level of experience.  The profession requires critical thinking, communication skills, the application of natural and physical sciences to legal issues, and ethical responsibility.  The four-year program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in physical and natural sciences, and to acquaint them with various relevant aspects of the legal system. The core modules are:

  • Molecular Biochemistry
  • Introduction to Cell Biology and Genetics
  • General and Inorganic Chemistry
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Survey in Forensic Science
  • Crime Scene Investigation Methods
  • Forensic Microscopy
  • Forensic Expert Witness Testimony
  • Methods in Trace Analysis
  • Legal Issues Pertaining to Scientific Evidence
  • Introduction to Forensic Anthropology

A diverse mix of cultural, social, athletic and recreational activities delivers the full college experience. Hofstra offers students the opportunity to live and learn on our beautiful, 240-acre campus on Long Island and have easy access to the academic, cultural and career opportunities in the New York City metropolitan area. Hofstra University is a fully engaged member of the Long Island community. The campus offers visitors a wide variety of activities and services, our students are engaged in community service, and our faculty and administrators are active participants and leaders. In addition, the University offers many educational and civic engagement opportunities for students and visitors throughout the year. We host hundreds of cultural events on our beautiful 240-acre campus in Hempstead, New York. As an arboretum, there are few places on Long Island that provide a better place for a beautiful walk, while Hofstra’s sports facilities are a great place to see the nation’s highest level of collegiate athletics. From the varied visual arts to the numerous theatrical and musical performances, there are ample opportunities for must-see events, while Hofstra University Continuing Education provides opportunities to expand your horizons, advance your career or learn a new skill.

Masters Programs

University John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity M.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,360  per year
Program link

John Jay College of Criminal Justice meets the challenges of fighting cybercrime by providing professional science education in digital forensic science and cybersecurity with concern for justice. D4CS, the Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Program, offers a Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity degree (formerly an M.S. in Forensic Computing) and two certificate programs: CSIBridge: Computer Science for Digital Forensics Certificate and CAD4SCI: Certificate in Applied Digital Forensic Science.

The Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity degree program offers a balance of practice and theory through study in computer science, law and criminal justice. The goal is to produce professionals qualified as digital forensic scientists who can apply and sustain their expertise as new technological and societal challenges emerge, who understand the scientific, legal and criminal justice context of high technology crime, and who can effectively communicate their knowledge to others. NOTE: The degree name and degree requirements that appear here are effective Fall 2012. Students who matriculated prior to Fall 2012 may choose to graduate under the requirements for the M.S. in Forensic Computing that were in effect when they matriculated or under the revised degree name and requirements. The core modules are:

  • Architecture of Secure Operating Systems
  • Network Security
  • Digital Forensics Applications
  • Forensic Management of Digital Evidence
  • Theoretical Foundations of Computing Security
  • Mathematical Statistics for Forensic Science
  • Data Communications and Forensics Security
  • Network Forensics
  • Law, Evidence and Ethics
  • Cybercriminology
  • Security of Information and Technology

The Applied Digital Forensic Science Certification Exam balances the role of theory and practice in the program of study by challenging students to prove their capacity to use computer science to address practical problems in digital forensics and cybersecurity. The exam is optional for degree students but is required to qualify for the Capstone Fieldwork Option and the CAD4SCI. A grade of Low Pass or better is required to qualify for Capstone Fieldwork. A grade of Pass or better is required to qualify for the CAD4SCI. Students in the degree program may take the exam upon completion of FCM 710, FCM 742 and FCM 760, although is it advisable to wait until completion of FCM 745. The exam is administered by the faculty and usually offered twice a year. Students have two chances to be graded on the exam but may withdraw once before grading.The CAD4SCI program of study provides four graduate computer science courses (12 credits) on the science of digital forensics followed by a practical Applied Digital Forensic Science Certification Exam. These courses blend study of theory and method with practical hands-on application. The certificate is awarded to students who complete the four courses with grades of B or better and who score a grade of Pass or better on the exam.

 

University John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health M.A.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,360  per year
Program link

This Program, developed within the Psychology Department, has been approved by New York State as a “license eligible” academic program. It satisfies the state’s educational requirements leading toward professional licensure as a Mental Health Counselor, with a specialization in forensics. It develops skills in interviewing, counseling, and assessment, based upon established principles and research regarding human development, personality, psychopathology, and counseling. Students will be uniquely prepared to work towards licensure as counselors in prisons, juvenile detention centers, probation and parole agencies, and social service agencies that counsel and assess adolescents and adults at risk for criminal behavior. The program offers research opportunities for those students interested in pursuing doctoral education; as well as related courses leading to a certificate as a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). The core modules are:

  • Mental Health Professionals, Social Science, and the Law
  • Research Methods and Design
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Theories of Personality and Counseling
  • Psychopathology
  • Introduction to Forensic Mental Health Counseling
  • Clinical Instruction
  • Counseling and Psychotherapy Methods
  • Clinical Interviewing and Assessment
  • Group Dynamics and Treatment
  • Intermediate Statistics in the Social Sciences
  • Introduction to Assessment
  • Criminal Behavior
  • Violence and Aggression
  • Victimology
  • Personality Profiles of the Homicidal Offender
  • Clinical Crime Scene Analysis

The degree requires 60 credits. The program will contain a group of twelve required courses (36 credits); three to six forensic mental health electives (9-18- credits); two permitted cognate courses (0-6 credits) for particularized student interests; plus a 600 hour (6 credits) supervised fieldwork internship. Beginning students will be expected to complete courses in Introduction to Forensic Mental Health Counseling; Mental Health Professionals, Social Science and the Law; Psychopathology; Intermediate Statistics; and Research Methods, before the completion of their first 30 credits. At John Jay, they define justice in their teaching and research both narrowly, with an eye toward meeting the needs of criminal justice and public service agencies, and broadly, in terms of enduring questions about fairness, equality and the rule of law. Whether your goal is to further your career through graduate study, or to seek knowledge as its own reward, you will find that the courses and programs meet the highest academic and professional standards.

University John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology M.A.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,360  per year
Program link

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology is designed to train practitioners to provide psychology services to, and within, the criminal and civil justice systems as well as to prepare students for doctoral study in psychology. The 42-credit curriculum focuses on the understanding, evaluation and treatment of both offenders and victims. Through the curriculum, students are provided with an advanced understanding of psychological development and psychopathology, personality assessment, psychotherapeutic techniques and research methods.

In the Forensic Psychology Program, students may take an externship consisting of a minimum of 300 hours in an appropriate psychological setting under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or other trained mental health professional approved by the program director. Alternatively, qualified students may complete a thesis. The core modules are:

  • Psychopathology
  • Intermediate Statistics in the Social Sciences
  • Criminal Psychological Assessment
  • Intellectual and Cognitive Assessment
  • Projective Personality Assessment
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Criminal Psychological Assessment
  • Hypnosis, Psychology and the Law
  • Brain and Behavior
  • Forensic Psychology Prospectus Seminar
  • Eyewitness Identification
  • Social Psychology and the Legal System

All new matriculants in the MA in Forensic Psychology Program are required to complete 42 credits. This includes 39 credits of coursework plus 3 credits for an externship of 300 hours or the prospectus/thesis. John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York is a four-year, liberal arts college dedicated to education, research and service in the fields of criminal justice, fire science and related areas of public safety and public
service. It endows students with critical thinking and effective communication skills; the perspective and moral judgment that result from liberal studies; the capacity for personal and social growth and creative problem solving; the ability to navigate advanced technological systems; and the awareness of the diverse cultural, historical, economic and political forces that shape our society. The College is dedicated to fostering an academic environment that promotes scholarship and encourages research, especially in areas related to criminal
justice. The breadth and diversity of scholarship at the College reflect the continuing commitment to innovative analyses, interdisciplinary approaches and global perspectives. The College offers a curriculum that balances the arts, sciences and humanities with professional studies. It serves the community by developing graduates with the intellectual acuity, moral commitment and professional competence to confront the challenges of crime, justice and public safety in a free society. It seeks to inspire students and faculty alike to the highest ideals
of citizenship and public service.

University John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Computing M.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,360  per year
Program link

The Master of Science in Forensic Computing integrates criminal justice studies with computer sciences and computer forensic training. Graduates will possess the knowledge to conduct and manage forensic investigations involving digital devices and electronic crime. They will also have the knowledge to help organizations protect their computer systems. As the problems of investigating computer crime and securing computers are ever changing, graduates will be imbued with the leadership skills necessary for taking the initiative when confronted with new challenges. Graduates of the program are expected to serve as leaders in the field, capable of training others in the latest forensic computing methods, guiding and consulting on cybercrime investigations and computer security, solving new problems as they emerge and continually building on their existing level of expertise in order to keep their knowledge and skills current. The core modules are:

  • Issues in Criminal Justice I: Theory and Courts
  • Cybercriminology
  • The Law and High Technology Crime
  • Digital Forensics Applications
  • Cooperative Education
  • Data Communications and Forensics Security
  • Network Forensics
  • Forensic Management of Digital Evidence
  • Law, Evidence and Ethics
  • Security of Information and Technology
  • Management of a Digital Forensics Lab
  • Mathematical Statistics for Forensic Science
  • Forensic Computing Prospectus Seminar

his program is intended for students who have the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in core computer science. At a minimum, applicants for the Master of Science in Forensic Computing should have successfully completed the equivalent of the following undergraduate coursework or have comparable experience: two semesters in object oriented programming; one semester in data structures (stacks, queues, linked lists and trees); one semester in algorithms (searching and sorting); one semester in operating systems fundamentals; two semesters of calculus; and one semester in calculus-based statistics and probability. For students without professional experience in law enforcement or significant organizational experience, a professional practicum will serve as a capstone for the program. It will provide practical experience working on criminal investigations with law enforcement agencies or computer security projects with public agencies and private corporations.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York is a four-year, liberal arts college dedicated to education, research and service in the fields of criminal justice, fire science and related areas of public safety and public service. It endows students with critical thinking and effective communication skills; the perspective and moral judgment that result from liberal studies; the capacity for personal and social growth and creative problem solving; the ability to navigate advanced technological systems; and the awareness of the diverse cultural, historical, economic and political forces that shape our society. The College is dedicated to fostering an academic environment that promotes scholarship and encourages research, especially in areas related to criminal justice. The breadth and diversity of scholarship at the College reflect the continuing commitment to innovative analyses, interdisciplinary approaches and global perspectives. The College offers a curriculum that balances the arts, sciences and humanities with professional studies. It serves the community by developing graduates with the intellectual acuity, moral commitment and professional competence to confront the challenges of crime, justice and public safety in a free society. It seeks to inspire students and faculty alike to the highest ideals of citizenship and public service.

University John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science M.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,360  per year
Program link

The Master of Science in Forensic Science is designed to provide advanced education for scientists, administrators, directors and other professionals currently employed in crime laboratories, medical examiners’ offices and in such related areas as public safety, arson investigation and environmental protection.  The program also prepares people who are interested in entering such careers.  Drawing from the areas of chemistry, biology, physics and law, the program involves the mastery of techniques for the laboratory and the courts.  The curriculum meets an urgent national need for broadly trained forensic scientists.

The master’s program offers specializations in criminalistics, molecular biology and forensic toxicology.  Within these three areas, sub-specialization is available through electives offered periodically at John Jay College or (with permission) at the CUNY Graduate School and University Center. The core modules are:

  • Physical and Biological Evidence
  • Principles of Forensic Toxicology
  • Advanced Criminalistics
  • Instrumental Analysis I and II
  • Molecular Biology for the Forensic Scientist
  • Thesis Prospectus
  • Statistics for Forensic Scientists
  •  Forensic Examination of Firearms and Toolmarks
  • Evidence, Experts, and Ethics
  • Forensic Anthropology: Osteological & Genetic Identification

John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York is a four-year, liberal arts college dedicated to education, research and service in the fields of criminal justice, fire science and related areas of public safety and public service. It endows students with critical thinking and effective communication skills; the perspective and moral judgment that result from liberal studies; the capacity for personal and social growth and creative problem solving; the ability to navigate advanced technological systems; and the awareness of the diverse cultural, historical, economic and political forces that shape our society. The College is dedicated to fostering an academic environment that promotes scholarship and encourages research, especially in areas related to criminal justice. The breadth and diversity of scholarship at the College reflect the continuing commitment to innovative analyses, interdisciplinary approaches and global perspectives. The College offers a curriculum that balances the arts, sciences and humanities with professional studies. It serves the community by developing graduates with the intellectual acuity, moral commitment and professional competence to confront the challenges of crime, justice and public safety in a free society. It seeks to inspire students and faculty alike to the highest ideals of citizenship and public service.

University The Sage Colleges, Forensic Mental Health M.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $20,200  per year
Program link

Forensic Mental Health is one of the fastest growing areas of specialization in mental health and criminal justice. As more cities and states recognize the expanding demand for programs, services, planning, and supervision of clients who have both mental health needs and criminal justice involvement, professionals to address these needs are in high demand.

These professional boundary spanners provide specialized expertise across the many social systems these clients utilize including the criminal justice, mental health, substance abuse, and social service systems.

This 39-credit graduate program will prepare you to be an effective professional in your area of specialization by providing an exciting cross-disciplinary program that includes clinical and non-clinical course work in social science research, law, psychology, criminal justice, substance abuse, and victimology.  You will learn about (a) the many issues facing agencies, individuals, and families who are affected by the forensic mental health system and (b) evidence-based solutions to these complex issues. The development of cultural competency and critical thinking skills are evident throughout the curriculum. The core modules are:

  • Research Methods in the Social Sciences
  • Introduction to Forensic Mental Health
  • Victimology and Victim Services
  • Evaluation and Treatment of Adult Offenders
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Substance Abuse
  • Introduction to US Law for FMH
  • Evaluation and Treatment of Court-Involved Youth
  • Counseling a Culturally Diverse Population
  • Counseling Skills

This 39-credit graduate program will prepare you to be an effective professional in your area of specialization by providing an exciting cross-disciplinary program that includes clinical and non-clinical course work in social science research, law, psychology, criminal justice, substance abuse, and victimology.  You will learn about (a) the many issues facing agencies, individuals, and families who are affected by the forensic mental health system and (b) evidence-based solutions to these complex issues. The development of cultural competency and critical thinking skills are evident throughout the curriculum.The more than 3,000 students at The Sage Colleges pursue bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campuses in both Troy and Albany, NY, as well as online. No matter the location, students participate in an environment that offers varied interdisciplinary academics, opportunities for community engagement, extensive options to study abroad, and a range of artistic and athletic endeavors. Programs are available at the coeducational Sage College of Albany in New York’s capital city; the historic Russell Sage College for women in Troy; the graduate-level Esteves School of Education, School of Health Sciences, and School of Management, which each operate on both campuses; and via the Internet through Sage Online.

