Forensic Science Certificate
Program Overview
The Forensic Science Certificate program at the University of North Texas equips students for careers in forensic laboratories and prepares them for the American Board of Criminalistics certification. Led by nationally certified faculty, the program emphasizes scientific foundations, technology applications, and experiential learning through extensive laboratory work and internships. The program is accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and offers tracks in Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Forensic Science Certificate program is designed for students who intend to pursue a career in a crime laboratory or federal agency. It is also suitable for students who want to become a medical examiner. The program follows the recommendations of the National Institute of Justice and prepares students for the American Board of Criminalistics certification test.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in the natural sciences.
- To enable students to apply the tools of technology to a wide variety of criminal investigations.
- To prepare students for careers in forensic laboratories.
- To prepare students for the American Board of Criminalistics certification test.
Teaching:
- Students receive instruction from nationally certified faculty members who conduct ongoing research in forensic science and have provided expert testimony in high-profile court cases.
- The program includes extensive laboratory work in both biology and chemistry.
- Students can participate in the Forensic Science Club, which is designed to enable students to learn about the career field, establish a presence in the American Association of Forensic Science (AAFS), and to form student and professional networks dedicated to the improvement of forensic science through the application of science to law.
Careers:
A Certification in Forensic Science at the University of North Texas can lead to careers in:
- Arson investigation
- Ballistics or firearm analysis
- Drug and trace analysis
Other:
- The program is available to Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry majors.
- The program consists of courses covering topics in Forensic Science.
- The program includes courses in the biological sciences, chemistry, and criminal justice departments at UNT.
- The program requires a B.S. degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry, a Forensic Science internship, and the Forensic Science Assessment Test.
- The program is made up of three tracks, including a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.
- The B.S. in Biology includes a chemistry minor, and the B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry includes a biology minor.
- The different tracks prepare students to enter the field in their chosen specialty.
- The undergraduate degree is considered an interdisciplinary degree.
- UNT has one of only 35 programs accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
- Facilities include a criminalistics lab focusing on fingerprint, ballistic, and laser analysis, where students use the same cutting-edge equipment featured in the nation's top crime labs.
University of North Texas Summary
Overview:
The University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university located in Denton, Texas. It is a large institution with nearly 47,000 students, making it a top choice for career readiness in Texas. UNT offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, as well as certificates.
Services Offered:
UNT provides a variety of services to its students, including:
MyUNT:
A portal for accessing student information, grades, and other resources.CANVAS:
An online learning platform for accessing course materials and submitting assignments.Student Email:
An email account for communication with faculty, staff, and other students.UNT Directory:
A directory for finding contact information for faculty, staff, and departments.Libraries:
Access to extensive library resources, including books, journals, and databases.Financial Aid:
A variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.Student Life:
A wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities.Campus Map:
An interactive map of the campus, including buildings, parking lots, and other points of interest.Jobs at UNT:
A job board for students seeking on-campus employment.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNT offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved. Students can participate in:
Student organizations:
Over 400 student organizations, including academic, cultural, and social clubs.Athletics:
The Mean Green athletic program, which competes in NCAA Division I.Campus events:
A variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and festivals.Community engagement:
Opportunities to volunteer in the local community.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
UNT offers a wide range of academic programs, with many ranked among the nation's top 100.Affordability:
UNT provides significant financial aid to students, making it a more affordable option for many.Quality of Life:
Located in Denton, a vibrant college town, UNT offers a safe and enjoyable campus environment.Academic Programs:
UNT offers over 100 academic programs across a variety of disciplines, including:
Arts and Design:
Visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and more.Business and Industry:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Communications and Media:
Journalism, public relations, advertising, and more.Data Analytics and Information:
Computer science, information technology, and more.Education:
Elementary education, secondary education, special education, and more.Health and Wellness:
Nursing, health sciences, and more.Humanities and Social Sciences:
History, English, psychology, sociology, and more.Music and Performing Arts:
Music performance, music education, theatre arts, and more.Public Service:
Criminal justice, political science, social work, and more.STEM:
Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and more.Other:
- UNT is a designated Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation.
- UNT has been named one of the safest college campuses in the nation by Alarms.org for four consecutive years.
- UNT is a top college for students graduating with the least debt, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- UNT is a top college for enrolling transfer students, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- UNT has been named one of America's Top Colleges by Forbes for 16 consecutive years.
- UNT is located in Denton, which has been ranked as the 7th best college town in the nation by 247WallSt.com.
Entry Requirements:
The Forensic Science Certificate program is available to Biology, Biochemistry or Chemistry majors. It is designed for students who intend to pursue a career in a crime laboratory or federal agency and prepares you for medical school if you want to become a medical examiner.
