CBU School of Sciences

Forensics at CBU

Most experts in the field did not earn undergraduate degrees in forensics.  They earned them in the more traditional areas of biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and criminal justice.  At CBU we have programs in these traditional areas and we have a good selection of courses that would be most useful to people interested in a career in forensics.

The top levels in forensics include positions such as medical examiner and forensic pathologist that are at the medical doctor level with a specialization in the area of pathology.  At CBU we provide a solid pre-med foundation with most pre-med students majoring (the links go to pre-med paradigms) in biomedical science, biology or chemistry.  Within these pre-med programs, you have the opportunity to choose courses based on your particular interests.  Particular courses that are recommended for people interested in forensics include (with links going to course syllabi):  analytical chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, and microbiology .  All of these courses are offered at CBU, and all have laboratories associated with them.

Another growing area of forensic science is in the computer area. Recommended courses include Operating Systems, Computer Networks, and Database Systems which are offered at CBU.

There are other areas in forensic science that you can specialize in.  The American Association of Forensic Science (link at the bottom) talks about many of these career areas.  For most of these areas, the particular degree you get is not as important as the coursework you have.  The following degrees at CBU can provide a solid foundation for graduate study in forensic science if you choose your electives with your particular forensic area in mind.  The links show a paradigm in that degree with suggested courses to fill electives in the degrees:

biology
chemistry
computer science
Mathematics
Natural Science

A degree in psychology (School of Arts) with an emphasis in criminal justice is another possibility.

A degree in an area of Engineering is still another possibility. Engineering plays a significant part in many forensic investigations. Engineers take part in the analysis of aviation, automotive and industrial accidents. They also are regularly involved in the analysis of structural failures of bridges, buildings and other structures. Courses directly related to these types of activities that are appropriate for both engineering and science majors include CE/ME 200 Mechanics of Solids, ME 202 Dynamics, and CHE 245 Materials Science.

To get you started in the field, we offer CJ 126 Forensic Anthropology.  CBU offers other Criminal Justice courses such as CJ 200 Criminal Justice, CJ 250 Serial Killers, and CJ 365 Deviant Behavior.  You can obtain a minor in Criminal Justice by taking 6 courses including three at the junior/senior level.

 

Links to sites about Forensics outside CBU:

American Chemical Society info on careers in Forensic Chemistry
The Council on Forensic Science Education   home page
The Council on Forensic Science Education   standards page
American Academy of Forensic Science  career paths
Advice from Dale Nute at Florida State University
University of Central Florida, Department of Chemistry, MS Degree program, Forensic Science track  home page 
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Forensic Chemistry Curriculum
Eastern Kentucky University Forensic Science Program, Bachelor of Science - Forensic Science  Chemistry Option
Eastern Kentucky University Forensic Science Program, Bachelor of Science - Forensic Science  Biology option