University Syracuse University, Biomedical Forensic Science M.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $29,660  per year
Program link

The M.S. in Biomedical Forensic Science is a pre-medical program for students interested in applying to medical school or pursuing allied careers in medicine, pathology, toxicology, DNA analysis, or forensic biology. Unique among colleges and universities, this 34-credit-hour program is flexible enough to meet the needs of recent college graduates and mid-career professionals. Considerable attention is paid to the medical and toxicological aspects of forensic science. The core modules are:

  • Human Osteology
  • Anthropology of Death
  • Bioarchaeology
  • Biochemistry I and II
  • Biology of Cancer
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Organic Spectroscopy
  • Metals in Medicine
  • Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry
  • Perspectives in Biochemistry
  • Forensic Entomology
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
  • Latent Prints
  • Firearms & Impression Evidence
  • Forensic Linguistics

FNSSI provides leadership, training, and research for highly qualified science practitioners with exceptional scientific skills, legal and political understanding, and ethical practices. Syracuse is uniquely poised among universities to provide the comprehensive leadership and expertise needed to combat global terrorism, promote security, and support criminal forensic science.

University Syracuse University,  Forensic Science M.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $29,660  per year
Program link

The Advanced Track prepares students mostly for analyst positions in crime laboratories, private companies, and federal agencies. Much attention is paid to laboratory research, in which students participate in, write about, and defend original research projects. Students also benefit from gateway courses that make them more marketable and knowledgeable, particularly in areas involving quality assurance and ethics. The 36-credit-hour track also trains students for various analytical and communications challenges they may encounter in the workplace. The core modules are:

  • Advanced Forensic Science
  • Statistics for the Forensic Sciences
  • Research & Career Resources
  • Quality Assurance & Ethics
  • Biochemistry
  • Population Genetics
  • Molecular Biology Laboratory
  • Medicolegal Death Investigation for Emergency Responders
  • Forensic Entomology
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
  • Latent Prints
  • Forensic Photography
  • Principles of Toxicology
  • Forensic Pathology

The concentrations of this masters of science program are: crime scene investigation, forensic anthropology, forensic chemistry, impressions evidence, jurisprudence, linguistics, medicolegal death investigation, national security science, psychiatry and behavioral science, toxicology. Each student is required to participate in original research, write a detailed report of publishable quality, and successfully defend the results in front of a committee of three faculty members in a public seminar. This research should be conducted as part of an on- or off-campus research project, internship, or independent study. Additional credits of independent study or internship may be used to satisfy elective credit or concentration credit by petition.

 

 

Forensic Science Degrees in Connecticut

connecticut forensic science

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 Connecticut.

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 Connecticut

In general, an associate’s degree allows students to prepare to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in forensic science through a scientific curriculum and plenty of hands-on experience in analyzing and processing the physical evidence found at crime scenes. A comprehensive associate’s degree program will incorporate physical science and law in the context of forensic investigations. Core requirements for an associate’s degree in forensic science therefore often include:

  • Forensic Psychology
  • Forensic Aspects of Death Investigation
  • Fire and Arson Investigation
  • Physical Identifiers
  • Firearms and Toolmarks Identification
  • Basic Accident Investigation

A bachelor’s degree in forensic science not only provides an education in the technical aspects of forensic science, but in the biological sciences, physics, and chemistry, as well. As such, a bachelor’s degree in forensic science is rather cross-disciplinary, with students engaging in both criminal justice and science courses. Through a comprehensive bachelor’s degree program in forensic science, students are provided with an appreciation of the scientific and social environment of crime and of the criminal justice system.

 

Forensic Science Salary in Connecticut

The field of forensics is growing in Connecticut.  Its Department of Labor estimated that the number of jobs for forensic scientists will increase 16.9% between 2010 and 2020.  The pay level has been increasing yearly, too, with an increase of 21.6% from 2004 to 2012.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), slightly over one third of the forensic science technicians in the state worked in the Hartford area.  The eighty forensic science technicians employed in Connecticut in 2012 had an annual median salary of $68,140.  Experienced professionals in the top tenth percent of their wage bracket earned an average of $88,840 a year.

In addition to the forensic scientists who work as lab technicians, a number of people in this field work in the area of crime scene investigation.  They document the scenes and collect physical evidence from the sites.

Crime scene investigator (CSI) jobs vary from those of highly experienced police detectives with forensic training to civilian positions that employ people with an education in forensics or criminal justice.

There are a number of specialized jobs for CSIs, including criminalists and latent fingerprint examiners. The pay for criminalists in Connecticut typically increases by 22% after having ten years of experience.  Salary data is available for crime scene technician positions in Waterbury.  These jobs pay from $37,270 to $50,718 a year based on information available in 2013.

 

Forensic Science Training in Connecticut

Forensic science jobs are most often focused on the forensic laboratory, whereas the professionals at the scene of the crime generally fall under the field of crime scene investigation (CSI). Forensic scientists are professionals who gain valuable information regarding crime scene investigations through scientific analysis and observation. A Forensic Science Examiner I within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services, is responsible for receiving, examining, and conducting complex analyses of physical evidence in the areas of DNA, forensic identification, and toxicology. Forensic scientists working in Connecticut’s Forensic Science Laboratory must possess at least 6 years of experience in the forensic analysis of evidentiary material. Candidates for forensic scientist jobs in Connecticut who meet the minimum experience/education requirements must take an examination that assesses their experience and training knowledge in the following areas:

  • Modern methods in crime scene processing and evidence examination
  • Applicable techniques and procedures for analyzing evidentiary materials
  • Physical laboratory instrumentation, documents, firearms, fingerprints and reconstruction techniques
  • Computer-based operating systems
  • The team approach in gathering and analyzing evidence

 

Schools and Colleges in Connecticut

Bachelor’s Degrees

 

 

University University of New Haven, Connecticut, Forensic Psychology B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,245 per year
Program link

 

Before a crime is committed in deed, it is committed in thought – if only for a split second.  Those who work in criminal justice know that if they can understand the mindset behind a crime, they can more quickly solve it and bring the perpetrator to justice.  UNH’s criminal justice and public safety programs are psychology-based, endowing you with a keen grasp of crime-solving and public safety issues.  The depth of coverage you will receive in these programs is virtually unmatched. Certain minors are superb partners for a criminal justice degree — forensic science, fire science, and arson/fire investigation, for example. You can also complete certificates in areas such as law enforcement science, computer forensic investigations, information protection and security, and private security. One of these additional skill sets will greatly enhance your value to future employers. Internships and co-op opportunities will give you irreplaceable, hands-on field experience so that you can apply what you learn in class.  Your work will be in selected federal, state, or local criminal justice agencies with faculty supervision, guidance, and review.   Our internships are meaningful in that they are relevant to our students’ area of interest.

The department also participates in the cooperative education program.  With this program, you’ll not only get practical experience in your career field, you’ll also get paid for it! The criminal justice program at UNH is one of the oldest, largest, and best-known programs in the United States.  That means we have a large alumni network — one that works very much in your favor.  UNH alumni have a reputation for staying involved with students, and our criminal justice alumni are especially supportive.  They’ll give you a ton of networking opportunities that can help move you along your career path. The core modules are:

  •  Introduction to Criminal Justice
  •  Criminal Law
  •  Principles Criminal Investigation
  •  Forensic Psychology
  •  Criminal Procedure
  •  Scientific Methods in Criminal Justice
  •  Quantitative Applications in Criminal Justice
  •  Criminology
  •  Criminal Justice Program Seminar
  •  Criminal Justice Preinternship
  •  Police and Investigative Psychology
  •  Legal Psychology
  •  Law, Psychology and the Mental Health System
  •  Child and Family Intervention Strategy
  •  Adult Intervention Strategies
  •  Seminar in Forensic Psychology
  •  Child Development
  •  Abnormal Psychology
  •  Theories of Personality

The forensic psychology concentration prepares students for professional and graduate careers in various criminal justice and mental health settings. All courses focus on new developments and best practices from a cross-disciplinary perspective. The program provides a wide array of courses covering a broad spectrum of topics in forensic psychology, including areas such as experimental research, mental health law, investigative psychology and clinical services.

Students earning a B.S. degree in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic psychology must complete the University Core Curriculum, the common courses for criminal justice majors and the above mentioned courses.

University University of New Haven, Connecticut, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,245 per year
Program link

The bachelor of science in forensic science is offered with a choice of two emphasis areas, chemistry or biology, to allow the student to major in forensic science and specialize in an area of interest.The University of New Haven is a private, independent, comprehensive University based in southern New England, specializing in quality educational opportunities and preparation of both traditional and returning students for successful careers and self-reliant, productive service in a global society.The University of New Haven is a student-centered comprehensive university with an emphasis on excellence in liberal arts and professional education. Our mission is to prepare our students to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society by providing the highest-quality education through experiential, collaborative and discovery-based learning. The core modules are:

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Law
  • Professional Practices in Forensic Science
  • Introduction to Forensic Science for Majors
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Seminar in Forensic Science
  • Forensic Science Internship
  • Forensic Biology with Lab
  • Criminalistics with Lab
  • Biology for Science Majors with Lab
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

For nearly a century, the University of New Haven has equipped students with the practical skills and critical knowledge necessary for success in an array of professional pursuits. In turn, our graduates have become the business executives, engineers, scientists, teachers and public officials leading and supporting our communities. As knowledge expands and these pursuits become more complex, a university’s approach to education must correspondingly change.   A new generation of technologically sophisticated students learn differently and require refashioned forms of teaching. They collaborate, find and share knowledge instantly, and fully immerse themselves in the educational process. They think globally and don’t recognize academic silos. They increasingly aim to apply what they learn to their chosen careers, even before graduating, by engaging in internships and research projects. Universities must facilitate this discovery-based learning and prepare students for success in today’s rapidly changing economic and technological landscape.

A national leader in experiential education, the University of New Haven is on the vanguard of this revolution. We seek to harness new advances in technology, reshape teaching and learning, and foster an educational environment where students benefit by creating, doing and achieving. They also will build upon their historical academic strengths in science, engineering and business—and, more recently, in security and public safety. they will enhance these programs and discover new ways of creating interdisciplinary connections and promoting strategic partnerships. The vision is to become one of the Northeast’s premier comprehensive universities offering a technologically advanced, experience-based, outcomes-focused education, one that produces graduates who will use their knowledge and skills to strengthen communities throughout the region, the nation and the world.

University Central Connecticut State University, Criminology and Criminal Justice Department, Criminology B.A.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,245 per year
Program link

Criminology/Criminal Justice is a growing field in today’s society with numerous employment opportunities at local, state, and federal levels. Our program provides a variety of classes with an extensive examination of how the Criminal Justice system functions in society as well as an intensive understanding of the theories involved in studying crime. The faculty are always willing to assist students with their career goals. Additionally, our internship program provides students with hands on experience working in a criminal justice related agency. The purpose of the Baccalaureate degree is to prepare students to enter a profession upon graduation or pursue advanced degrees. Our students have obtained law enforcement positions at the federal, state, and local levels; others have accepted positions as adult or juvenile probation officers, investigators for the public defender’s office, community treatment facilitators, correctional officers, program evaluators, and court administrators. The program also provides continuing education for professionals already employed in the field. The core modules are:

  •  Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
  •  Law Enforcement and Society
  •  Criminal Procedures and the Courts
  •  Corrections
  •  Criminology
  •  Research Methods in Criminal Justice
  •  Supervised Field Studies in Criminal Justice

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice aims to prepare both undergraduate and graduate students for successful careers in criminal justice and related fields. Students who complete our programs are also well prepared to pursue advanced professional degrees. Our programs welcome diversity, encourage creative thought, incorporate advanced technologies, and emphasize critical thinking. Students learn from faculty who are actively engaged in real-world research or currently work in criminal justice organizations.

Master’s Degrees

University University of New Haven, Forensic Science M.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $13,184 per year
Program link

One of the most established and well-respected forensic science programs in the country, our master’s program in forensic science will provide you with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to apply analytical and scientific methods to criminal investigation. Through concentrated study in our laboratories and in our state-of-the-art National Crime Scene Training Center, you will obtain unparalleled hands-on experience that you can apply immediately in your chosen career. In addition to a sequence of core coursework, you will complete courses to satisfy one of two distinct degree programs as well as a series of electives. The core modules are:

  • Survey of Forensic Science
  • Advanced Crime Scene Investigation
  • Forensic Photography
  • Fingerprint Analysis
  • Physical Analysis in Forensic Science plus Lab
  • Drug Chemistry and Identification
  • Advanced Criminalistics
  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Forensic Microscopy
  • Firearm Evidence Analysis
  • Forensic DNA Analysis plus Lab
  • Forensic Science Research Project
  • Forensic Science Internship

Forensic science is a broad, interdisciplinary field in which the natural sciences are employed to analyze and evaluate physical evidence in matters of the law. The interdisciplinary forensic science program has three concentrations: criminalistics, fire science, and advanced investigation. In addition to the M.S. degree programs, professional certificates are offered in all the specialties for those who want certification in a second track. The criminalistics concentration provides an advanced technical background for those wishing to enter the criminalistics field as professional laboratory examiners. The fire science concentration provides advanced training in arson scene investigation, laboratory analysis of arson-related evidence, and related aspects of arson and fire investigation. The advanced investigation concentration provides advanced training in forensic sciences and in investigation techniques and is designed for students interested in applying forensic science to investigations, forensic identification, crime scene processing, and related work.

