The Forensic Science program is built on a strong foundation of science and mathematics courses. Forensic Science students develop a thorough understanding of biology and chemistry, along with essential lab skills, preparing them to work in a variety of fields. Students gain discipline-specific knowledge and experience in criminalistics, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and crime scene investigation. Lectures and laboratories are taught in small classroom settings in rooms fully equipped with the latest technology and instruments. Students receive individual attention and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art-equipment, data acquisition and analysis tools so vital for success in today’s technological scientific arena. The faculty is comprised of highly credentialed, experienced teachers and active practitioners in their respective fields. The curriculum is structured to prepare students for a variety of career options, including employment in public and private forensic laboratories, police investigation, medical/coroner offices, as well as municipal, state, and federal agencies. Knowledge and skills gained in the program enable graduates to succeed in other scientific fields including research, biotechnology, chemistry and manufacturing labs, or advanced studies in biology or chemistry.

Students must maintain a grade of C or better in the following courses to progress to the sophomore year within the Forensic Science program: BIO 110 Biology I for Science Majors, BIO 112 Biology II for Science Majors, CHE 120 Chemistry I, and CHE 121 Chemistry II. Additional requirements for continuing within the program beyond the sophomore year are indicated within the individual course descriptions.

Student Learning Outcomes

The goal of the Science Department is to provide graduates with the requisite knowledge and skills to engage in technical careers in the biological and forensic sciences, and to proceed to graduate or professional school if desired. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science program:

• Students will demonstrate understanding of core concepts in life sciences including evolution, pathways of transformations of energy and matter, information flow/exchange/storage, structure and function, and systems.
• Students will demonstrate the mechanical knowledge needed to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot scientific instruments and equipment. Instrumentation competency will be exhibited in a variety of laboratory courses by successfully conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining the instruments.
• Students will demonstrate scientific communication through reading scientific literature, writing reports and case studies, maintaining laboratory notebooks, and engaging in oral presentations and discussions.
• Students will critically analyze scientific articles and use the current body of scientific knowledge to generate questions, develop hypotheses, design experiments, generate data, and analyze data.
• Students will recognize, articulate, and apply ethical principles in various academic, professional, social, or personal contexts: research, creative expression, and design processes.

Possible Career Options for B.S. Forensic Science Graduates

• Analyst (DNA, Drug, Trace, Botanist)
• Toxicologist
• Criminalist
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Evidence Technician
• Quality Control Technician
• Forensic Nurse
• Forensic Dentist
• Sketch Artist
• Lab Technician (Research, Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Clinical)
• Graduate Study
• Dental, Medical, Veterinary or PA School