Forensic Science

Chair: Timothy Palmbach, M.S., J.D.

Professor Emeritus: Henry C. Lee, Ph.D.

Professors: Brooke Kammrath, Ph.D., Virginia Maxwell, Ph.D., Timothy Palmbach, M.S., J.D.

Associate Professors: Angie Ambers, Ph.D., Heather Coyle, Ph.D., Claire Glynn, Ph.D., Christopher O'Brien, Ph.D., Robert Powers, Ph.D., David San Pietro, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors: Josep De Alcaraz-Fossoul, Ph.D., Alyssa Marsico, Ph.D.

Lecturers: Lisa Dadio, M.S., Maria Torre, M.S., Peter Valentin, M.S.

Coordinator: Peter Valentin, M.S.

Forensic science is a broad, interdisciplinary field in which biological and physical science methods are used to analyze and evaluate physical evidence related to matters of criminal and civil law. The objective of the degree is to provide an appropriate education and scientific background to men and women planning careers as physical evidence examiners in crime laboratories. The curriculum is also appropriate for individuals currently working in forensic science laboratories and is valuable for those in related areas whose professional work requires in-depth knowledge of science and scientific investigation methods. At the end of their first year, students declare a concentration in either Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology.

Accelerated B.S. Forensic Science/M.S. Chemistry Program

The accelerated combined BS Forensic Science/MS Chemistry degree program is available to qualified forensic science majors during the sophomore year. Five graduate-level chemistry courses are taken during the senior year that count toward the MS in Chemistry. Students graduate with a BS in Forensic Science following their fourth year and in the fifth year students complete the MS Chemistry degree by taking the remainder of the graduate-level courses.

To qualify, students must apply for admission no later than two semesters prior to the anticipated fulfillment of the BS Forensic Science degree requirements typically in the sophomore or junior year, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of application to the accelerated program, and complete a recommendation form signed by the Forensic Science Academic Advisor and the Chemistry Program Coordinator. A minimum grade of B- is required in each of the graduate courses taken during the senior year in order for them to apply to the graduate program. Students must also have an overall GPA of 3.0 in the graduate courses in order to continue into the fifth year. It is highly recommended that interested students discuss the accelerated option with the Chemistry program as early as possible in order to plan an appropriate schedule during years three and four.