The program and courses stress not only up-to-date analytical and scientific methods but also a broad understanding of the concepts underlying the forensic sciences. Degree programs in forensic science require a sequence of core courses, followed by concentration courses, and a flexible offering of electives designed to meet individual interests. Degree requirements can be fulfilled in five trimesters. Because admissions criteria differ, at the time of initial application students must specify which concentration they plan to pursue. Students who later decide to change concentrations may be required to re-apply. For admission to the criminalistics concentration, students must have an undergraduate degree in a natural science (chemistry, biology, or physics) or forensic science from an accredited institution. Applicants should have taken at least one year of general chemistry with lab, one year of organic chemistry with lab, and one semester of instrumental analysis or analytical chemistry with lab. A semester of biochemistry with lab and a year of physics with lab are highly recommended.

For criminalistics concentration applicants planning to pursue forensic biology, recommended undergraduate course work includes biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, statistics, and population genetics, or other subjects that provide foundation knowledge for forensic DNA analysis. Applications are strengthened by an overall undergraduate average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and grades of B or better in science and mathematics courses. Applicants for the criminalistics concentration are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and submit their scores to Graduate Admissions as part of their application. Applications are strengthened by verbal scores falling at or above the 50th percentile and by quantitative/analytical scores falling at or above the 70th percentile.

Forensic Science Degrees in Massachusetts

massachusetts forensic science

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 Massachusetts.

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 Requirements in Massachusetts

Forensic science employers in Massachusetts usually request that an applicant’s degree, whether undergraduate or graduate, be in one of the natural sciences. These include forensic science, physics, chemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and biochemistry.

It is a good idea to choose, if possible, a forensic science degree program that is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Employers in Massachusetts often hire FEPAC program graduates over non-FEPAC program graduates.

Forensic science degree programs available in Massachusetts and online include:

  • Associate of Science in Biotechnology-Forensic Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Forensic Science Concentration
  • Master of Science/Doctoral Degree in Forensics
  • Master of Science/Doctoral Degree in Biomedical Forensic Science
  • Master of Science/Doctoral Degree in Forensic Anthropology

 

Forensic Training in Massachusetts

Forensic science is a wide field encompassing a variety of disciplines. Forensic science jobs in Massachusetts may range from analyzing evidence obtained at a crime scene, to running toxicology and drug tests, to examining DNA. The broadness of the forensic science discipline is what draws many students to this field, as well as the exciting nature of the investigatory work. Becoming a forensic scientist means studying the natural sciences, as well as anthropology and evidence technology and techniques.

Examples of the types of jobs that may be available to forensic science graduates in Massachusetts include:

  • Forensic scientist
  • DNA Forensic scientist
  • Forensic examiner
  • DNA technician
  • Digital evidence specialist

Forensic science technician or technology-based jobs in Massachusetts may require a two-year associate degree, but most Massachusetts forensic science jobs require at least a four-year degree. For example, a recently advertised forensic researcher position requires a master’s degree in Forensic Science or a related field; while a job such as DNA Forensic Scientist for the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory requires a bachelor’s degree.

 

Forensic Salary in Massachusetts

After graduation, generally forensic scientists find work within federal or state crime laboratories. Working for the government can provide a person with additional pay in the form of benefits, however most entry-level positions in forensic science crime labs pay minimum at first, usually averaging around $1500 per month. Over time, a forensic scientist can build experience which increases ones pay. Some forensic scientists who have been in the business for 5 years see their salaries double from $1500 to $3000 per month just because of the experience factor. Other forensic scientists eventually earn salaries that are between $35,000 and $50,000 per year.

Determining ones pay usually involves several different factors. Location, type of facility, experience and certification all play parts in ones annual income. Another factor is what type of forensic scientist you are. Toxicologists can earn starting salaries up to $55,000 while a Forensic Quality Manager can earn up to $93,000. As mentioned, salaries can be determined by location. For those living in rural, secluded areas crime may not occur as often as someone living in a large city where crime occurs daily. If you work for the government, you have to be willing to get paid what they are willing to pay you. If crime is not occurring, they may not have many hours to provide you, which can decrease your pay. Getting yourself certified by the American Board of Criminalists or the American Board of Forensic Toxicology can help your pay increase too. Certification lets employers know that you are experienced, skilled, educated and trained for the task at hand.

 

Forensic Schools and Colleges in Massachussets

Bachelor’s Degree

 

University Mount Ida College, Massachusetts, Applied Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $29,232 per year
Program link

In our Applied Forensic Science Bachelor’s Degree Program, you’ll get your fingerprints all over the subject matter. We take a hands-on approach to the applied forensic science, emphasizing practical skills and direct experience. You’ll earn a career-oriented bachelor’s degree in forensic science—and you’ll get to do it at a beautiful New England college that couldn’t be more unlike a crime lab. In between your applied forensic science classes, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to play sports, make friends, enjoy nearby Boston and explore interests beyond forensic science.Mount Ida’s Applied Forensic Science Degree is led by faculty with over 100 years of combined professional experience. Our small forensic science classes ensure lots of one-on-one interaction with instructors, so you’ll get all the support you need to master forensic science procedures, technologies and concepts. Case studies and simulated investigations will give you the chance to tackle real-life forensic science challenges and develop professional skills that include:  lab testing and documentation, crime scene analysis and reconstruction techniques, evidence handling and legal procedures, critical thinking, writing and research. The core modules are:

  • 18 credits in core forensic sciences
  • 18 credits in criminal justice
  • 31 credits in related science courses
  • 33 credits in arts, sciences and humanities
  • 21 credits in open electives

In the Applied Forensic Science Program, students combine biology, chemistry, and criminal justice courses to approach crime scene analysis. Our faculty members are renowned forensic scientists who have received awards for their teaching as well as scientific contributions. They provide training in our fully-equipped labs with hands-on personalized instruction from working in forensic investigation. Upon graduation, they prepare you for on-scene work in a wide variety of disciplines from police departments to medical examiners offices to federal agencies.Professor James Jabbour, Program Director, M.S., has held many positions as a retired Police Inspector after 30 years in law enforcement. His involvement in cases from crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, recreation, and reconstruction of evidence, has allowed him to bring a multidisciplinary approach to his teaching. Additionally, before coming to our college, he was assigned to the Witness Protection Program and a Computer Crimes Task Force, assisting with cold case investigations, homicides, police shootings and statewide prosecutions.

University Anna Maria College, Massachusetts, Forensic Criminology B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $23,500 per year
Program link

The major in Forensic Criminology provides students with a specialized examination of the criminal justice system from both sociological and scientific perspectives. While Criminal Justice aims to study the breadth of criminal activities and its control through policing and corrections, Forensic Criminology explores the depth of crime, its causes and criminal motivation to address legal and investigative questions. Forensic means the application of science to the law. Through a focus on evidence and process, students are challenged to assess systemic and societal responses to various criminal populations and case studies.

 

Courses, labs and field experience combine to ready students for careers in criminal justice and forensic investigations or to pursue further graduate studies. Consistent with the mission of Anna Maria College, this major will prepare students with a liberal education for professional service in society and the administration of justice. The core modules are:

  • Foundations of Criminal Justice
  • Crime Scene Forensics
  •  Constitutional Law
  •  Criminology
  • Criminalistics
  •  Cyber Crime
  • Forensic Psychology
  •  Forensic Anthropology
  • Criminal Evidence
  • Cybercrime II: Internet Vulnerabilities and Criminal Investigation
  •  Child Abuse
  • Forensic Archaeology
The Learning Goals of the program are: to develop a critical understanding of the field of criminal justice and forensics through a balance of theory and practical application; to develop an interdisciplinary perspective on the issues which face criminal justice professionals; to develop leadership and decision making skills; to develop knowledge and foster an appreciation for research methodology and its ability to inform both policy and practice; to develop a critical understanding of the ethical dimensions of the field; to develop a commitment to social justice, civic responsibility and feel the importance of respecting the dignity of all persons. Anna Maria College, a Catholic institution of higher learning, recognizes its obligation to serve its immediate community, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the nation and the world through the provision of education, the preservation of learning, and the sponsorship of research. Rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition of higher education, Anna Maria College is maintained and operated in conformity with the values of the Judeo-Christian tradition and in keeping with the ideals of its foundresses, the Sisters of Saint Anne. These ideals, which reflect the development of the total human being, also include increasing access to quality education, educational innovation and respect for practical skills. Specifically, Anna Maria College sees its mission to be that of fostering in its students intellectual involvement, career preparation, social awareness, dedication to justice and peace, religious and moral sensitivity, and a lifestyle capable of sustaining these within balance. In addition, the College is committed to nurturing the development of a sense of respect for oneself and for others, as well as a sense of responsibility to society and the world.

 

 

University Assumption College, Massachusetts, Criminology B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $35,510 per year
Program link

Criminology is far more than the study of “how” crimes occur, it explains the underlying reasons why crimes occur in society. Assumption College’s major in Criminology provides students with an understanding of crime as a social phenomenon, both regarding its causes and its consequences for society. Coursework in the major encompasses the study of how laws are made (the sociology of law), why some people break those laws (theories of crime), and the societal reaction to law-breaking behavior by the criminal justice system (the field of penology).The major also gives students a strong background in the social science research methods and sociological theories they will need throughout their careers. n addition to their excellent teaching credentials, the faculty of the Sociology Criminology, and Anthroplogy department have extensive experience as scholars in the fields of sociology and criminology. The faculty blend their research skills into a rich classroom environment where concepts and theories are integrated with real world examples. Our teachers are also mentors and get to know students individually. Faculty advisors assist students with everything from course selection to exploring their career opportunities. The core modules are:

  • Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
  •  Criminology
  •  Juvenile Delinquency
  •  Deviant Behavior
  •  Sociology of Law
  •  Victimology
  •  Internship Seminar: Sociologists and Anthropologists at work
  •  Sociology of Law
  •  Constitutional Law
  •  Social Inequality in Society
  •  Gender Issues in Society
Assumption College, a liberal arts and professional studies college, lies at the center of Massachusetts in the City of Worcester. The campus is approximately three miles from the downtown area. Its location in Central Massachusetts among 15 other colleges and universities, affords employees many academic, cultural and social advantages. In addition, Worcester has many fine facilities and programs, including an outstanding, nationally know art museum and music festival, a symphony orchestra and science museum. Worcester has a large public school system and several excellent private elementary and secondary schools. Facilities for winter and summer sports and for all sorts of recreational activities abound in Worcester and vicinity. Proximity to the cities of Boston and Springfield (approximately one hour by car) add numerous opportunities to those available locally.

 

University Bay Path University, Massachusetts, Forensic Psychology B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $35,510 per year
Program link

The Forensic Psychology program at Bay Path is designed for you to apply the principles and insights of psychology within the criminal justice system. You can become involved in working with gang members, adolescent and adult offenders, victims and perpetrators of crime including domestic violence, sexual assaults, families, court advocacy, substance abuse, individuals with chronic mental illness, and more.

Bay Path is one of the few women’s colleges in the United States to offer forensic psychology as a major! The demand for expertise in this field is rapidly increasing, with multiple career opportunities. As part of the program, guest speakers are scheduled in various classes to help students learn about the different opportunities in the field of forensic psychology. The core modules are:

  • Survey of Forensic Psychology
  •  Psychology of Criminal Behavior
  •  Psychology of Female Offenders
  •  Advanced Seminar in Forensic Psychology
  •  Abnormal Psychology
  •  Introduction to the American Legal System
The Co-Op Program is one of the many options for traditional students to benefit from experiential learning. Students gain credit for working 100 hours at a local human service organization. In addition, they take a seminar class to provide support and facilitate connections for theory and practice. This highly selective program is available to qualified students at the sophomore level, and is conducted during the spring semester. The Co-Op faculty advisor works closely with students to place them at sites that match their interests. The kinds of work responsibilities vary from site to site, but typically include: research projects, creating resource materials for staff and families, and direct care with clients in residential or after-school programs. Co-Op students are sponsored by our Community Partners. The Psychology Program at Bay Path is proud to announce its Community Partners for 2013. These organizations are providing opportunities for experiential learning to our students from all programs – Traditional, One-Day, and Graduate. Through Co-Op, service-learning projects, research projects, fieldwork & internships, you will gain valuable experience and contacts with these notable and respected agencies. You can specialize in fields ranging from mental health counseling to industrial-organizational behavior by continuing your education in graduate programs across the country or right here at Bay Path at one of convenient locations:  Longmeadow Campus, Burlington, MA or Sturbridge, MA in our Master of Science in Developmental Psychology Program or MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

 

Master’s Degree

University Division of Graduate Medical Sciences Boston University, Massachusetts
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $43,970 per year
Program link

 

The MS in Forensic Anthropology Program offers a variety of courses in forensic anthropological techniques and procedures, taphonomy, human anatomy, osteology, pathology, human remains recovery, death investigation, experimental design and statistics, expert witness testimony and crime scene investigation.

Completion of this program will prepare students to continue their graduate education in a doctoral program and/or work in a wide variety of settings including medical examiners or coroners offices, crime laboratories, state and federal agencies and international organizations. The core modules are:

  •  History, Methods and Theory in Biological Anthropology
  •  Human Anatomy and Osteology
  •  Professional Skills and Thesis Research Development
  •  Special Topics in Forensic Anthropology: Outdoor Crime Scene Awareness
  •  Taphonomy
  •  Forensic Anthropology Techniques
  •  Bioarchaeology
  •  Zooarchaeology
  •  Research in Anthropology
  •  Taphonomy
  •  Mortuary Archaeology
  •  Advanced Osteology
  •  Expert Witness Testimony
  •  Applied Forensic Anthropology
  •  Elementary Biostatistics
This unique program is one of the only graduate forensic anthropology programs in a department of anatomy at a major medical center. This setting will provide students and faculty access to extensive resources and facilities, including the university’s outdoor research facility and human gross anatomy laboratory.

With the close affiliated with the Masters Degree Program in Biomedical Forensic Sciences, students have the opportunity to pursue training in multiple areas of forensic sciences.

