The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Studies provides students with the skills requisite to the investigation of criminal offenses and the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of criminal offenders. This curriculum integrates the theoretical perspectives of different disciplines pertaining to deviant and criminal behavior with the practice of identification, procurement, and presentation of evidence resulting from criminal activity. This program builds upon a solid liberal arts core to achieve a balanced criminal justice perspective, which includes an emphasis upon the victim, the offender, the criminal justice system and society. Recognizing the multidisciplinary nature of Forensics, this curriculum blends crime scene analysis, laboratory analysis, behavioral analysis, and Constitutional Criminal Law. The program’s objective is to develop a sound educational foundation for graduate work or professional practice at the bachelor’s level. It is designed as a scholar/practitioner curriculum providing students with advanced levels of knowledge in criminal investigation, thus increasing the employment potential for the graduates of this degree. The core modules are:

• General Biology
• Intro to Physical Anthropology
• Forensic Anthropology
• Intro to Forensic Studies
• Forensic Behavioral Analysis
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Methodology in Criminal Justice Research
• Criminal Justice Data Analysis
• Ethics in the Criminal Justice System
• Interview and Interrogation
• Criminal Evidence

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forensic Studies is a contemporary multidisciplinary curriculum that blends the social, behavioral, and physical sciences with the United States’ system of jurisprudence. The curriculum also examines the role of these disciplines in the analysis of natural and human made disasters, and homeland security. It provides students with the skills requisite to the investigation of criminal offenses and the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of criminal offenders. It also provides students with knowledge pertaining to forensic applications in civil cases, child abuse and neglect, and domestic violence. This curriculum integrates the multidisciplinary theoretical perspectives with research in the examination, identification, and application of alternative solutions to social problems. This program builds upon a solid liberal arts core to achieve a balanced justice perspective, which includes an emphasis upon the victim, the offender, the system of jurisprudence, and society.

Palm Beach Atlantic University’s School of Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science. PBA is the first Christian university in the state, and one of only a handful nationally to offer this degree. Forensic science applies natural sciences to matters of the law. The science draws upon chemistry, biology, physics and other scientific principles and methods. Forensic science is concerned with the identification, individualization and evaluation of physical evidence. Earning a degree in the field can open the door to a career in criminal justice as forensic scientists are trained to present their findings as expert witnesses in the court of law. Many are also a part of Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) teams. The curriculum at PBA is designed to feature a rigorous science base that will set this program apart from other undergraduate programs.  The core modules are:

• Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Chemistry
• Forensic Investigation
• Forensic Science
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Informatics
• Human Immunology
• Elementary Statistics
• General Psychology

At PBA, Florida’s top Christian college, you’ll learn from exceptional professors. They believe in an open-door policy so that they are available to you when you need them.Federal data indicates an anticipated 20 percent growth in the field over the next eight years. In addition to government laboratories, private DNA labs also have an interest in hiring forensic science graduates. The program also prepares you for graduate study.

alm Beach Atlantic University is a comprehensive Christian university with a core emphasis in the liberal arts. Its purpose is to offer a curriculum of studies and a program of student activities dedicated to the development of moral character, the enrichment of spiritual lives, and the perpetuation of growth in Christian ideals. Founded under the providence of God with the conviction that there is a need for a university in this community that will expand the minds, develop the moral character and enrich the spiritual lives of all the people who may come within the orbit of its influence, Palm Beach Atlantic University shall stand as a witness for Jesus Christ, expressed directly through its administration, faculty, and students.

To assure the perpetuation of these basic concepts of its founders, it is resolved that all those who become associated with Palm Beach Atlantic as trustees, officers, and members of the faculty or of the staff must believe in the divine inspiration of the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, that man was directly created by God; that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin; that He is the Son of God, our Lord and Savior; that He died for the sins of all men and thereafter arose from the grave; that by repentance and the acceptance of and belief in Him, by the grace of God, the individual is saved from eternal damnation and receives eternal life in the presence of God; and it is further resolved that the ultimate teachings in the University shall always be consistent with these principles. (These principles were adopted by the University’s founders and they serve as the preamble to the PBA bylaws).

The Forensic Science Bachelor’s Program is designed to service the needs of both practicing professionals and full time students who desire an advanced program of study in the forensic analysis of biological materials. The Forensic Science Program has a strong biochemistry-DNA focus to serve the needs of supervisory personnel in DNA sections of crime laboratories, who are mandated by the national DNA Advisory Board to hold advanced academic degrees. During the initial offering, registration is limited to students working in off-campus forensic science laboratories. The core modules are:

• Chemistry Fundamentals
• Biology
• Calculus
• Forensic Science in the Courtroom
• Forensic Microscopy
• Forensic Biochemistry
• Forensic Lab Quality Assurance
• Forensic Science Internship
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Investigation Technology
• Genetics Laboratory
• Immunology Laboratory

The University of Central Florida is a major metropolitan research university whose mission is to deliver a comprehensive program of teaching, research, and service. UCF is a member institution of the State University System of Florida, and is currently the largest university in the state, and the second-largest university in the United States by enrollment. The “Degree Programs” link to the left will take you to descriptions of forensic science academic programs at the University of Central Florida.

