Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Investigative Sciences - Science Emphasis

This program teaches students how to use the life sciences, from DNA to ecology, to analyze crime scene evidence or solve mysteries in industrial, regulatory, or medical settings. The Science Emphasis is ideal for students seeking careers that deal with the collection, preservation, processing and use of evidentiary information to solve problems. Forensic and Investigative Sciences (BS - Science Emphasis), an accredited program by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), is a life sciences-based education, which develops skills in problem solving and critical thinking, essential for many career opportunities. Forensic and investigative scientists rely upon state-of-the-art scientific discoveries and technologies as tools to seek answers to critical questions in a variety of settings. Molecular, organismal, environmental, and ecological sources of information are often analyzed and interpreted in industrial, regulatory, legal, medical and associated professions. Graduates will be competitive for employment opportunities in forensic quality assurance laboratories, homeland security and investigative services at local, state and national levels. Graduates will also be well prepared for opportunities to enter post-graduate studies or professional schools including medicine, law, forensic nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. Forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve an innocent person from suspicion. The forensic scientist's skill is to use all the information available to determine facts. Issues of law andor fact that may require forensic science expertise range from questions of the validity of a signature on a will, to a claim of products liability, to questions of whether a corporation is complying with environmental laws. The work of the forensic scientist reduces the number of cases entering the overloaded court system by assisting the decision-makers before a case reaches the court. This decision is based on scientific investigation, not circumstantial evidence or the sometimes-unreliable testimony of witnesses. Common forensic science laboratory disciplines include forensic molecular biology (DNA), forensic chemistry, trace evidence examination (hairs and fibers, paints and polymers, glass, soil, etc.), latent fingerprint examination, firearms and toolmarks examination, handwriting analysis, fire and explosives examinations, forensic toxicology, and digital evidence. Some forensic disciplines practiced outside forensic laboratories include forensic pathology, forensic nursing, forensic psychiatry, forensic entomology, and forensic engineering.

Official academic records (transcripts, marksheets, diplomas, etc.) are required for all secondary and any university coursework completed. Records should include all courses taken in high school and every college or university the applicant has attended.