University Bay Path University, Massachusetts, Forensic Science, M.S.
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $30,859 per year
Program link

Forensic science is continually evolving. It’s a profession with high expectations, and high ethical standards. Bay Path’s Master of Science in Forensics teaches to those principles.

Forensic DNA testing changed the face of the criminal justice system. Today, with the help of DNA analysis and other techniques forensic scientists are solving cold cases, helping define crime scenes, and working with police and legal teams to reliably and accurately contribute to identifying perpetrators. Their scientific knowledge and expertise can have a profound impact: it can be the difference in a conviction, or bring long-awaited closure to families. A profession firmly based on scientific integrity, the contributions of forensic scientists to the workings of the judicial system cannot be underrated. They help to keep our society safe. The program has small classes so you not only understand and practice accurate procedures in collecting and preserving evidence, but you will gain broad knowledge in scientific standards related to crime scene investigation and reconstruction. The professors are practitioners in the field, with leadership in crime labs, and experience in high-profile investigations. Your peers are more than likely working the field, because we’ve developed a program that is for the working professional. And the courses cover a range of disciplines — including DNA analysis, examination of fingerprints or footwear impressions, crime scene reconstruction, and firearm analysis — used to solve criminal cases. Leadership is stamped on the entire program. From management practices to budgeting to human relations, you learn how to run a successful lab.  The core modules are:

  • Forensic Biology
  •   Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
  •  Forensic Science Seminar
  •  Ethical and Legal Issues in Forensic Science
  •  Advanced Criminalistics and Crime Investigation and Reconstruction
  •  Advanced Microscopy
  •  Forensic Science Administration
  •  Forensic Science Methods and Statistics
  •  Forensic Science Research Project
Reconstruction, real-life simulations, and case observations—in the MS in Forensics the best way to learn is by doing. You may find yourself wearing Kevlar gloves or suit to minimize contamination and for safety. Another time you are investigating a perfectly reconstructed crime scene where your powers of observation are tested. Or you visit a crime lab to understand how quality control and maintenance is addressed. The program is the perfect blend of academic theory, scientific practices, and hands-on. The Master of Science in Forensics provides students with an intensive and holistic criminalistics experience through a combination of didactic and practical educational and research experiences in forensic science education that enables students to reach the highest levels of their intellectual achievement and personal growth. The program requires completion of a total of 39 credits. Each student is required to successfully complete the core curriculum which provides an expansive and broad-based educational experience in forensic science. Consequently, students are required to have a foundation consisting of various chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics courses equivalent to those in a forensics or biology undergraduate program to satisfy admissions require-ments for entrance into the program. Students with undergraduate degrees in a field other than science must complete these foundation courses at the undergraduate level prior to admission into the program. The courses are offered through a combination of on campus and online delivery with the on campus courses taught at Bay Path’s main campus in Longmeadow. All the elements to make a confident, proficient, and responsive forensic scientist.

 

University University of Massachusetts Lowell Criminal Justice & Criminology, M.S.
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $11,014 per year
Program link

The Master’s degree program offers courses in two formats: on-campus and online. Students may take courses in either of the formats or a combination. Requirements are the same for all course formats. Once the majority of required courses have been completed, students are free to choose the remaining courses in their program of study. Students should meet with their advisor to develop an individualized course of study that best meets their interests and needs.  Selected specialty courses will be taken during the second or subsequent year. With the approval of the academic advisor, students may select up to nine credits of graduate level courses in other programs at the university. Students will be assigned an academic advisor, usually the Graduate Coordinator, when entering the program.  Juniors and seniors at UMass Lowell who have a 3.0 GPA or better and have earned a B or better in 44.395 (Criminal Justice Statistics) are eligible to apply for the B.S/M.A. program.  The B.S./M.A. program allows for completion of both degrees in five years if desired.  As part of the program, two graduate classes may be counted toward both the 120 credit hours required for the B.S. degree and the 33 credit hours required for the M.A. degree.  Please note once the student graduates with their Bachelor’s degree and enters the Master’s program, the student must transfer the credits from the graduate courses taken while they were pursuing their Bachelor’s degree by completing an academic petition asking for the credits to be transferred into the Master’s program. During the first year of full-time study, students emphasize the five core courses. The decision to complete a thesis should be made before the completion of 24 credits. Full time students will enroll in thesis during the second year of study. Selected specialty courses will be taken during the second or subsequent year. With the approval of the academic advisor, students may select up to nine credits of graduate level courses in other programs at the university. Students will be assigned an academic advisor, usually the Graduate Coordinator, when entering the program. Students will be required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative average. If a student should receive a grade below a B, the academic advisor will meet with the student to discuss methods of improving performance. No more than six credits below a B may be counted toward the degree. If a student should receive a second grade below a B, there will be a review by the Graduate Committee for such actions as a warning, probation, or loss of degree candidacy. Such action will be subject to the approval of the Graduate Dean. All requirements for the degree must be completed within five years of the time the student was first admitted as a matriculated student. The core modules are:

  • Criminological Theory – Foundations
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice
  •  Research Design
  • Criminal Justice Scholarship
  •  Law and Public Policy
Students may choose to complete a Master’s Thesis. The decision to complete a thesis should be made before the completion of 24 credits. Full time students will enroll in thesis during the second year of study.  The thesis will be completed under the direction of a mutually acceptable thesis advisor. The thesis proposal must be approved by a thesis committee, composed of the thesis advisor (chair) and two other committee members chosen by the student and approved by the Graduate Coordinator. An approved copy of the proposal will be filed with the Graduate Coordinator. The thesis will represent the student’s ability to formulate, carry out, and present a significant research project. A “defense of thesis” will be conducted before the thesis committee and other interested faculty and students. Thesis forms and guidelines are available.

 

University Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, Forensic Psychology M.S.
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $28,643 per year
Program link

This program examines the relationship between psychology and the legal system, and trains students at this intersection as it relates to applying psychological principles to legal issues in judicial, correctional, clinical, administrative, and education systems. The full-time two-year course of study combines intensive on-site weekends and online learning over a two-year period. Although the primary goal is to prepare master’s level clinicians, this program will also provide students with some of the necessary foundations for pursuing further graduate study. Graduates of this program will have fulfilled all educational requirements to qualify for licensure in the state of Massachusetts as Mental Health Counselors (LMHC). MSPP integrates rigorous academic instruction with extensive field education and professional development assistance. We believe that the best learning comes from integrating classroom knowledge with hands-on experience. The curriculum provides for an understanding of theory, training, and practice of forensic counseling psychology. We emphasize the development of professionals who are committed to the ethical provisions of quality services to culturally diverse clients, agencies, and organizations. The core modules are:

  • Psychology of Diversity and Difference
  • Psychodrama and Drama Therapy
  • Advanced Expressive Therapies – Theories and Practice
  • Forensic Internship
  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Sex Offender Evaluation and Treatment
  • Psychology Appraisal and Assessment
  • Forensic Capstone Project Seminar
  • Trauma – Theory and Treatment

The Master of Arts in Forensic & Counseling Psychology enables graduates to work in fields that utilize the study and practice of forensic counseling psychology, including court clinics, secured forensic units, correctional facilities, child advocacy centers, forensic assessment, and treatment facilities, in addition to being prepared to work in general counseling settings.Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Forensic & Counseling Psychology are trained to work as master’s level practitioners with individuals, families and systems that interface with the legal and criminal justice arena. The aim is to prepare clinicians who will be able to assess, treat, consult and apply counseling psychology in forensic settings. When so many individuals involved with the criminal justice system have great need for trained professionals in this area, we are providing clinicians that are thoroughly trained and sensitive to their particular challenges.

Forensic Science Degrees in Wisconsin

wisconsin forensic science degree

Forensic Science

Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past which is then used in a court of law and it requires very intense training and formal education.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 Wisconsin.

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 Wisconsin

A bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a natural science is a requirement for getting a job as a forensic scientist. A Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry is recommended for persons interested in specializing in toxicology, the analysis of bodily specimens for the presence of poison or other harmful chemicals. Individuals wishing to focus on analyzing and comparing DNA samples from blood, sweat, saliva, semen or other bodily fluids would be wise to major in a field like biochemistry or molecular genetics.

“AFIS Specialist” is the only scientific job at the Wisconsin crime labs that does not require a bachelor’s degree. These technicians use the Automated Fingerprint Identification System to search, catalog, match and store fingerprints, palm prints, latent prints and other demographic data as well as to interface with the FBI database. The job requires a high school diploma (or its equivalent) and FBI certified AFTS training which is offered online by a number of schools.

Forensic Science Training in Wisconsin

There are currently 130 forensic scientists working in Wisconsin and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that number will experience a 19 percent increase by 2020. Most forensic scientists in Wisconsin are employed by the state; however, other potential employers include medical facilities, colleges/universities and private research or analytical laboratories. Wisconsin has at least 23 four-year colleges/universities offering bachelor’s degrees in the natural sciences and at least three of these have programs in forensic science. The primary state university has campuses in 13 cities making it convenient for people living almost anywhere in the state to attend. At least one university offers three forensic science certificates that can be earned in addition to a bachelor’s degree.

Forensic Science Salary in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the average mean wages for forensic science technicians were $55,070, as of 2012 BLS data. This falls just below the nationwide average for the job, which was $55,730 as of 2012. However, depending on the time spent on the job and level of education, forensic science technicians can earn varying levels of pay. For example, those in the lowest 10 percent of pay earned as little as $32,200 while those in the highest 10 percent earned up to $85,210, according to 2012 data. Forensic science technicians could look for jobs in the state’s large cities of Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay, but also could find jobs in smaller towns and municipalities.

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Wisconsin

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

 

University Fox Valley Technical College, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $6,928 in-state, $19,354 per year
Program link

Forensic science is a fascinating field where law enforcement meets scientific investigation. Your training will introduce you to crime scene management, criminal law and constitutional law. You will learn how to identify, document, collect, preserve and analyze physical evidence. Gain experience with biological evidence such as DNA, as well as fingerprints and footwear impressions, trace evidence, tool marks and more. You’ll also develop skills for crash scene investigation, and property and evidence management. Then you can enhance your credentials with a concentration in either physical evidence or digital evidence. An internship gives you hands-on, real-world experience to help you prepare for entry-level positions in the forensic science field. The core modules are:

  • Biological and Trace Evidence
  • Basic Crime Scene Photography
  • Impression Evidence
  • Crash Scene Investigation
  • Property/Evidence Management
  • Forensic Science Capstone
  • Constitutional Law
  • Technical Reporting
  • Introductory Statistics

The program covers legal issues and a working knowledge of interview and interrogation techniques in agreement with current legal stipulations. Learn various forms of communications including verbal and nonverbal, as well as written statement analysis. Students will be instructed in appropriate interview techniques, the interviewing of victims and witnesses and interrogation techniques.

The courses explore the applications of science in the field of crime scene management from the crime scene to the courtroom and beyond. Students will focus on the examination and reconstruction of various crime scenes with the emphasis on the identification, collection, documentation and preservation of physical evidence. The program teaches the importance of crash scene management as a crime scene management application. Students are exposed to response, recognition, documentation, collection and preservation of evidence techniques. Topics include reports, legal aspects, manual and laser measuring techniques, plotting methods, manual and computer-aided diagramming, evidence collection, approach speed, approach angle, crush evaluation, departure angle, drag factor, percent braking, post-collision speed, scrape, skid, test skids, etc.

University Caroll University, Waukesha, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $27,850 per year
Program link

The chemistry program is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society. This approval means that the program has the faculty, curriculum and instrumentation necessary to provide a quality education for undergraduate students.

The chemistry program offers courses in the basic areas of inorganic, organic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry, which are supplemented by special opportunities such as industrial internships, studies in laboratory safety and health, and independent research. Modern scientific instrumentation is available and incorporated into all courses of the curriculum. Recognizing the individuality of students and that chemistry can be a strong preparation for a variety of careers, the program offers three emphases. Students are encouraged to consult with chemistry faculty about the various emphases and opportunities associated with each. The core modules for the forensic science concentrations are:

– General Chemistry

– Biological Chemistry

– Forensic Science + Laboratory

– Advanced Forensic Science + Laboratory

– Drug Discovery

– Quantum Mecanics and Spectroscopy

– Advanced Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation

– Special Topics in Chemistry + Laboratory

Today, the institution draws upon its rich liberal arts tradition to prepare students to achieve their full potential in our ever-changing society. The University’s educational philosophy is sustained by the four pillars of integrated knowledge, lifelong skills, gateway experiences and enduring values. Integrated knowledge is the very foundation of a quality liberal arts program. The Carroll curriculum emphasizes breadth and depth of learning. Our purpose is to encourage students to recognize the interrelationships among ideas. We believe that students with this understanding will continue to learn, grow and succeed long after they leave the campus. Lifelong skills help students prepare for life and work in a world of rapid and constant change. We believe that graduates will continue to evolve and contribute to their communities long after they earn their degrees. To that end, our mission is to help students learn to think critically and creatively, adapt to changing technologies, work efficiently and effectively, collaborate with others, and communicate clear, compelling ideas. Enduring values help students to consider always the impact of their actions on the world around them. We believe that effective leaders draw their inspiration from strong personal value systems. Our goal, therefore, is to offer students multiple opportunities to make decisions and then to reflect upon their consequences. Gateway experiences occur both upon entering and upon leaving Carroll University. We believe that our educational responsibility extends beyond the classroom into every aspect of our students’ lives. That is why we place a special emphasis on preparing incoming students for university life and on helping graduates make successful transitions into their first jobs, or graduate and professional schools. The four pillars undergird all that they do at Carroll University. They are integral to the undergraduate curriculum and guide our post-baccalaureate and graduate programs. In other words, they provide the broad inspiration for the Carroll experience and the many relationships they nurture with other organizations and institutions.