The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) is a research center at the University of Central Florida. The NCFS maintains partnerships with the forensic science community through collaborations in research, database and training development. Professional training courses which have been developed in collaboration with the forensic community can be accessed through the “NCFS Training” link on the left.

The Bachelor of Arts Forensic Psychology is a unique program designed to provide knowledge and skills in preparation for careers in several areas of criminal justice in the context of a firm foundation in basic psychology. Forensic psychology majors can pursue careers in criminal justice professions such as crime analysts, police or probation officers, and victim advocates, and in nonprofit and social agencies that coordinate efforts with legal/justice systems, such as domestic violence shelters and victims’ rights groups Some forensic psychology majors may choose to pursue graduate study in criminal justice, forensic psychology, experimental psychology, clinical psychology, crime analysis, criminology or law. Unlike other forensic psychology schools, Florida Tech offers a specialization in child advocacy. Focusing on ethical, realistic and culturally sensitive content, this program is of interest to forensic, ABA and clinical psychology students who plan to work with children. Students learn about the various disciplinary responses to child maltreatment and will develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the most efficient responses. Not all forensic psychology schools offer internships, as does Florida Tech does. All forensic psychology majors complete an internship during the senior year with direct experience in the field. Each experience is different, but all require students to gather information and data to present as a formal research project in a university-wide research colloquium. Internship experiences may occur at local police agencies, state attorney’s office, public defender’s office, the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit (BSU) or NCIS. The core modules are:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to American Criminal Justice
• Survey of Forensic Psychology
• Psychology Research Methods and Statistics
• Social Science Elective
• Psychology Bases**
• Forensic Behavior Investigation and Identification
• Special Topics in Forensic Psychology
• Psychology of Learning and Motivation
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Principles of Individual and Community Advocacy
• Social Psychology
• Human Cognition: Theory and Application
• Introduction to Human Factors

Florida Tech is one of the only forensic psychology schools in the nation. In fact, its forensic psychology degree program is the only undergraduate program of its kind in the state of Florida. At the intersection of psychology and the legal system, the program provides students with a strong forensic emphasis in a private school atmosphere of small classes and close interaction with faculty, which other forensic psychology schools may not offer. Students benefit from a robust array of internship options, faculty-led research programs and applied research projects through partnerships with the FBI and other agencies. Other forensic psychology schools might not offer the close-knit culture that gives students a chance to work closely with their professors. Students are matched with a faculty advisor who not only assists with selecting courses during their time at Florida Tech, but also offers guidance for career and/or graduate school opportunities. In addition, professors invite students to participate on faculty research teams after they complete their research methods coursework, which is of particular value to students intending to apply to graduate school. Professors in this department represent various psychology disciplines and legal systems, providing students broad exposure to the field. We have academics and practitioner experts in areas such as clinical, experimental, social, criminological, industrial-organizational, and multicultural areas, all with a wide variety of research and practitioner areas of expertise – something you might not find at other forensic psychology schools.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Investigations prepares students with competencies in the collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence for presentation in legal proceedings. The program provides students with the skills required to recognize relevant scientific information discoverable through forensic analysis of various types of physical evidence. Oral and written communications regarding the results of investigations and forensic analysis is also emphasized. The core modules are:

• Crime Scene Procedures
• Crime Scene Digital Image & Processing
• Crime Scene & Evidence Photography
• Communication & Writing for the Crime Scene Professional
• Crime Scene Safety
• Legal Aspects of Crime Scene Careers
• Crime Scene Digital Image & Processing
• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Fingerprint Identification and Development
• Introduction to Biological Evidence

At Keiser University we are here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives. Keiser University continues to be a valuable partner to employers, the community, and, above all, a valued choice for students serious about their education and career.As a student, you will attend one class at a time for four weeks and take your final exam before moving on to your next class. This schedule eliminates juggling several classes or multiple assignments and exams simultaneously. This focused approach on a single class, combined with small class size, ensures easy access to faculty and hands-on education that meets your needs.The school was founded when the Keiser family recognized a need for hands-on career education in small classes. This student-friendly concept has remained at the foundation of the Keiser mission and continues to attract students who enjoy a more personal learning environment.

