Forensic Science Colleges

Overview of The Field

Forensic science is related to solving crimes with the help of evidence found at the scene of crime. It may include drugs, blood, textile fibers, body fluids, hair, paint, or glass pieces. Forensic professionals gather, and preserve physical evidence from the crime scenes and analyze it in laboratories with the help of scientific methods and procedures

Forensic scientists are basically involved in the application of science to civil and criminal investigations. Their services prove extremely critical to the process of criminal justice. Their findings help determine how the crime took place.

What Programs Do Forensic Science Colleges Offer?

Forensic Science Bachelors

The undergraduate program builds strong foundations in the physical and biological sciences, along with more specific topics like forensic anthropology, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and others.

Forensic Science Masters

The masters program provides rigorous and hand-on training in laboratory procedures as well as crime scene investigation. In addition students acquire specialized training in subjects like criminalistics, forensic chemistry, forensic biology and other relevant topics.

Professional Development Opportunities

Many forensic science colleges also offer professional development programs for people who wish to enhance their understanding of the subject and move up the ladder.

Some of these courses may deal with the presentation of evidence in courts, use of new technology in crime scene investigation, interpretation of evidence.

The content and structure of each program may vary depending on the institute that you enroll in.

Program Curriculum

There are usually variations in the names and types of courses offered by different institutes. In most of the programs, students are required to take up a certain number of compulsory courses along with a few specialized modules. The types of courses will also depend on the concentration that students opt for.

Most forensic science colleges allow students to specialize in one of the following concentrations depending on their academic interests and professional aspirations:

Crime Scene Investigation (Field Emphasis)

This major is a combination of the study of criminal justice and science. It provides students with training in collecting, documenting and preserving evidence from crime scenes. They learn how to take photographs of crime scenes, draw sketches, and record relevant findings and observations. Some of the courses that may be included in the curriculum are:

• Principles and Practices of Science and Law
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Death Investigation
• Criminal Evidence and Proof
• Applied Statistics and Physics
• Crime Scene Photography

Relevant Career Options:

• Crime Scene Investigator
• Fingerprint Analysts
• Field Evidence Technicians

Forensic science investigation (Laboratory Emphasis)

Students are provided instruction in scientific methodologies that aid crime scene investigation. They’ll be equipped with procedures used for conducting chemical and biological analysis on the evidence and determining if suspects were actually involved in criminal activity.    It may include DNA analysis, or drug and other forms of evidence analysis.

Some of the courses that are relevant to this major include:

• Principles of Science and Law
• Biochemistry
• Organic Chemistry and Applied Statistics
• Human Genetics
• Anatomy and Physiology

 

Relevant Career Options:

• Laboratory Technician
• Forensic pathologist
• Latent Print Examiner

Many graduates also go on to further study non-forensic fields like medicine, dentistry, and law.

Many forensic science colleges also encourage their students to undertake internships in criminal justice organizations and law enforcement agencies. Internships not only provide hands-on training and practical exposure, but also allow students to interact with experts in their field, enhance their understanding of the subject, and build a valuable professional network.

What factors to consider when choosing a forensic science college?

There are many factors that need to be taken into account:

• Look through the details and structure of the courses that are offered
• Choose an institute that is accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
• Look at the credentials and experience of the faculty
• Some institutes offer distance learning programs also. However owing to the hands-on training required, most of these programs are hybrid.

Employment Outlook:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2012, forensic science technicians earned a median annual wage of $52,840.
Employment of forensic science technicians is expected to go up by 6% from 2012 to 2022.
Due to technological and scientific advancements, the relevance and usefulness of forensic evidence in trials has gone up over a period of time. The increased awareness about the use of forensic information as evidence can also be attributed to popular shows such as CSI and Dexter.
According to BLS, graduates with a Masters degree will be in a position to find better employment opportunities. The highest growth prospects have been associated with the field of DNA specialties and digital computer forensics.
Graduates with a degree in forensic science or a related discipline usually find employment in:

• Police departments and offices
• Morgues
• Crime laboratories
• Coroner Offices