 

University Marian University, Font du Lac, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $38, 540 per year
Program link

General Education Program: 46-49 credits University requirements. Major satisfies natural sciences and mathematics common core and elective core requirements, laboratory science common core requirement, social science elective core requirement, and applied liberal arts elective core requirement. Forensic science majors must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 beginning with entry to sophomore year and continuing through the first semester of senior year. Progression will be based on fall and spring ending cumulative GPAs only. Transfer students must complete one-half of their major and one-third of their minor credits at Marian University. The core modules are:

– Biological Principles I and II

– Genetics

– Introduction to Criminal Justice System

– Criminal Procedures

– Principles of Judicial Practices

– Survey of Forensic Sciences

– Forensic Photography + Laboratory

-Rules of Evidence

– Crime Scene Investigation + Laboratory

– Forensic Sciences + Laboratory

– Forensic Science Literature + Seminar

– Internship

– Introduction to Probability and Statistics

Designed to impact your mind and heart, Marian University education will inspire you to take on your goals and meet your full potential. You can be confident that you’ll get an outstanding education that will not only prepare you for a career, but also for the challenges of a changing world. With emphasis on combining academics with on-the-job training and service learning, you’ll be ready to put your knowledge and skills to work in inspiring ways, fulfilling your dreams and creating a life that you’ll love, while better serving your world as an informed, compassionate and caring citizen. Through your Marian education, you will inspire others by your actions and help make both the Marian community and the world a better place. The University is about outstanding academic programs designed to meet the needs of undergraduate, graduate students, and working adults. It’s about a distinguished faculty, a flexible curriculum, and a whole world of exciting research, internship and other experiential learning opportunities.

 

University University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Forensic Toxicology B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $9, 300 per year
Program link

Students seeking the B.S. in Forensic Toxicology will receive preparation for certification exams of both the American Board of Forensic Toxicology and the National Registry in Clinical Chemistry. Job opportunities would be available in crime labs, and hospital and commercial labs that screen for drugs of abuse. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a world of intellectual, social, and personal possibilities. Whether you study at UWM for one semester or all the way through to an undergraduate degree, this catalog can help you make the most of those possibilities. UWM features: 94 bachelor’s degree programs, 58 master’s programs, one specialist degree, and 34 doctoral programs; 14 schools and colleges; more than 3,000 different courses, including evening and off-campus classes; faculty members who are nationally recognized for research and publication and are active citizens of the metropolitan community; a community of 30,000 students, 1,674 faculty and instructional staff, and more than 2,000 staff members.  UWM was established 57 years ago, in 1956, with the merger of Wisconsin State College, Milwaukee, and the University of Wisconsin Extension Center in Milwaukee. (Wisconsin State College traces its origin to the Milwaukee State Normal School, founded in 1885.) Since then, UWM has become a major part of the intellectual, cultural, and economic life of Southeastern Wisconsin. The core modules are:

– Introduction to Forensic Science

– Criminalistics

– Pharmacology

–  Intermediate Analytical Chemistry

– Introduction to Criminal Justice

– Criminal Evidence and Investigation

– The Human Skeleton

– Medicolegal Death Investigation

– Internship in Toxicology

– Forensic Anthropology

– Internship in Forensic Science

– Lab Techniques in Molecular Biology

– Toxicology and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

– Molecular Diagnosis

– Forensic Pathology

With increasing regularity, the world’s students are making UWM a first-choice destination. UWM’s diverse student body representing 80 countries and all 50 states and the District of Columbia is attracted by UWM’s academic excellence and urban setting, convenient to the professional, cultural, and recreational advantages only a large metropolitan area can offer. There’s a lot for students to do at UWM. In the Peck School of the Arts complex and elsewhere on campus, you can enjoy concerts, art exhibitions, dance performances, and films by student and faculty artists and by distinguished visitors from the broader art world. You can cheer for UWM athletic teams, work off your tensions in organized or pickup sports, or keep in shape at the Klotsche Center. The Center, and the campus in general, are accessible to disabled students. As a student, you’re also eligible for medical services at the Student Health Center. At UWM, social life centers on the Union, where students can see internationally acclaimed authors, buy course books and Panther gear, dine at restaurants from very fast to sit-down-and-stay, view French and Latin American film festivals, or wait for the bus. UWM’s four residence halls house mostly first-year students in suite-style accommodations. Residents have access to a variety of dining and activity options in all complexes. As a student at Wisconsin’s major urban university, you have access to the employment, social, cultural, and recreational opportunities of a large city, while enjoying the closeness of the UWM community. UWM’s 104-acre main campus is located on Milwaukee’s upper East Side, one of the city’s most attractive residential areas and home to many faculty, staff, and students. UWM also is just a short walk from historic Lake Park and the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, and a short drive or bus ride from a wealth of cultural and recreational resources. The location in the cultural and economic heart of Wisconsin puts students in the center of a growing metropolitan area that doubles as a learning laboratory.

 

 

 

 

Forensic Science Degrees in Utah

utah forensic science degree

Forensic Science

Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past which is then used in a court of law and it requires special academic qualifications and training. 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 Wisconsin.

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 purchase of a new piece of forensic science technology by a private crime lab led to the resolution of a cold case in Utah recently. Sorenson Forensics of Salt Lake City purchased a M-Vac, a vacuum that can gather 80 percent more DNA from a blood stain on fabric and 40 percent more DNA from a saliva stain on polyester than the traditional cotton swab method. The M-Vac was used by forensic scientists from the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Department to obtain DNA from two rocks that were untested in a cold homicide case. It was discovered that the perpetrator of the crime had left his DNA on one of the rocks that was used to bludgeon the victim to death. The perpetrator was apprehended in Florida, where another DNA test of a cigarette he had been smoking linked him to the DNA on the rock.

Utah forensic scientists do not always get to participate in high-profile cases that garner much press coverage. However, sometimes they do get the reward to helping to solve cold cases such as this.

Forensic Science Requirements in Utah

Statewide, in 2011, crime in Utah decreased by almost five percent, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety’s 2011 Summary Analysis. Violent crime in Utah decreased by 4.63 percent, although homicides increased by 13.04 percent. Firearms were used in almost half (46.15 percent) of the homicides that were tallied. Crime scene investigators at every level of law enforcement in Utah – local, state and federal- were involved in the investigation of many of these crimes. Investigation of crimes scenes in Utah ranges from collecting DNA, fingerprint and trace evidence at the scene of a crime to analyzing blood spatter patterns and other biological evidence.

Forensic Science Training in Utah

To meet the required education for forensic science jobs in Utah, one must usually obtain at least a certificate or associate’s degree. Some forensic scientist jobs in Utah require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Forensic science employers in Utah are likely to recruit graduates of forensic science programs accredited through the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Forensic Science Salary in Utah

Utah’s occupational report for forensic science technicians gave a rating of four stars out of a possible five for this type of career.  That indicates that the field is considered to have both a good employment outlook and wages that are relatively high.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Utah had the fifth highest concentration of jobs of any state in 2012.  Salt Lake City had the tenth highest concentration of jobs of any metropolitan area.  Of the 200 forensic scientists employed in the state in 2020, 80% were located in this city.

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Utah

Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Utah

University Utah Valley University, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $7,350 in-state; $15,455 out-of-state per year
Program link

The Criminal Justice program is committed to fostering a challenging and intellectually stimulating environment that provides a broad range of interactive academic and field experiences.  An understanding and appreciation of the theory, research, policy and practice of criminal justice, as a unique discipline, will be advanced.  The department will promote the development of future professionals who are capable of assuming responsibility for the research, continuing scholarship and administration of the criminal justice system.

The Forensic Science program is committed to fostering a challenging and intellectually stimulating environment that provides a broad range of interactive academic and field experiences.  An understanding and appreciation of theory, research, policy and practice of forensic science, as a unique discipline, will be advanced.  The department will promote the development of future professionals who are capable of assuming responsibility for the research, continuing scholarship and administration of forensic science. The core modules are:

  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Introduction to Forensic Science
  • Laws of Evidence
  • Criminalistics
  • Expert Witness Professional Practices
  • Tire Imprint Evidence
  • Forensic Microscopy
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
  • Forensic Chemistry + Laboratory
  • Analytical Chemistry + Laboratory
  • Forensic Geology
  • Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime

The vision of the Criminal Justice Department is to become an academic program in the field of Criminal Justice recognized by students, and alumni, which provides them with a critical understanding of the total system of criminal justice and the society in which it functions.  Additionally, we aspire to be recognized by local, state, and federal law enforcement communities for our progressive education, service, intellectual maturity, and ethical awareness.

The vision of the Forensic Science area of the Criminal Justice Department is to become an academic program in the field of Forensic Science recognized by students, and alumni, which provides a critical understanding of the investigation procedures for forensic evidence and the society in which it functions.  Additionally, we aspire to be recognized by local, state, and federal law enforcement communities for our progressive education, service, intellectual maturity, and ethical awareness.

 

University Weber state University, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $7,766 in-state; $21,286 out-of-state per year
Program link

The Criminal Justice Crime Scene Investigation concentration emphasizes the skills required for employment in positions focusing on the collection, documentation and preservation of evidence.  Students that graduate from the CSI concentration are well prepared for careers as crime scene investigators, field evidence technicians and fingerprint analysts. Graduates from this program go on to careers with civilian crime scene units and fingerprint units throughout the western United States.  Some students also go on to careers in law enforcement.

The program is a hybrid of criminal justice courses, basic science courses, and forensic science courses. Since there are a significant number of WSU General Education classes in the required support courses, you should look up the program requirements before selecting your math, science and humanities GE classes.  Students in the CSI concentration are not required to have a minor but there are a number of good minors that complement the concentration. The core modules are:

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Introduction to Forensic Science
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Juvenile Law and Procedure
  • Criminal Courts
  • Corrections in the Community
  • Issues in Security and Loss Prevention
  • Victimology
  • Theories of Crime and Delinquency
  • Critical Legal Studies
  • Drugs and Crime
  • Physical Methods in Forensic Science
  • Juvenile Law and Procedure
  • Introduction to Security
  • The American Jail
WSU’s Criminal Justice program will assist you in your goal to improve justice administration. In doing so, students can earn bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, crime scene investigation, or forensic science. Graduates with a degree in criminal justice have a wide range of employment opportunities. Locally, they can become Police Officers, Sheriff’s Deputies, or Correctional Officers. Federally, they can work as drug enforcement agents and U.S. Marshals

. They can also work at Adult Probation and Parole, crime scene units, and state and federal labs such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI. The CJ Department Chair ScholarshipCriminal Justice Alumni Scholarship, and the Social and Behavioral Sciences Dean’s Scholarship are all based on academic performance. Recipients are chosen by the CJ Department Chair and the Dean of the College. You will be notified if selected.

 

Masters Programs in Utah

University Southern Utah University, Forensic Science M.S.
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $9,572 in-state; $27,036 out-of-state per year
Program link

Southern Utah University, as our founders envisioned, is a dynamic teaching and learning community inspired by its unique natural surroundings. As Utah’s designated public liberal arts and sciences university, SUU engages students in a personalized and rigorous experiential education, empowering them to be productive citizens, socially responsible leaders, high achievers and lifelong learners. Advising helps students regarding education programs, courses of instruction, policies and procedures, career options, and information resources.  Both the student and the advisor have specific roles.

Students are responsible for seeking academic advisement and monitoring progress toward graduation. Advisors are available for students for each major as well as open option students, who are those that have not yet declared a major.  Students should work with advisors prior to registration to ensure progress toward a degree or certificate of their choice. All students who have earned less than 30 credits are required to be advised each semester before registration. The core modules are:

  • Overview of Forensic Law
  • Overview of Forensic Criminal Justice
  • Overview of Forensic Psychology
  • Overview of Forensic Biology
  • Overview of Forensic Chemistry
  • Overview of Forensic Computer Analysis.
The Common Core of 10 hrs integrates disciplines so that students will develop an overview of and some familiarity with all of the emphasis areas that may have to be pieced together during the investigation of a case. Please note, students in some Emphasis Options, Chemistry, for example, will not take the 2 cr. hr. Overview in Forensic Chemistry course. Students should check with advisors in their Emphasis Options for up to date requirements.
University University of Utah, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Analytical and Forensic Toxicology M.S.
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $7,350 in-state; $15,455 out-of-state per year
Program link

Analytical and forensic toxicology research in the department is concentrated in the Center for Human Toxicology (CHT). The CHT is a GLP compliant laboratory that provides analytical services, education, and research for the University of Utah, the state of Utah, the inter-mountain area and the nation. The faculty are internationally recognized leaders in the development of state-of-the-art assays for drugs in human tissues and other physiological specimens. Most of these assays are based on immunoassay techniques, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC/MS).

Graduate students work on projects generated from within the CHT, but student and faculty throughout the Department avail themselves of the expertise of the center. The research emphasis of CHT is on drugs of abuse, including the psychostimulants, and more recently, performance enhancing drugs, such as steroids and has resulted in the establishment of the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory (SMRTL) devoted to the detection and interpretation of performance-enhancing drug use in sports competition.

The service component of the lab is supported by the highest levels of professional, collegial, and Olympic sports agencies in the United States. The forensic staff in CHT also support private companies and government agencies with their drug free workplace programs. These consulting services include oversight of their drug-testing programs, preparing and providing blind quality control specimens and the evaluation of toxicology laboratory performance in the programs. The faculty of CHT have received numerous awards including the Irving Sunshine Young Investigators Award from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences to Diana Wilkins, Ph.D for her research efforts and the Gettler Award by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences to Rodger Foltz, Ph.D. for his contributions as an analytical toxicologist. The core modules are:

  • Analytical Toxicology
  • Mechanisms of Toxicology
  • Advances in Endocrine Pharmacology
  • Advanced Topics in Cardiovascular Pharmacology
  • Biochemical Mechanisms of Signal Transduction

The overall objective is to provide broad, multidisciplinary training that enables the students to pursue careers in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, government laboratories, and private research institutes and foundations. The guiding philosophy emphasizes the development of scientific investigators who have a broad interdisciplinary background in modern biomedical sciences (cell and molecular biology, physiology and biochemistry), as well as training in the concepts and approaches of pharmacology and toxicology. We also train individuals in state-of-the art approaches to hypothesis-driven research. The program is designed to be exciting and challenging, and at the same time, supportive and flexible enough to meet the specific needs and interests of the students and their mentors.

