Forensic Science
By pursuing a forensic science degree, you will be prepared for crime scene and laboratory positions, applying your scientific knowledge and skills in a field that benefits society by facilitating the prevalence of justice.
Overview
Forensic science is an integral part of the criminal justice system. At Eastern Nazarene College, students engage in rigorous studies to develop the fundamental science concepts necessary to be a forensic scientist, ranging from chemistry to advanced techniques in processing crime scenes. Special emphasis is placed on understanding analytical limitations when describing evidence, ethical considerations in the field, and personal contributions to forensic science through an independent research project. Techniques such as refractive index measurements of glass, blood spatter, illicit drug testing, and microscopic investigation are taught in addition to traditional analytical techniques including atomic absorption spectroscopy, gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
The hallmark of this major is its emphasis on applying skills learned in the classroom to real world situations. The faculty has designed several of the specific major courses to simulate what processing a crime scene would actually be like, including the roles of crime scene investigators and forensic scientists. The emphasis on a senior research process also allows a student to contribute to the field with original work that improves or even develops new methodologies for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting evidence. A low faculty-to-student ratio ensures students are mentored every step of the way.
Career Paths
There are many different types of forensic science careers. More jobs will to be added by the year 2024 with an expected increase of 27%, higher than the national average, according to the United States Department of Labor-Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a degree in forensic science, student are prepared for crime scene and laboratory positions, including crime scene investigator and crime laboratory analyst among others. Graduates may work in several different job settings including, local, regional, state, and federal labs and agencies; hospitals; the military; police departments; and private companies.
Undergraduate Catalog
For course descriptions, requirements, focus areas, options, and other program details see the full current undergraduate catalog.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the BS in Forensic Science degree, graduates will be able to:
- Achieve a passing grade on a standardized examination covering the foundational knowledge and scientific principles of their chosen subject area.
- Have the academic and technical background necessary to successfully enter graduate school and/or professional employment related to forensic science.
- Gather and organize scientific data, analyze it, evaluate its meaning and develop models for interpreting scientific phenomena.
- Make observations, formulate questions and hypothesis, make predictions and make accurate scientific measurements in an investigative setting.
- Investigate a specific real-world problem, propose a creative solution, attempt the solution and present the results in both written and verbal forms.
- Write a scientific research proposal including background, specific aims, materials and methods, budget and project timeline.
- Prepare and deliver scientific presentations in various media formats to their peers and professors using current technology.
- Write a reflection paper on the integration of faith as it applies to scientific practice.
- Explore roles of bias in society as it relates to forensic scientific practices.
Upon completion of the BA in Forensic Science degree, graduates will be able to:
- Achieve a passing grade on a standardized examination covering the foundational knowledge and scientific principles of their chosen subject area.
- Have the academic and technical background necessary to successfully enter graduate school and/or professional employment related to forensic science.
- Gather and organize scientific data, analyze it, evaluate its meaning and develop models for interpreting scientific phenomena.
- Make observations, formulate questions and hypothesis, make predictions and make accurate scientific measurements in an investigative setting.
- Investigate a specific real-world problem, propose a creative solution, attempt the solution and present the results in both written and verbal forms.
- Write a scientific research proposal including background, specific aims, materials and methods, budget and project timeline.
- Prepare and deliver scientific presentations in various media formats to their peers and professors using current technology.
- Write a reflection paper on the integration of faith as it applies to scientific practice.
- Explore roles of bias in society as it relates to forensic scientific practices.
Program Type
Major
Degree
B.S., B.A.
Area of Study
Science
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