Forensics courses combine theory with application.
Forensic science is the application of science to criminal investigations. Those looking to enter the field can choose to focus either on crime scene investigation, which is mainly field work, or laboratory analysis. Most colleges offer degree programs that combine scientific theory with information about the workings of the criminal justice system.
West Virginia University
West Virginia University's Department of Forensic and Investigative Science is located on the Morgantown campus and has an 18,000 square foot laboratory. All students enrolled in the department study the same modules for the first two years before going on to specialize in a chosen subject for the remainder of their coursework. The program is designed so that students are able to take a second major, ideally in another science-based field of study. The specializations offered differentiate between lab work and crime scene analysis.
Penn State University
Penn State University, as part of its Eberly College of Science, offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science. The program combines a balance of theory and vocational practicality, with modules in courtroom testimony and crime scene reconstruction. Eberly College of Science also offers graduate degree programs as well as professional courses for police officers, lawyers and first responders. Penn State has separate on-campus accommodation for those studying forensic science, and students are encouraged to check availability before applying.
Lake Superior State University
Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Its Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Chemistry combines aspects of criminal justice, biology and chemistry with a large focus on how forensic science is used in the process of solving crimes. The degree is offered by the university's department of Chemistry, which emphasizes the role of research and data gathering in forensics and offers students a number of internship opportunities.
Ogeechee Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College is based in Statesboro, Georgia. It offers an Associate of Science degree in Forensic Science that focuses primarily on the occupational aspects of the subject. Criminal justice, crime scene investigation and criminal psychology are all core modules in the program. The school also offers a Forensic Science Diploma, which is recommended for students looking to move into a generalized field of criminal justice, such as enforcement, corrections or investigations. The diploma program typically takes five academic quarters to complete.
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