The Chemistry Department, along with the Criminal Justice Department, provides courses of study that introduce students to the application of chemistry in the investigation of crime. Forensic Science majors are prepared to work in a modern crime laboratory, at the local, regional, state or federal level. Graduates of Alvernia's Forensic Science program will be highly qualified to work for other law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Forensic training also prepares the student to work for private industries in their analytical, environmental or toxicology laboratories. Students can also pursue graduate work or careers in medicine or law.

Computers are integrated into science technology through the use of Lab Works stations. This use of computers allows the focus to shift from data collection to data analysis and experimental design. Alvernia offers the opportunity to participate in research-grade data collection and become involved in the process of science.

The Forensic Science major provides qualified students an opportunity to integrate experiences in criminal justice and scientific disciplines through a practicum experience. The Forensic Science minor is designed as a complement for students majoring in other programs and is especially valuable for criminal justice, chemistry or biology majors.

Requirements

88 credits
Forensic Science is specially designed as an interdisciplinary program for students with a strong interest in criminal justice and chemistry. The program will prepare a forensic science major to work in a modern crime laboratory, at the local, regional, state or federal level. Students may also pursue careers in Drug Enforcement Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Major: 55 credits
CHE 104, 105, 107, 111, 112, 201, 202, 210, 211, 212, 301, 401, 402, 405, 410; CJ 101, 175, 203, 207, 275, 408.

Related Science and Math: 29 credits
BIO 115, and 9 elective credits (303 or 304, 405, 409 recommended); MAT 230, 209; PHY 110, 111.

Forensic Science Minor
Consists of 21-22 credits earned by completing CHE 104, 112, 405; BIO 115; one course from CHE 212 or 401; one course from BIO 303, 304, or 405; 3 credits of CJ electives (203 recommended). Science majors must take an additional 3 credits of CJ electives.

Updated: April 15, 2008

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