Forensic Science Minor Program

Program Overview

The Forensic Science minor at Elmira College combines natural science coursework with specialized forensic science and criminal justice studies. It equips students with a solid foundation in forensic techniques, criminal investigation, and evidence analysis, preparing them for careers in forensic laboratories, crime scene investigation, and other forensic science fields. The program emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Forensic Science minor program at Elmira College provides a pathway to an exciting and in-demand career in forensic science.
It complements the Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Clinical Lab Science, and Environmental Science programs.
• Objectives:
• Develop a strong foundation in the natural sciences with a focus on critical thinking.
• Acquire knowledge about the criminal justice process, the latest crime-solving techniques, and the collection and analysis of criminal evidence.
• Prepare students for roles in the criminal justice system, particularly as forensic science lab technicians, and for positions in private, state, and federal government forensic organizations.
• Program Description: The Forensic Science minor is a pre-professional program that combines coursework in the natural sciences with specialized courses in forensic science and criminal justice.
The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in forensic laboratory analysis, crime scene investigation, and forensic science research.

Outline:

• Criminal justice: criminal investigation, criminal law, criminal procedure
• Structure: The Forensic Science minor consists of 21 credit hours of coursework.
Students must complete the following courses:
• Required Courses:
• Chemistry 101: General Chemistry I
• Chemistry 102: General Chemistry II
• Biology 101: General Biology
• Biology 102: General Biology
• Forensic Science 201: Introduction to Forensic Science
• Criminal Justice 201: Criminal Investigation
• Criminal Justice 202: Criminal Law
• Elective Courses:
• Students must choose two of the following elective courses:
• Forensic Science 202: Forensic Toxicology
• Forensic Science 203: Forensic Microscopy
• Criminal Justice 203: Criminal Procedure
• Criminal Justice 204: Juvenile Justice
• Course Schedule: The Forensic Science minor can be completed in two to three years, depending on the student's course load.
The following is a sample course schedule:
• Year 1:
• Fall: Chemistry 101, Biology 101, Forensic Science 201
• Spring: Chemistry 102, Biology 102, Forensic Science 301
• Year 2:

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Lab reports
• Presentations
• Research papers
• Assessment Criteria: Students are assessed on their knowledge of forensic science concepts, their ability to apply forensic science techniques, and their communication skills.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The Forensic Science minor is taught using a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Labs
• Field trips
• Faculty: The Forensic Science minor is taught by experienced faculty members who are active in research and professional organizations.
• Unique Approaches: The Forensic Science minor offers a unique approach to forensic science education by combining coursework in the natural sciences with specialized courses in forensic science and criminal justice.
This interdisciplinary approach provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of forensic science.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: The Forensic Science minor prepares students for a variety of careers in forensic science, including:
• Forensic laboratory technician
• Crime scene investigator
• Forensic scientist
• Forensic toxicologist
• Forensic document examiner
• Opportunities: The Forensic Science minor provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in forensic science through internships and research projects.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the Forensic Science minor have been successful in obtaining employment in a variety of forensic science-related fields.