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree is designed to prepare students for careers as forensic scientists. The core of the curriculum consists of chemistry and biology courses and a small number of criminology and criminal justice courses. The curriculum is enhanced by internship opportunities with forensic laboratories such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tampa Crime Laboratory, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner, the Pinellas County Crime Laboratory and Field Forensics, Inc. The program also prepares students for graduate programs in forensic science, chemistry, toxicology, biochemistry and health professional schools.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for employment with local, state and federal crime laboratories and law enforcement agencies. Based on polling of our graduates, 86 percent of them are employed in forensic science or a related field, are in doctoral programs related to their training or are in medical school. Several graduates are in doctoral programs in top schools in their field. Our graduates work in various aspects of forensic science, including crime scene, forensic DNA and forensic chemistry. The core modules are:

• Senior Seminar
• Introduction to Forensic Research
• Forensic Science Internship
• Microscopic Examination of Firearms Evidence
• Special Topics in Forensic Science
• Biological Diversity
• General Chemistry I and II
• Calculus I and II
• Organic Chemistry I and II
• Applied Physical Chemistry
• Professional Practice in Forensic Science
• General Genetics plus Laboratory
• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Law Enforcement
• Criminal Investigation
• Crime Scene Investigation

The mission of the forensic science program is to prepare the student, through the development of student knowledge and laboratory skills, for post-baccalaureate training and careers in forensic science and related fields, in an environment that emphasizes faculty-student mentoring.

The objectives of the forensic science program are to graduate students who:

• Possess knowledge essential to a broad understanding of forensic science and the underlying scientific and legal concepts, with particular knowledge in crime scene investigation, firearms and pattern comparison, genetics, molecular biology, forensic chemistry and forensic toxicology
• Develop and demonstrate competence in forensic science methods and instrumentation, data collection and interpretation, through hands-on experiential learning
• Be able to make reasoned decisions and ethical choices to obtain, report and communicate their results with integrity
• Develop the ability to communicate effectively through both oral and written methods and in both scientific and courtroom environments
• Have an attention to detail necessary for thorough and rigorous evidence analysis
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively work independently through an independent project, original research and/or an internship experience

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Studies degree program provides students the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and academic credentials through an interdisciplinary course of study and specialization. A component of the College of Arts & Sciences’ Justice Studies Department, the M.S. in Forensic Studies program offers comprehensive education and training in two applied research concentrations – Forensics Behavioral Analysis and Human Identity and Trauma Analysis.

A challenging curriculum delivered by accomplished practitioner-scholars provides students foundational and progressive knowledge and experience in theory, methods, applied research, and field work. Graduates typically pursue or seek to advance careers within investigative and law enforcement agencies; continue their education within a distinct range of doctoral programs (e.g., forensic psychology, forensic anthropology, skeletal biology, bio archaeology, or social work); and/or contribute to developing and promulgating relevant policies for local, county, state and federal agencies.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Studies degree program requires the completion of 4x credit hours and admits qualified students during the fall and spring terms. The core modules are:

• Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
•  Human Osteology
• Critical Thinking and Intelligence Analysis
• Forensic Anthropology
• Supervised Research
• Human Trafficking
• Research Legal Methods Public Policy
• Social Constructs of Crime
• Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
•  Classical Theory & Current Research in Violent Behavior
• Individual Research-Human Identity
• Individual Research-Forensic Behavioral
•  Advanced (GIS) Spatial Analysis

The Masters of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Studies is a contemporary multidisciplinary curriculum that blends the social, behavioral, and physical sciences with the United States’ system of jurisprudence. The curriculum also examines the role of these disciplines in the analysis of natural and human made disasters, and homeland security. It provides students with the skills requisite to the investigation of criminal offenses and the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of criminal offenders. It also provides students with knowledge pertaining to forensic applications in civil cases, child abuse and neglect, and domestic violence. This curriculum integrates the multidisciplinary theoretical perspectives with research in the examination, identification, and application of alternative solutions to social problems. This program builds upon a solid liberal arts core to achieve a balanced justice perspective, which includes an emphasis upon the victim, the offender, the system of jurisprudence, and society.

The Digital Forensics MS degree is comprised of 30 hours of study beyond the bachelor’s degree with required, intensive specialization in topics related to digital forensics. The degree program prepares students, including working professionals, who will pursue the degree on a part-time basis to gain the knowledge and skills required to work as an examiner in the field. The program may also be taken by those who have an interest in scientific applications and research in the field, and who would like to continue to a doctoral degree program or law school after completion.