In the second year, our students take a number of basic and advanced courses in pharmacology and toxicology. Also available is a huge array of graduate level courses that are offered by other programs in the Health Sciences Center, which can be taken depending on career development needs and interests of the students. Students also begin their dissertation research as early as their second year.

 

Degrees in Forensic Science in Ohio

ohio forensic science degree

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 Ohio.

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 Ohio

The state of Ohio has a large number of forensic science professionals when compared with some of the other states in the country. According to 2012 information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 310 forensic science technicians working in the field in the state. The average salary for those who are working in forensic science jobs in Ohio is $55,730. When one looks at the field over the past several years, it is easy to see that things are going quite well for forensic science in the state.

In 2010, the state had 280 forensic science pros working, and it seems that the field is still growing. In fact, employment opportunities are expected to grow state and nationwide from 2010 to 2020. During that period, job growth in the state is projected to increase 13 percent while nationwide the job opportunities for forensic science technicians are expected to grow by 19 percent, according to Career One Stop, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Most of the jobs may be found in the larger cities due to higher crime rates and a greater need for forensic teams. Some of the locations that have forensic science techs working are crime labs.

With over 100,000 pieces of evidence processed each year, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Laboratory Division is just one of the agencies employing forensic scientists to analyze and process evidence in Ohio. Armed with microscopes, spectrometers, chemical test strips, and the latest advances in forensic technology, Ohio’s forensic scientists work in laboratories to solve crimes and produce evidence that will stand up in court. Forensic science specialists are employed by government, educational, and private agencies across the state. Having the right education is essential for candidates interested in these jobs.

Getting the right education for jobs with Ohio’s forensic labs is critical for anyone thinking seriously about a career in the field. A forensic science degree is available at colleges throughout Ohio, both on-campus and through online schools. In addition to this degree, relevant fields of study include: Chemistry; Biology; DNA and genetics; Physics; Computer Science, microbiology.

The Ohio Bureau of Investigation’s Laboratory Division sets a benchmark for other forensic science employers in the state by requiring all of its scientists to be properly credentialed, in most cases with at least a bachelor’s degree in their field of expertise, or at minimum a combination of experience and education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Often times there are stories in the news about cold cases that have been solved by forensic scientists decades after the crimes were perpetrated, but it is less frequently that one hears about an exoneration based on new forensic evidence. That is just what happened in a recent case that saw a former Akron police chief declared innocent for the murder of his wife after spending 15 years behind bars. Forensic scientists were able to use new DNA analysis techniques to determine that the wrongly convicted man was not present at the crime scene.

 

Forensic Science Training in Ohio

The State Bureau of Investigation’s Laboratory Division provides some of the widest range of employment opportunities for forensic scientists in Ohio. Positions include:

  • Chemistry Unit: Examines physical evidence to determine the presence of particular substances or drugs
  • DNA Unit: Provides suspect identification through DNA analysis using 15 distinct testing methods
  • Forensic Biology Unit: Examines evidence for the presence of evidence that may contain traceable amounts of DNA
  • Firearms and Toolmarks Unit: Uses ballistic tests and toolmark examinations that link bullets and weapons to crime scenes
  • Latent Print Unit: With physical, electronic, and chemical processes, this unit examines crime scene material in the lab for foot, palm, and fingerprints that can be used as evidence or to establish leads in a case

Forensic Science Salary in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services predicts that the number of forensic science technician positions in the state will increase 13.3% from 2010 to 2020.  Seventy-six percents of these jobs are projected to come from people leaving the workforce. ccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 310 people had jobs as forensic science technicians in the state in 2012.  Their average salary was $55,730 with those in the 90th percentile earning $78,760. In 2013, a forensic scientist – chemistry position in Richfield paid from $47,299 to $76,107 a year.

Ohio has several crime labs, including those of the high profile Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Laboratory Division that processes more than 100,000 pieces of evidence a year.

Many forensic scientists work in the field instead of the lab.  They process crime scenes – documenting the site and preserving evidence for further analysis.  These crime scene investigators (CSIs) come from a variety of backgrounds.  Some are sworn officers who have formal law enforcement academy training, while others are civilians with college training in criminal justice or forensics. Crime scene investigator salaries vary widely, depending on the type of the position and the background of the CSI.  The 2013 salary for a police evidence technician in Columbus ranged from $21,798 to $33,925 a year.

 

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Ohio

Bachelor’s Programs

 

University Ohio University, Forensic Chemistry B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $15,268 in-state; $29,750 out-of-state per year
Program link

Forensic chemistry is the application of chemistry and related sciences to criminal investigation. The program prepares the student to work in crime laboratories or other law enforcement agencies, such as FDA, OSHA, and EPA, or for graduate work in forensic chemistry, forensic science or analytical chemistry. The forensic chemistry program is accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) through the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Students wishing to change or add a chemistry major or minor at Ohio University should go to the Undergraduate Student Services Office in the College of Arts and Sciences located on the first floor of Wilson Hall (Main Green).

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, in the College of Arts and Sciences, offers B.S. and B.A. degrees in Chemistry, and B.S. degrees in seven other programs of study. It is important to note that with a B.S. degree in Chemistry, students are eligible for professional status in the American Chemical Society, but not with a B.A. in Chemistry. Laboratory research is a beneficial and valuable experience for all undergraduates. Getting involved in undergraduate research within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is simple. Aside from specialty programs, there are numerous avenues for participating in research, including earning course credit during the academic school year or being paid by a professor sponsoring the research.

A large number of our graduates go on to take advanced degrees in all ares of chemistry and biochemistry. In addition, some students go on to take advanced degrees in toxicology, forensic science or medicine. Jobs held by recent graduates include applications lab technician, attorney, associate chemist, criminalist, drug analyst, document examiner, environmental engineer, forensic scientist, physician, and serologist/drug analyst. The core modules are:

  • Fundamentals of Chemistry I and II
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Cromatography and Spectroscopy
  • Forensic Chemistry I: Arson, Explosives and DNA
  • Forensic Chemistry II: Procedures, Drugs and Trace Analysis
  • Basic Biochemistry
  • Forensic Biology
  • Procedures, Rules and Tests of Evidence
  • Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
  • General Physics
  • Criminal Justice
  • Introduction to Toxicology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
  • Drugs and the Brain

Ohio University will be the nation’s best transformative learning community where students realize their promise, faculty advance knowledge, staff achieve excellence, and alumni become global leaders. Ohio University holds as its central purpose the intellectual and personal development of its students. Distinguished by its rich history, diverse campus, international community, and beautiful Appalachian setting, Ohio University is also known as well for its outstanding faculty of accomplished teachers whose research and creative activity advance knowledge across many disciplines.

Ohio University offers undergraduate instruction on both the Athens campus and the regional campuses. Undergraduate programs, designed to contribute to intellectual and personal development and career goals of students, emphasize liberal studies. Undergraduate major programs, preprofessional, and professional programs prepare students for employment in a variety of careers and for continued study. Two–year technical and associate’s degree programs, reflecting employment opportunities, as well as the general career interests of students, are taught primarily at the regional campuses. At the Athens campus, instruction is combined with residence life and other extracurricular programs in an effort to create a collegiate experience integrating learning and living.

 

Other useful information:

University Ashland University, Ohio, Forensic Biology Concentration B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,908 per year
Program link

The forensic biology program at Ashland University was developed to meet the needs of students interested in pursuing a career in forensic biology, which is the application of biological principles to law enforcement.

This optional concentration in the biology major provides a strong background in both biology and chemistry, along with specialized upper-level courses specifically applicable to forensics.

Course work in the University’s criminal justice department complements the science to add a foundational understanding of law enforcement. After graduation, forensic biology majors will be well prepared for either on-the-job training in a forensics laboratory or for graduate study in the area of forensics. The core modules are:

  • Human Biology
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • The Molecular and Cellular Base of Life
  • Introduction to Biotechnology
  • Forensic Science
  • Nursing Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Evolution
  • Methods in Toxicology
  • Principles of Toxicology
  • Toxic Agents
  • Immunology
  • Advanced Topics in Toxicology
  • Emerging Pathogens

Ashland is among only a few institutions in the country offering a bachelor’s degree in toxicology, the study of how chemicals affect human health and the environment. Strong training in both biology and chemistry will prepare you for a growing number of career opportunities in industry and government as well as medical and other health professional schools.

Have you ever wondered why prescription drugs have “side effects” along with the effect the drug is supposed to produce? Or why some plants and animals are poisonous? Or how exposure to air pollutants like sulfur and nitrogen oxides might affect people’s health?

The answers to these and many other questions are found in an area of science called toxicology. Toxicology is the science that studies the effects of toxicants (in other words, poisons) on living organisms.

 

University Ashland University, Forensic Chemistry B.S.
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $18,908 per year
Program link

Majoring in Forensic Chemistry at Ashland will let you use state-of-the-art instrumentation and the latest problem-solving methodology. You’ll learn to analyze evidence to uncover hidden information as only investigative science can reveal it. Forensic chemists apply advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, atomic absorption, and infrared spectroscopy to the analysis of trace evidence. Our labs are well-equipped with modern instrumentation that is used in modern forensic laboratories, and you will have the opportunity to use this equipment beginning your freshman year. Many of the students undertake research with their professors, co-publish their findings and present them at scientific meetings. Research by undergraduates in our department has identified problems with cadmium contamination of children’s jewelry and has resulted in several recalls as well as legislation to restrict cadmium use. Ashland graduates have secured forensic analysis positions with the FBI, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration and local forensic science labs and coroner offices, as well as graduate programs in Forensic Science. Access more information about job opportunities for forensic chemists. All of the faculty members have Ph.D.s and are well respected scientists who are passionate about teaching. You will have the opportunity to get to know them well as you work with them as the mentor you in the classroom and laboratory and on research projects. Several have been received awards for their teaching, as well as grants from public and private foundations to support their research. The core modules are:

– General Chemistry

– Organic Chemistry

– Quantitative Analysis

– Physical Chemistry

– Calculus

– Genetics

– Introduction to the Criminal Justice System

– Biochemistry

– Criminal Investigation

The largest college on campus, the College of Arts & Sciences includes 16 departments — everything from fine and performing arts to environmental science, mathematics to fashion merchandising. In addition to both Bachelor of Science and Arts degrees, the College offers Master degrees in Creative Writing, American History and Government, and Health & Risk Communication for those who wish to pursue additional studies. Each department is committed to giving you unlimited opportunities to shine and each is devoted to graduating students who are ready to take on the world as confident, competent leaders.
University Defiance College, Digital Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $29,916 per year
Program link

At Defiance College, free-thinking problem solvers with patience, passion, and personal discipline have a home in digital forensic science. Digital forensic science (formerly called “computer forensics”) is the science and practice of preserving, extracting and analyzing digital evidence to support formal legal actions. What does that mean? It means helping to put away criminals who use computers and other digital high tech to commit their crimes. This cutting-edge bachelor’s degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in the growing fields of high-technology crime investigation and computer network defense. Majors in digital forensic science at Defiance walk away not only with a degree, but also two professional certifications, the practical experience of an internship, and the satisfaction of having directly benefited the surrounding community during the process. Digital forensics is a new and growing field in the area of hi-tech crime investigation. Students in this program develop a background consisting of general education, criminal justice, and computer technology fundamentals, while being entrenched in the culture of civic engagement. The students graduate with a major in digital forensic science, two professional certifications in hand, the practical experience of an internship, and the satisfaction of directly benefiting their surrounding community during the process. Digital evidence collection is a highly disciplined process where repeatability and accuracy are crucial for evidence to be admissible in court. You will learn how to preserve the integrity of digital evidence; extract live, static, and deleted data from various media; and thoroughly document and present your findings. The tools and techniques of digital forensics are also applied in situations where data is constantly in motion, such as while recognizing and responding to intrusions into a company’s computer network, or when recovering data from small-scale digital devices such as cell phones and PDAs. The core modules are:

– Computer Essentials

– Introduction to Computer and Digital Forensics

– Computer Security Fundamentals

– Advanced Topics in Computer Data Analysis and Recovery

– Operating Systems

– Seizure and Forensic Examination of Computer Forensics

– Network Forensics

– Fundamentals of Computer Networks

– Intrusion Detection

– National Certification

– Introduction to Criminal Justice

– Criminal Law

– Criminal Investigation

– Criminal Investigation and Procedure

– Criminology

– Financial Accounting

– Managerial Accounting

– Business Law

– Pre-calculus Mathematics

First, you will prepare to earn the CompTIA A+ certification as an IT Technician, a widely respected designation for entry-level information technology personnel. Once this foundational knowledge is achieved, you will learn about computer operating systems, security principles, and networking. You will learn the science of forensics as applied to computers that are turned off, computers that are still running, computers communicating with one another, and small-scale digital devices such as cellphones, PDAs, smartphones, and other hybrid systems. You will learn the importance of high ethics and develop your personal integrity. There will be ample opportunities to refine your skills through community service projects and an internship with an agency performing forensics work. Finally, you will earn a nationally recognized certification in digital forensics to demonstrate your competence in this field and improve your marketability. Students interested in the Digital Forensic Science major should discuss the requirements of the major and the opportunities upon graduation with Dr. Gregg Gunsch, Professor of Digital Forensic Science. The Digital Forensic Science major requires completion of 67 credit hours.

