Program Overview
Forensic Science Degree
The Forensic Science degree program is specifically designed for those looking to obtain broad knowledge of several scientific fields and the methods employed to cases in the justice system. Forensic science bridges the gap between law enforcement and many scientific disciplines, piecing together the clues using advanced scientific techniques.
Program Overview
The program leverages strengths across five departments (biology, chemistry, computer science, criminal justice and criminology, and psychological science), applying scientific principles to crime investigation, civil litigation cases, corporate security, and government regulation enforcement. The forensic science major program is designed to give students laboratory experience with an emphasis on evidence collection and interpretation along with opportunities for direct application, such as the required internship or capstone and advanced forensic analysis sequence.
Concentrations
The B.S. in forensic science prepares students for current and future high-demand, rewarding careers in sectors that require adaptability to rapid change in investigative approaches, evolving technologies, information literacy, and behavioral analysis. The program offers four distinct concentration areas:
- Behavioral Forensics: Prepares future professionals by providing an understanding of human behavior in the context of criminal investigations.
- Digital Forensics: Prepares professionals with specialized skills to investigate, analyze, and present digital evidence.
- Forensic Biology: Instructs students in innovative methods and approaches to collect and analyze forensic DNA and other biological crime scene evidence.
- Forensic Chemistry: Takes chemistry into the real world by preparing professionals to identify criminals using chemical analysis, attribute crime, and investigate and analyze chemical components for numerous applications.
Career Paths
Graduates of the forensic science program will be qualified for various career paths, including:
- Criminal Investigators
- Forensic Mental Health Clinician
- Victim Advocate
- Forensic Psychologist
- DNA Examiner
- Evidence Specialist
- State Police Laboratory Manager
- Crime Scene Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Digital Forensic Examiner
- Fraud Analyst
- IT Auditors
Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), positions for forensic science technicians across the United States are projected to grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. An estimated 2,600 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. The BLS also projects 16,800 annual job openings in the digital forensics/cybersecurity field, with a 32% increase in job outlook over the next ten years.
High School Summer Camp
The university offers a five-day summer camp on forensic science for high school students, providing educational workshops and laboratory experiences. Students will learn from academic and career professionals through hands-on activities, such as blood spatter and fingerprint analysis, and mobile device data retrieval. Camp tuition is $700, with a $100 deposit required to secure a spot, and scholarships are available for eligible participants.