The MSDF degree is a collaborative effort between various UCF academic departments – Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Forensic Science of Chemistry, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies – and the National Center for Forensic Science. The National Center for Forensic Science is a State of Florida Type II Center and a member of the National Institute of Justice Forensic Resource Network of the Department of Justice, serving the needs of state and local law enforcement and forensic scientists. The core modules are:

• Computer Forensics I and II
• Topics in Forensic Science
• The Practice of Digital Forensics
• Advanced Topics in Computer Security and Computer Forensics
• Wireless Security and Forensics
• Distributed Processing of Digital Evidence
• Investigative and Intelligence Analysis, Theory and Methods
• Quantitative Methods and Computer Utilization in Criminal Justice
• Forensic Expert in the Courtroom
• Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence

The mission of the MSDF degree program is to provide a quality graduate education in the science and practices of digital forensics, and to prepare the students for digital forensics jobs and a lifetime of learning. The objectives of the program include the following:

• To give MSDF graduates the knowledge and skills necessary to participate as effective team members or team leaders in digital evidence investigations
• To prepare MSDF graduates for professional careers in digital forensics examination, forensic tool development, tool verification and validation, security and forensics administration
• To prepare MSDF graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue advanced studies and research in computer technology or computer crime-related disciplines
• To equip MSDF graduates with the communication skills, both oral and written, to become effective problem solvers as well as effective communicators when serving as expert forensic examiners and expert witnesses

The Forensic Science Master Program is designed to service the needs of both practicing professionals and full time students who desire an advanced program of study in the forensic analysis of biological materials. The Forensic Science Program has a strong biochemistry-DNA focus to serve the needs of supervisory personnel in DNA sections of crime laboratories, who are mandated by the national DNA Advisory Board to hold advanced academic degrees. During the initial offering, registration is limited to students working in off-campus forensic science laboratories. Two tracks are provided. The Forensic Analysis Track emphasizes the application of modern chromatographic, spectroscopic and micro-analytical techniques to problems in forensic science. The Forensic Biochemistry Track has a strong biochemistry-DNA focus to serve the needs of supervisory personnel in DNA sections of crime laboratories. National DNA standards mandate that such personnel have advanced degrees. The core modules are:

• Chemistry Fundamentals
• Biology
• Calculus
• Forensic Science in the Courtroom
• Forensic Microscopy
• Forensic Biochemistry
• Forensic Lab Quality Assurance
• Forensic Science Internship
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Investigation Technology
• Genetics Laboratory
• Immunology Laboratory

The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS), the School of Computer Science, and the Department of Chemistry jointly sponsor the interdisciplinary graduate certificate program in Computer Forensics. In addition, the Liberal Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences offers a Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Computer Forensics. This web-assisted certificate program provides a unique opportunity of graduate training to professionals and paraprofessionals who deal directly or indirectly with digital evidence, including law enforcement investigators, forensic laboratory analysts, lawyers and judges, and corporate computer security specialists.The Chemistry Department at UCF has developed an extensive network of partnerships with Central Florida business and industry. These alliances enrich the learning experience and provide unique opportunities both during and after the advanced degree programs. Companies recently offering partnership programs for UCF Chemistry students include Lucent Technologies, NASA, Lockheed-Martin Corporation, MBI International, Cirent Corporation, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, M. D. Andersen Cancer Center of the Orlando Regional Medical Center, and the Walt Disney Cancer Institute at Florida Hospital.

The Master of Science in Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in local, state and national forensic science laboratories. The program may also be suitable preparation for doctoral instruction in several disciplines. This graduate program was initially accredited by the FEPAC of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in 2004. The Master of Science in Forensic Science consists of a minimum of 32 credits, including a thesis based upon the student’s original research. A maximum of six credits of post-baccalaureate coursework may be transferred from other institutions, subject to the approval of the Graduate Committee. The graduate committee will consist of the Graduate Program Director and members from the Chemistry and Biology departments and meet at the end of the spring semester to consider the Fall applications to the Master’s program. The core modules are:

• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Biology
• Forensic Analysis

The International Forensic Research Institute (IFRI) serves local and national law enforcement efforts in the application of scientific principles to the administration of justice. The mission of this self-supporting institute is to conduct original research in forensic science, transfer technologies from other scientific disciplines for use in forensic applications, provide scientific expertise to the law enforcement and legal community and to provide needed continuing education and advanced training to practicing scientists.

The formal partnerships between the institute, law enforcement agencies, government laboratories and corporations results in a unique center for research and training in the forensic sciences. A large number of institute-affiliated FIU faculty conduct research and provide forensic expertise. The Miami-Dade Police Department, the Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration house local forensic laboratories in South Florida. A combined total of over 200 scientists work in these laboratories conducting evidence examinations and offering expert testimony in state and federal courts.