University Ohio Northern University, Forensic Biology B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $28,050per year
Program link

The major in forensic biology is a program within the Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences. The program is a cohort of courses specifically designed to meet the needs of forensic crime laboratories in the field of forensic biology and follows the recommendations of the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission. Student graduating from Ohio Northern University with a major in Forensic Biology have been exposed to the direct application of science relevant to the field of forensic biology including the emerging field of forensic serology and analysis of DNA at the nuclear and mitochondrial levels. The coursework teaches students the actual procedures utilized in the modern forensic laboratory. These approaches, plus productive internships, enable the department to produce graduates prepared for the forensic and biomedical laboratory or graduate programs in the forensic sciences. The major has two goals: to provide students with a solid foundation in the forensic sciences through a core of four forensic biology courses and to provide a focused and coherent study in the practice of the scientific techniques used to analyze physical evidence found at the scene of a crime with five upper-level forensic courses. The core modules are:

– Calculus

– General Chemistry

– Anatomy and Physiology

– Organic Chemistry

– Crime Scene Investigation

– General Chemistry II

– Forensic Biology

– Forensic Entomology

– Genetics

– Introduction to Criminal Justice

– Molecular Biology

– Computer Forensics

– Forensic DNA

– Criminology

Ohio Northern University is an independent, comprehensive University that distinctively combines nationally ranked sciences, arts and professional programs in its five colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Pharmacy and Law. Established in 1871 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1899, Ohio Northern’s beautiful, 342-acre residential campus is made up of more than 60 modern residences and academic buildings and provides a vibrant campus experience. Graduates leave prepared with an education that delivers one of the highest returns on investment in the state. The placement rates for graduates six months after graduation have averaged more than 93 percent for each of the past seven years, a rate higher than the national average. Don’t wait for graduate school to get involved with cutting-edge research. At ONU, undergraduate research is a pillar upon which future success is built. Our students partner with faculty on research that expands the horizons of human understanding, and our annual Student Research Colloquium is a showcase that attracts researchers from across the country. As an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus USA, ONU is firmly committed to sustainability and environmental awareness on campus. Our on-campus housing derive 30 percent of their heating and cooling from geothermal technology and three new 400 kilowatt wind turbines are expected to provide between five and 10 percent of our electricity needs. Our fleet of hybrid and electric campus vehicles reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and our many environmentally themed student organizations are consistently finding new ways make ONU a greener place to live, learn and work. Ada’s world-class hotel offers more than 70 deluxe guest rooms, luxurious amenities and more than 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting spaces. Guests of The Inn enjoy everything that the ONU campus has to offer: athletics, fine art, theatre performances and so much more.
University University of Findlay, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $28,050per year
Program link

Students interested in forensic science may either select from one of two majors or decide to dual major in one of these areas: DNA/serology is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the area of testing biological material for DNA. Toxicology is designed for students who choose a career in working with drugs, unknown materials and trace evidence analysis such as paint, glass, fibers, hairs, latent prints, ballistics and other areas. The core modules are:

– Introduction to Criminal Justice

– Criminal Investigation

– Forensic Science + Lab

– Criminal Evidence

– Statistics

– General Chemistry

– Biochemistry

– Special Topics in Forensic Science

– Forensic Entomology

– Seminar in Forensic Science

UF is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the national accrediting organizations for athletic training, environmental health science and protection, nuclear medicine technology, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, social work and teacher education. UF’s programs are authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents.​
University Tiffin University, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $21,510 per year
Program link

Students earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Forensic Science learn the legal, ethical, natural science, and laboratory skills necessary for effective professional careers in chemistry laboratories, CSI units, forensic laboratories and/or law enforcement agencies, as well as the knowledge necessary to pursue graduate studies in the sciences.  You will also be prepared to pursue degrees in criminal justice, forensic science, law, allied health, and medicine–to name just a few examples. You will be exposed to all of the same coursework as a student following the BCJ in Forensic Science track, but you will also obtain a deeper knowledge of microbiology, genetics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, forensic anthropology, forensic pharmacology, physics, and calculus. Students in this major will acquire a basic, yet comprehensive knowledge base in the field of forensic science.  While the BCJ track requires only 7 laboratory courses, the BS track requires 12.  With this degree, you will receive the scientific background needed to work in any crime lab.  You will develop proficiency in both knowledge and application of rules of evidence handling and processing, chemical and bodily fluid analysis, and presentation/explanation in court, while also developing a broad understanding in the fields of chemistry and biology. The BS track offers students all of the same skills acquired through the BCJ track plus a more in depth knowledge of the sciences.  All students interested in a Forensic Science degree major will first be admitted to the BCJ in Forensic Science.  Students may then apply for admission to the BS track during their fourth semester or after achieving a 3.3 GPA in 9 specific core courses, if they wish to do so.  While the BCJ program requires a total of 121 semester hours (including seven lab courses), the BS track requires 127 semester courses (with a total of twelve courses).  Because of this, the BS in Forensic Science does not offer students opportunities to take open electives or to pursue a minor without significantly exceeding the 127 hours. The core modules are:

– Introduction to Criminal Justice

– Criminal Procedures

– Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice

– Research Design

– Genetics

– Microbiology

– Quantitative Analysis

– Instrumental Analysis

– Evidence Processing

– Introduction to Forensic Science

– Forensic Anthropology

– Forensic Pharmacology

– General Physics

Tiffin offers professionally-focused academic programs and grants the following degrees: Associate of Arts, Associate of Business Administration, Associate of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Humanities, and Master of Science. On campus and online courses offered. There are approximately 400 full-time and adjunct faculty–many of whom work in their field of study, and remain closely connected to their industry. The Richard C. Pfeiffer Library houses a growing collection of books supporting the University’s curriculum. In addition, Pfeiffer Library, as a member of OPAL and OhioLink, provides online access to an extensive and increasing collection of books, eBooks, and databases. Patrons may request books from any of the 90 other libraries. eBooks and articles are available full-text online.

 

 

Forensic Science Technician: job description and career prospects

forensic science technician guide A forensic technician at work in the field. Image: BLS.GOV

ITSGOV.com has published a lot about forensic science technicians, and today, we’re going to present a short career guide – just a little more about the required skills and tasks, knowledge and abilities required, etc.

Standard occupational description

Main task: collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. A CSI technician will also be required to conduct ballistic tests on weapons and also lab tests on physical evidence: fiber, hair DNA, etc. He also may be asked to testify as a specialist; this is actually quite likely.

It’s important to note that there are several other fields of work you can get a job in if you have forensic qualifications, but don’t want to work as one: Life and Physical Sciences, Lab and Research Services, Environmental Services, Public Safety Compliance.

In the Commonwealth, there are actually two roles forensic technicians can be assigned to: Forensic Science Specialist I and Forensic Science Specialist II ().

Required skills

The tasks and standards vary from place to place, and typically, you are not required to have all these qualifications, but most of them are needed, while all of them is definitely a bonus:

  • good reading skills and ability to understand reports and documents; this is definitely important for any such job, though most of the time it’s not even mentioned.
  • using a scientific approach to solve problems; you are a forensic science technician – a scientist, not a cop. Logic is your friend and best ally; always use it.
  • giving full attention to crime scenes, as well as people statements, the ability to ask the right questions, etc; you’ll be sometimes working with people, and while not all may have good people skills, experience teaches all.
  • adapting to new evidence and other peoples’ actions; it’s a job full of unpredictable.
  • considering the relative costs and benefits before acting; this is the real world, not CSI Miami. You sometimes won’t be able to do all the tests you want, and won’t have the time and equipment you see on TV. Be sure to estimate the things that come with your choices.
  • communicating effectively both in speech and in writing; you’re part of a team, you can have the best results in the world, but if you don’t communicate them, that’s worthless. Also, reports, reports, reports.
  • having decent math skills; always a good skill to have, will help in your endeavours.
  • identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Required knowledge

forensic science technician guide Image: College Finder

Ok, so that’s what you have to be able to do; that may be a little misleading, that may be a little discouraging and may paint the wrong picture. What do you need to know?

  • chemistry; you’re a forensic science technician – know your chemistry! The chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo, including their uses and application, techniques, etc. Can’t really do it without knowing chemistry.
  • language; you absolutely need good language skill, and this is almost never really mentioned. As I already said, you’ll be writing reports all the time. You’ll be writing statements, you’ll be interviewing people, you’ll be testifying, etc – you can’t do this without good knowledge of the language.
  • knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedure, etc; many offices offer a course in this or some method to teach you, so even if you don’t know this at first, you will have to learn it – fast.
  • relevant equipment, procedures, strategies, institutions, etc; you’ll be using equipment, you’ll be talking to people, you’ll be doing stuff. You have to know who’s the “go to guy” for something, how to use your equipment, etc. You’ll learn this in time.
  • basic math; statistics, algebra, maybe even something more advanced. Don’t be discouraged, this is not a main issue, but very usefull overall.
  • computer hardward and software; this is a modern time we’re living it – computer forensics are often the way to go. You’ll be working with computers a LOT. Be it at your own or recovering data from others, this is absolutely required.

Forensic Technician Salary

The average salary of a forensic technician is $51,570 per year, which adds up to $24.79 per hour – these data were calculated for 2010, but haven’t changed much since then. Basically, salaries can vary significantly, but rarely go below $20.000/year and over $100.000. The salary varies with experience and depends on your particular work flow, but generally lies in those areas.

In order to work in this field, you’re required to have at least a bachelor degree (some exceptions may occur, but extremely rare). Other than that, requirements vary greatly, but you’re not typically required to have a degree in crime scene investigation – actually few colleges give that. Anything from chemistry to environmental sciences could work – again, it greatly depends on the employer, and if you’re really interested in working in this field, check with your local agency.

The employment in the field is expected to grow significantly, with about 20 percent in the next 10 years.

So, how about the tasks

So, you know all you need, you’ve got all the skills, let’s get down to business. What does a forensic scientist do?

  • analyze DNA and other body samples (fluids, etc);
  •  match them with other ones (existing or from databases);
  • analyze gunshot residue, bullet trajectories, ballistic tests, etc;
  • collect evidence from crime scene, ensuring its integrity and value;
  • collect impressions of dust from surfaces in order to obtain and identify fingerprints;
  • determine the type of bullets/weapon used;
  • objects such as tools with impression marks in order to see if a certain object was in a certain place/was used for a certain thing;
  • interview people in specific contexts (not police work);
  • testify in trials
  • analyze physical evidence such as hair, fiber, wood or soil residues in order to obtain information about its source and composition.

So that’s pretty much it; still interested? Think you have what it takes to become a forensic science technician? Well… you’ve made a good choice! Be sure and check these additional resources, I’m sure you’ll find them useful.

Forensic Science Degrees in Montana

montana forensic science degree

Forensic Science

Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past which is then used in a court of law and it requires very intense training and formal education.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 Montana.

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 Montana

CSI and forensic science jobs in Missoula involve working with some of the state’s most unnerving crimes. One such case occurred 22 years ago when Missoula CSI detectives were called to the scene of a double homicide involving two married vacationers. After stopping at a campground near Lake Inez the couple was gunned down and a few items were stolen from their truck. At the time detectives could not develop any leads and carefully stored recovered evidence for later analysis.

Now forensic scientists at the Missoula State Crime Lab hope to crack this case wide open, using new advancements in technology and new methods of analysis to obtain DNA from the killer that was most likely scattered throughout the crime scene. The crime laboratory is capable of conducting any of the following:

Forensic Science training in Montana

The vision of the Forensic Science Division (FSD) laboratory is to ensure an adequately funded and robust forensic science laboratory environment, staffed with engaged, certified forensic scientists working with high quality instrumentation and using validated procedures to provide accurate, objective and timely analyses in accordance with international accreditation standards in service of the criminal justice community and the citizens of Montana.

The mission of the Montana Forensic Science Division is to use operationally efficient and financially responsible practices as the laboratory provides accurate, objective, and timely forensic analyses to the criminal justice community in order to maximize value to the citizens of Montana. On January 9, 2011, the Montana State Crime lab was awarded accreditation by ASCLD/LAB (American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board) under the International Testing requirements ISO 17025:2005 and ASCLD/LAB International Supplemental Requirements. The Montana lab joins other national and international laboratories who have achieved this accreditation status. Laboratory accreditation is a continuing process that involves a number of audits that review and evaluate management practices, personnel qualifications, technical procedures, quality assurance program and facilities.The laboratory has been accredited since 2005 by ASCLD/LAB, previously under their Legacy Program requirements. Forensic laboratory accreditation is voluntary, but is required to receive some federal funding.

Forensic Science Salary in Montana

Forty forensic science technicians worked in Montana in 2012 according to information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They made an average salary of $56,450 in 2012 with those in the top tenth percent of their field making an average of $74,770. In addition to work in the lab, some forensic scientists travel to crime scenes to document them and collect physical evidence for further lab analysis.  This is the case for some of the forensic scientists with the State Crime Lab.  They provide assistance to law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

While many CSIs work as civilians, others are sworn officers with many years of investigative experience who work a crime from the site of the initial crime all the way through the trial.

Because of the differences in the types of jobs and the backgrounds of CSIs, their salaries can be highly variable.  The average salary of a crime scene investigator in Montana was $46,000 in the one year period leading up to October 2013.

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Montana

Bachelor’s Degree

University University of Montana, Forensic Chemistry, B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $6,464 in-state, $18,606 out-of-state per year
Program link
Prospective students desiring further information on any program of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry should visit the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biochemistry Program websites. High School Preparation: In addition to the general University admission requirements, it is strongly recommended that a student take four years of mathematics, four (or more) years of science (earth and space science, biology, chemistry, and physics), four years of a foreign language, and four years of English. The core modules are:

  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Forensic Research
  • Laboratory Safety
  • Organic Spectroscopy
  • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry + Laboratory
  • Physics: Thermodynamics

UM’s Office of Research and Creative Scholarship supports the educational and research mission of the University through advocacy and advancement of basic and applied research, creative work, and academic scholarship, and fosters an environment where research, scholarly activities, entrepreneurship, and economic development thrive.

Use the Administration link to find the appropriate office within Research and Creative Scholarship to assist you, or Resources to find information on our facilities, equipment, core facilities, and UM Centers and Institutes. The Outreach link provides information on the variety of methods we are using to inform the community about our achievements in innovation and imagination from print media, such as Research Vision and Research View.

University University of Great Falls, Forensic Science, B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $10,456 per year
Program link

Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles to matters defined by civil and criminal law. It is a compilation of all the hard core sciences, including the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and mathematics in the solving of crimes by the evidence left behind at a crime scene. All three of the major tracks and the minor are designed to prepare students with a strong scientific background directed to the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence.

