Forensic Degrees Online

Crime Scene Investigation (Forensic Investigation)
School of Arts and Sciences

Why choose a career in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation?
Although forensic investigation (crime scene investigation) is a young science and profession, it is a dynamic one, its growth spurred by new technologies, increased use by law enforcement, jury expectations, and new legal requirements. Forensics-focused education is a direct response to the increased role science plays in the courtroom today and is one of the fastest-growing courses of study in colleges and universities. The study of crime scene and forensic investigation includes two key components: 1) recognizing, collecting, identifying and examining the physical evidence of a crime scene, and 2) using the principles of the natural sciences to explain and interpret such evidence in legal proceedings.

What can I study?
You’ll learn scientific methodology, divergent problem solving strategies, critical thinking, and ethics in a hands-on, problem-based setting framed by forensics. You’ll develop basic investigative skills that prepare you for entrance into a career as an investigator and/or crime scene technician.
Recognize, properly document, collect, preserve, identify and examine forensic evidence in the processing of a crime scene.
Acquire specialized skills in the crime investigation relating to drugs, homicide, sex offenses, child and elder abuse, cyber crimes, pathology, and arson.

Forensic Science

Interest and opportunities within the forensic field have been expanding over the past decade. As our criminal justice system and government agencies are faced with complicated issues to solve, Waynesburg University students continue to step up to the plate to tackle the new challenges.

As a Waynesburg University forensics student, you will be exposed to a variety of forensic programs that target various crimes. Each of our programs provides the breadth-of-knowledge and experiences to prepare graduates for the investigative fields or for graduate school. We offer three forensic programs including fornesic accounting, forensic chemistry and computer science.

CORE CURRICULUM

Bachelor of Arts
The following are required for the degree of Bachelor of Arts:
English 103-104
Humanities I, II, III, IV.
Two semesters of a same foreign language (ancient or modern) beyond elementary work.*
Two semesters of a same laboratory science course.
Three courses in Philosophy (Philosophy 105, 107, and an elective).
Three courses in Theology (Theology 100, and two electives).
A major field of concentration in accordance with departmental regulations.
A comprehensive examination in the major field of concentration.

*International Students who hold F-1 visa or whose legal domicile is not in the United States and whose first language is not English are considered to have fulfilled the aims of the language requirement.

Bachelor of Science
The following are among the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing:
Education 315
English 103-104
Humanities I, II, III, IV
Biology 107, 317, 331-332, 344, 346
Psychology 101
Sociology, 101,212
Three courses in Philosophy (Philosophy 105, 107, and an elective).
Three courses in Theology (Theology 100, 371 and an elective).
Three unrestricted electives.
Courses in Nursing in accordance with departmental regulations.
A comprehensive examination.

Note: Nursing courses in the nursing sequence apply only to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree.

FORENSICS

Forensics lies at the intersection of Criminal Justice and Science. This certificate recognizes a student’s appreciation and understanding of biological, chemical and image production concepts in the context of the criminal justice system. An interdisciplinary committee oversees this certificate.

The requirements for the Certificate in Forensics are:
The student must be a degree candidate at Saint Anselm College.
The student must formally register for the certificate with the chair of the certificate committee no later than the first semester of the junior year.
The student must complete five courses with a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course. The student must earn a minimum C+ (2.33) cumulative grade point average in the certificate courses.
The student is required to take Evidence (CJ211).
The student is required to take Criminal Procedure (CJ212).
The student is required to take Forensic Chemistry (CH220).
The student is required to take Microbiology (BI317). The student must take Microbiology (BI317) for Biology department majors or BI108 for non majors. Genetics (Bi327) or Forensic Physics (PS104).
The student is to take one other course in image production. This course can be Elementary Photography (FA256) or Digital Imaging and Computer Art I (FA266).
The student must successfully complete a comprehensive written exam on material from the five certificate courses.

Chatham University Forensics

Forensics is the application of scientific principles to the law. This program is designed to provide a broad overview of the field of forensics. Completion of this program prepares students for graduate or professional study or for entry-level positions in legal, human services, or law enforcement agencies.

In addition to a major and minor in Forensics, a minor in Forensic Science is available for students who complete Organic Chemistry and its associated prerequisites.

Our Curriculum

Forensics is the application of scientific principles to legal issues. Chatham’s Forensics major provides an overview of the psychological and sociological concepts, theories and methods that may be applied to understanding and enhancing criminal investigations, prosecutions, and corrections. The program reflects a unique multidisciplinary approach to explore the experiences of both criminals and victims. Completing this major prepares students for graduate or professional study in psychology, law, or criminal justice; or for entry-level positions in law enforcement, legal, or human service agencies.

Chatham University Forensics

Forensics is the application of scientific principles to the law. This program is designed to provide a broad overview of the field of forensics. Completion of this program prepares students for graduate or professional study or for entry-level positions in legal, human services, or law enforcement agencies.

In addition to a major and minor in Forensics, a minor in Forensic Science is available for students who complete Organic Chemistry and its associated prerequisites.

FORENSICS:BIOL 114 – Human Biology/Lab 4
CHEM 120 – Foundations of Chemistry/Lab 5
CHEM 495 – Directed Study: Forensics 2
PSYC 260 – Introduction to Forensic Psychology 3

PgCert Forensic Radiography

This exciting new course is for radiographers who wish to advance their forensic-radiography skills within their clinical setting.
Course aims

This course aims to:
extend your knowledge and skills to a specialist level in forensic radiographic practice
enable you to appraise critically the role of forensic radiography within the clinical and mass fatalities environment
enable you to develop an understanding of the roles of the other professionals involved in forensic practice – such as the police, coroner and pathologist – to enhance teamwork.

Course structure

The course is made up of two modules: Forensic Radiography (delivered over a one-week study block in October) and Forensic Radiography in Mass Fatalities (delivered over a one-week study block in January). The sessions will be facilitated by recognised specialists in the field of forensics demonstrating the multidisciplinary nature of forensic practice. You will be encouraged to reflect upon and share your own experiences.
Careers

Successful completion of the course will enhance your career as a practitioner with specialist forensic-radiography skills.
Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by Skills for Justice, sector skills council for the Justice sector.
Entry requirements

Applicants should be registered radiographers and have an honours degree (2.2 classification or above) or be able to provide evidence of the ability to work at postgraduate level.

PgCert Forensic Radiography

This exciting new course is for radiographers who wish to advance their forensic-radiography skills within their clinical setting.
Course aims

This course aims to:
extend your knowledge and skills to a specialist level in forensic radiographic practice
enable you to appraise critically the role of forensic radiography within the clinical and mass fatalities environment
enable you to develop an understanding of the roles of the other professionals involved in forensic practice – such as the police, coroner and pathologist – to enhance teamwork.

Course structure

The course is made up of two modules: Forensic Radiography (delivered over a one-week study block in October) and Forensic Radiography in Mass Fatalities (delivered over a one-week study block in January). The sessions will be facilitated by recognised specialists in the field of forensics demonstrating the multidisciplinary nature of forensic practice. You will be encouraged to reflect upon and share your own experiences.
Careers

Successful completion of the course will enhance your career as a practitioner with specialist forensic-radiography skills.
Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by Skills for Justice, sector skills council for the Justice sector.
Entry requirements

Applicants should be registered radiographers and have an honours degree (2.2 classification or above) or be able to provide evidence of the ability to work at postgraduate level.