Forensic Degrees Online

With Trine University’s training, you’ll find the “missing link…”

The tool markings left at the scene of an intrusion, the hair follicles found at the scene of a kidnapping, the bullet casing left at a homicide—all of this evidence can be used to solve a crime. You can be the scientist that solves the missing link in an investigation with the right kind of training—the kind of training that you can get from Trine University.

Explore
Television shows, such as CSI, portray forensic science at work. Crime scene investigators collect even the smallest pieces of evidence, which are then analyzed in a lab. The emergence of these shows proves how far forensic science has come. With technology unknown just a few years ago, forensic science has extraordinary powers to produce evidence that wins court cases. DNA testing is a perfect example. With trace evidence, police and forensic scientists can reopen and prove who committed decades-old crimes.

Experience
Four years ago, Trine University’s Department of Science and the Department of Criminal Justice decided to combine expertise to offer a forensic science major. Both departments were independently strong academically before joining forces, but together they have produced a solid curriculum combining both science and law enforcement. The curriculum is very rigorous in the “hard” sciences and prepares students for careers directly related to the analysis of trace evidence left at crime scenes.

Excel
The faculty members of the Department of Science strive toward excellence in teaching in the classroom and in the laboratories. The class and laboratory size is kept small to provide one-on-one instruction on equipment such as an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, high pressure liquid chromatography equipment, a gas chromatography—mass spectrophotometer, and two comparison microscopes—a ballistics microscope and a fiber/hair microscope. Trine University is believed to be the only non-governmental organization in Indiana to own both types of microscopes.

You will receive hands-on instruction on all laboratory equipment. Law enforcement classes are taught by faculty with many years of experience in the field, many connections in criminal justice, and a desire to pass their knowledge on to students.

Forensic science – the application of the methods of science to legal matters – is an exciting, complex and multidisciplinary program of study. In it one employs the principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics, as well as social science theory and law, to help solve crimes and serve justice. Forensic science offers students who have a bachelor’s degree in a natural or physical science an opportunity to apply their knowledge to serve justice. The program includes courses in criminal justice, forensic science, and law. Research in the forensic sciences takes place throughout a student’s tenure.

Michigan State University has long been recognized as a premier institution for research and education in forensic science. The School of Criminal Justice first offered a major in forensic science in 1946, and administers the oldest continually functioning educational degree program in forensic science in the United States. Michigan State University is home to a number of excellent resources for the study of forensic science. The School of Criminal Justice maintains modern laboratory facilities containing equipment and instrumentation for the analysis of virtually any type of physical evidence, from chromatography equipment for drugs, explosives, and arson evidence to microscopy techniques for trace evidence analysis, to genetic analyzers for the analysis of DNA.

The Forensic Science Masters program at Michigan State University is designed to give students a broad theoretical and practical background in the scientific, legal, and investigative aspects of forensic science while providing the opportunity to study one of the major disciplines in depth. There are three concentrations offered: Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Biology, and Forensic Anthropology.

Forensic Chemistry
Focus is on trace evidence, including glass, paint, soil, and fibers, drugs and alcohol, explosives, and arson evidence. Current research in the forensic chemistry lab ranges includes developing methods for the detection of gunshot residue in tissue samples, investigating surface chemistries that affect fingerprint detection, and profiling illicit ecstasy tablets based on both the organic and trace metal impurities present. More information can be found at www.forchem.msu.edu.
Forensic Biology
Involves DNA analysis and serology. Research in the laboratory focuses on designing and perfecting techniques that help advance the fields of forensic biology and forensic molecular biology. We also strive to develop a better practical and theoretical understanding of methods currently used in state, federal and private forensic laboratories. Research encompasses both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, and while the primary focus is on the human species, work is performed on trace evidence from domestic animals that may exist at a crime scene, and wildlife species that are endangered, threatened, or otherwise at risk. More information can be found at www.forbio.msu.edu.
Forensic Anthropology
Focus is on skeletal analysis, human identification, trauma, and evidence recovery.
Michigan State University’s School of Criminal Justice has some of the most modern research and teaching forensic science laboratories in the country. Housed in the Chemistry Building, the Ralph Turner Laboratory Complex contains state-of-the-art equipment including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, FTIR, capillary electrophoresis, HPLC, fluorescence spectrophotometer, and polarized light microscopy. Additional laboratory instrumentation is available in the chemistry department. The DNA laboratories, located in Giltner Hall, include PCR and genetic analysis equipment (ABI 310 and Beckman CEQ 8000 genetic analyzers), electrophoresis equipment, digital photography equipment, and multiple thermocyclers. The forensic anthropology labs, located in Fee Hall, are equipped with bench space for osteological exams, a stereozoom microscope, an image superimposition center, and a GE portable X-ray unit.

The laboratory headquarters of the Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division is conveniently located near the MSU campus. This full-service laboratory is available as a source of research resources and internship placements. Faculty in the Forensic Science Program and elsewhere on the campus regularly consult with the state police and conduct joint research projects with the help of forensic science students.

Through its career development and internship offices, the School of Criminal Justice provides internship opportunities for forensic science students, giving them a chance to learn firsthand how a crime lab works. Many interns carry out research projects under the auspices of laboratory personnel. Academic credit is awarded for successful completion of internship placement.

Although the Master of Science degree in Forensic Science is administered by the School of Criminal Justice (College of Social Science), several colleges and departments cooperate in offering this interdepartmental degree. These include the colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Human Medicine, and Natural Science, as well as the departments of Anthropology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radiology, Resource Development, Statistics and Probability, and Zoology. Also participating are the Center for Advanced Microscopy, the Genetics Program, and the Medical Technology Program.