The major, minor and tracks focus on the main elements of criminalistics, including analysis of blood, fibers, glass, paint, soils, hair and the fields of toxicology, DNA analysis, serology, forensic anthropology, human pathology and numerous other areas germane to the scientific study of evidence. Forensic Science at UGF is unique compared with the many other programs in the USin that most programs spend their time on criminal justice topics. UGF’s program spends the majority of time on forensic sciences, hard-core sciences, and mathematics necessary to be a well-rounded and educated forensic investigator or laboratory expert. This is reinforced by the numerous laboratory classes for the diverse areas of forensic investigation.

The entire range of forensic sciences topics are covered at UGF, ranging from the most useful, such as fingerprint analysis, DNA analysis, serology, and blood spatter analysis, to the less well-studied, such as evidence and lab analysis of hair, glass, soils, bones, drugs, poisons, and some thirty other areas. The current literature in a variety of fields is used to ascertain the students know the most up-to-date techniques and methods applicable, either in field investigations or for laboratory analysis. As an additional aid to becoming proficient in the field, numerous opportunities have been developed for internships during the summer, including working at real crime laboratories in Montana, other states, and for the federal government. The core modules are:

  • Introduction to Law Enforcement
  • Patrol Operations and Procedures
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Introduction to Forensic Science
  • Physical Evidence for Forensic Science
  • Impression Evidence Lab Analysis
  • Patterned Evidence Lab Analysis
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Introduction to Forensic Studies

In addition to the courses offered, the unique character of the program depends on the faculty. Dr. Arthur Alt has ten degrees, including a doctorate in science education and degrees in chemistry, mathematics, anthropology, archaeology, history, and computers, with minors covering other sciences, and a passion for teaching that has sustained him for more than 30 years. A tremendous variety of teaching techniques in addition to lectures, are applied.

This forces students to become creative and develop abilities in critical analysis and problem-solving. Dr. Diane Lund is an expert in biology and chemistry, with special expertise in DNA analysis and cellular biology. She has a wide range of interests in student undergraduate research. Dr. Craig Ganster has over 25 years of experience as a practicing police/homicide investigator and brings a wealth of knowledge to the program on dealing with forensic investigations. Professor Cynthia Matthews, head of the Criminal Justice program, reinforces the learning for students on criminal procedures and dealing with the legal system. Finally, Professor Steve Nelson teaches the law and how it applies to solving crimes, procedures in court, and being a competent witness for forensic investigations.

 

University University of Great Falls, Forensic Biology B.S.
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $20,960 per year
Program link

 

For the Forensic Sciences program, there are three possible tracks: Forensic Sciences for students wanting to be crime scene investigators, to law school or to graduate school, or work outside of a laboratory field mandating extensive chemistry or biology backgrounds (such as Forensic Anthropology or Fingerprint Analysis; Forensic Chemistry for working in laboratory environ­ments dealing with chemistry problems; Forensic Bi­ology for working in laboratory environments special­izing in biology problems, particularly DNA analysis. Forensic Science at UGF is unique compared with the many other programs in the USin that most programs spend their time on criminal justice topics. UGF’s program spends the majority of time on forensic sciences, hard-core sciences, and mathematics necessary to be a well-rounded and educated forensic investigator or laboratory expert. This is reinforced by the numerous laboratory classes for the diverse areas of forensic investigation.

The entire range of forensic sciences topics are covered at UGF, ranging from the most useful, such as fingerprint analysis, DNA analysis, serology, and blood spatter analysis, to the less well-studied, such as evidence and lab analysis of hair, glass, soils, bones, drugs, poisons, and some thirty other areas. The current literature in a variety of fields is used to ascertain the students know the most up-to-date techniques and methods applicable, either in field investigations or for laboratory analysis. As an additional aid to becoming proficient in the field, numerous opportunities have been developed for internships during the summer, including working at real crime laboratories in Montana, other states, and for the federal government. The core modules for the Forensic Biology track are:

  • General Biology
  •  General Zoology
  • Microbiology
  • General Botany
  • Genetics
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice System
  • Introduction to Forensic Sciences
  • Physical Evidence + Lab
  • Impression Evidence Lab Analysis
  • Patterned Evidence Lab Analysis
  • Blood, Body Fluids and DNA Lab Analysis
  • Forensic Biology and Microscopy
Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles to matters defined by civil and criminal law. It is a compilation of all the hard core sciences, including the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and mathematics in the solving of crimes by the evidence left behind at a crime scene. All three of the major tracks and the minor are designed to prepare students with a strong scientific background directed to the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence. The major, minor and tracks focus on the main elements of criminalistics, including analysis of blood, fibers, glass, paint, soils, hair and the fields of toxicology, DNA analysis, serology, forensic anthropology, human pathology and numerous other areas germane to the scientific study of evidence. In addition to the courses offered, the unique character of the program depends on the faculty. Dr. Arthur Alt has ten degrees, including a doctorate in science education and degrees in chemistry, mathematics, anthropology, archaeology, history, and computers, with minors covering other sciences, and a passion for teaching that has sustained him for more than 30 years. A tremendous variety of teaching techniques in addition to lectures, are applied. This forces students to become creative and develop abilities in critical analysis and problem-solving. Dr. Diane Lund is an expert in biology and chemistry, with special expertise in DNA analysis and cellular biology. She has a wide range of interests in student undergraduate research. Dr. Craig Ganster has over 25 years of experience as a practicing police/homicide investigator and brings a wealth of knowledge to the program on dealing with forensic investigations. Professor Cynthia Matthews, head of the Criminal Justice program, reinforces the learning for students on criminal procedures and dealing with the legal system. Finally, Professor Steve Nelson teaches the law and how it applies to solving crimes, procedures in court, and being a competent witness for forensic investigations.
University University of Great Falls, Forensic Chemistry B.S.
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $20,960 per year
Program link

For the Forensic Sciences program, there are three possible tracks: Forensic Sciences for students wanting to be crime scene investigators, to law school or to graduate school, or work outside of a laboratory field mandating extensive chemistry or biology backgrounds (such as Forensic Anthropology or Fingerprint Analysis; Forensic Chemistry for working in laboratory environ­ments dealing with chemistry problems; Forensic Bi­ology for working in laboratory environments special­izing in biology problems, particularly DNA analysis. Forensic Science at UGF is unique compared with the many other programs in the USin that most programs spend their time on criminal justice topics. UGF’s program spends the majority of time on forensic sciences, hard-core sciences, and mathematics necessary to be a well-rounded and educated forensic investigator or laboratory expert. This is reinforced by the numerous laboratory classes for the diverse areas of forensic investigation.

The entire range of forensic sciences topics are covered at UGF, ranging from the most useful, such as fingerprint analysis, DNA analysis, serology, and blood spatter analysis, to the less well-studied, such as evidence and lab analysis of hair, glass, soils, bones, drugs, poisons, and some thirty other areas. The current literature in a variety of fields is used to ascertain the students know the most up-to-date techniques and methods applicable, either in field investigations or for laboratory analysis. As an additional aid to becoming proficient in the field, numerous opportunities have been developed for internships during the summer, including working at real crime laboratories in Montana, other states, and for the federal government. The core modules for the Forensic Chemistry track are:

  •  General Chemistry I and II
  •  Organic Chemistry I and II
  •   Physical Chemistry
  •  Quantitative Analysis
  • Biochemistry
  • Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
  •  Introduction to Forensic Science
  •  Impression Evidence Lab Analysis
  • Patterned Evidence Lab Analysis
  • Forensic Chemistry
  •  Calculus
  • Classical and Modern Physics
Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles to matters defined by civil and criminal law. It is a compilation of all the hard core sciences, including the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and mathematics in the solving of crimes by the evidence left behind at a crime scene. All three of the major tracks and the minor are designed to prepare students with a strong scientific background directed to the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence. The major, minor and tracks focus on the main elements of criminalistics, including analysis of blood, fibers, glass, paint, soils, hair and the fields of toxicology, DNA analysis, serology, forensic anthropology, human pathology and numerous other areas germane to the scientific study of evidence. In addition to the courses offered, the unique character of the program depends on the faculty. Dr. Arthur Alt has ten degrees, including a doctorate in science education and degrees in chemistry, mathematics, anthropology, archaeology, history, and computers, with minors covering other sciences, and a passion for teaching that has sustained him for more than 30 years. A tremendous variety of teaching techniques in addition to lectures, are applied. This forces students to become creative and develop abilities in critical analysis and problem-solving. Dr. Diane Lund is an expert in biology and chemistry, with special expertise in DNA analysis and cellular biology. She has a wide range of interests in student undergraduate research. Dr. Craig Ganster has over 25 years of experience as a practicing police/homicide investigator and brings a wealth of knowledge to the program on dealing with forensic investigations. Professor Cynthia Matthews, head of the Criminal Justice program, reinforces the learning for students on criminal procedures and dealing with the legal system. Finally, Professor Steve Nelson teaches the law and how it applies to solving crimes, procedures in court, and being a competent witness for forensic investigations.

Master’s Degree

University Department of Anthropology College of Arts and Sciences The University of Montana
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $6,464 in-state, $18,606 out-of-state per year
Program link

Department of Anthropology College of Arts and Sciences The University of Montana Program Information

Students may develop and demonstrate research skill by formulating a research project designed to contribute original knowledge to the field of forensic anthropology, bioarchaeology, human variation, or human skeletal biology, with the findings presented in a thesis. Pursuing this track will help the student prepare to pursue a career as a forensic or physical/biological anthropologist, or to continue their graduate education toward a doctorate. Students who complete the core requirements and one of the tracks described below will earn the M.A. Degree in Anthropology with the Forensic Anthropology Option. The core modules are:

  • Forensic anthropology
  • Osteology
  • An archaeological field experience
  • General forensic science
  • Statistics
Students may design a MA program in which they specify aset of goals and a set of courses and other experiences that lead to achievement of these goals. Students demonstrate progress toward and satisfaction of their goals by collecting the work produced in their courses and other experiences into a portfolio. This track requires more course work than the thesis track or professional paper track. This track is designed for students who do not plan to work professionally as a forensic orphysical/biological anthropologist or who plan to use their MA degree inanother context (for example, educators seeking an MA degree in a field of science).

 

 

Forensic Science Degrees in Arkansas

arkansas forensic science degree

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 Arkansas.

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 Arkansas

The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory is responsible for providing forensic science services to the state’s criminal justice system. Forensic scientists, from Little Rock to Fayetteville and Jonesboro and beyond, are also called upon to provide assistance to law enforcement personnel and expert testimony in Arkansas criminal courts. The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has 130 employees, the majority of whom are responsible for receiving, testing, and storing evidence. The state crime lab, which is the only forensic laboratory in the State of Arkansas, accepts evidence from investigations at the city, state and federal levels. he most widely accepted path to a career in forensic science is through an undergraduate degree in a science field, such as chemistry or biology, although a number of programs have been created that combine the scientific component of forensic science and the technical aspects of this career.

For example, there are colleges and degree granting schools that offer a Bachelor of Science in Forensics. These degree programs then allow students to select a track, or concentration, such as biology or chemistry.

Forensic Science Training in Arkansas

In some cases, to become a crime scene technician in Arkansas requires a high school education, along with 1 to 1.5 years of related experience and/or training.  An equivalent amount of education can substitute.

There is a high degree of competition for entry level CSI jobs, and applicants would be well advised to obtain formal training in criminal justice.  Many of these programs have a specialty in crime science investigation.

Residents of Arkansas can obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from a number of schools in the state or from online schools that offer this type of training.  A good driving record is also important to be a CSI, since the job involves driving to crime scenes on a regular basis.

In some departments, such as the Jonesboro Police Department, detectives handle the analysis of crime scenes.  These skilled professionals have years of investigative experience coupled with advanced training in forensics.

Forensic Science Salary in Arkansas

The average annual salary for forensic science technicians in Arkansas in 2009 was $39,280 according to Discover Arkansas.  The BLS indicated that the average salary in Little Rock in 2012 was $40,720 with those in the top ten percent making $57,420.

One of the major employers of forensic lab technicians and crime scene investigators in the state is the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock.  The salaries of forensic scientists at this lab ranged from $55,280 to $67,626 in fiscal year 2014.

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Arkansas

Bachelor’s Degrees in Arkansas

University Arkansas State University, College of Science and Mathematics, Forensic Science and Technology, B.S.
Duration 24 months
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $23,283 per year
Program link

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science provides students with the laboratory skills and knowledge in the sciences that will allow them to compete regionally and nationally for
positions in forensic laboratories. The degree requires 125 hours for graduation, including a core of 10 hours plus an additional 6 hours in criminology, 39 of fundamental science courses, and 7 hours of math and statistics. The program offers a general degree plan as well as two emphases: Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology. Students are required to complete an internship as part of the core and will have the opportunity to select electives reflecting their specific interests.Individuals interested in the program should contact the Forensic Science program for additional information. The core modules are:

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Criminology
  • Courts and Justice
  • Law Enforcement Systems
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Procedure and Constitutional Rights
  • Corrections
  • Critical Perspectives on Justice Policy
  • Environmental Crime
  • Comparative Systems
  • Drug Issues and the Law
  • Discretion and Decision-making
  • White-collar and Corporate Crime
  • Violent Crime
  • Law in America
  • Security in a Globalized World

To ensure the students’ future success, the staff are committed to placing the needs of the learner, at the center of everything we do. The distinguished professors are committed not only to teaching the students, but serving as mentors and working with you as well. Here, hands-on learning and the opportunities for research and creative pursuits are available to the student, even as an undergraduate. Celebrating and promoting diversity is a cornerstone of the university. To help broaden your university experience, we sponsor a variety of international opportunities and multicultural events. The university welcomes nearly 1,000 international students to their campus each year, representing more than 60 countries worldwide.

They promote inclusion throughout your entire university curriculum. Additionally, the staff create opportunities for all diverse groups to share their perspectives and knowledge – so all students receive a rich learning experience. Together, they build a civil, engaging, and respectful campus climate where all backgrounds are respected. All students are encouraged to participate in their wide array of student clubs and organizations that foster diverse interests.

 

Master’s Degrees in Arkansas