Many schools offer degrees in forensic science and criminal justice.
The crime scene investigation (CSI) industry has seen a tremendous increase in the number of people wanting to become part of this field. Many schools around the country offer degree and certificate programs in forensic science, and people seeking a career in crime scene investigation typically pursue this degree or a degree in criminal justice. Criminal justice courses offer specific classes that focus on forensic science, in addition to courses in natural science and physical science.
Hofstra University
Hofstra University offers a bachelor of science degree in forensic science. The program aims to give students a solid foundation in the physical and natural sciences. The chemistry department oversees the forensic science program, which is housed in a relatively new (1999) building. The school's lab includes high-performance liquid chromatography equipment, gas chromatography equipment and various microscopes, including two scanning electron microscopes and stereo and polarizing light microscopes. Successful completion of the program requires 18 semester hours and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. The program also requires 64 hours of liberal arts courses, with 59 of these hours in courses outside of the chemistry department. Additionally, all students must participate in a moot court procedure, pass a forensic science aptitude test, perform undergraduate research and participate in an internship program and complete a student exit questionnaire and interview.
Hofstra University
Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
106E Berliner Hall
151 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
516-463-7153
hofstra.edu
Marymount University
At Marymount University, students can concentrate on forensic sciences while pursuing a criminal justice degree. The criminal justice major that chooses the forensic science track will study science, law and physical evidence. The requirements of the degree program include taking courses in general biology, microbiology, genetics, the criminal justice system, applied research methods, criminal litigation and statistical analysis. In addition to the specific degree requirements, students must take a number of liberal arts courses, such as written communication, humanities, mathematics, natural and social science. Marymount University also offers an undergraduate certificate in criminal justice/forensic science for individuals desiring an introduction to the field.
Marymount University
2807 N. Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22207
703-522-5600
marymount.edu
Pennsylvania State University
Penn State's Eberly College of Science offers a bachelor of science degree in forensic science. Penn State calls the degree program an "intercollege collaboration among academic units." This means the program uses faculty from other departments that are relevant to forensic science. These departments include the college of agricultural science, the college of liberal arts, the college of health and human development and the Eberly college of science. 124 to 126 credits are required for graduation, including 45 general education credits. Courses include microbiology, biology, forensic studies and statistics and criminology. Students can join the Penn State Forensic Science Club and the Forensic Chemistry Research Group.
Pennsylvania State University
Forensic Science
107 Whitmore Lab
University Park, PA 16802
814-867-2465
Tags: forensic science, Hofstra University, Marymount University, criminal justice, criminal justice, forensic science