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The Forensic
Science BS program at Arkansas State University
incorporates all sections in the American Academy of
Forensic Science as well as many others. This
cross-disciplinary program was initiated to target
criminology and science students to give these
students an applied program while
simultaneously providing a rigorous curriculum that
will allow these students to not only work in the
forensic sciences but in the natural and physical
sciences upon graduation.
Our program is a Bachelor of
Science degree designed for students who want to go
pursue a career in the forensic sciences in a crime
laboratory or federal agency, as well as meets the
needs of students who wish to attend medical school
or graduate school.
History
The Forensic Science Program at
Arkansas State University was established in 2005 as
a cross-college initiative involving faculty from
the College of Science and Mathematics and the
College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The program has two tracks leading to a B.S.
Forensic Science: Chemistry and Biology. The
Chemistry Track is
geared toward preparing the student for work in most
sections of the forensic laboratory, including
trace, drugs, arson, and toxicology. The
Biology Track prepares
the student for work with DNA.
The program is co-directed by Dr.
Robyn Hannigan and Dr. Greg Russell. Dr.
Hannigan is an analytical chemist whose research
centers on the detection of explosives. Dr.
Russell is a former prosecuting attorney whose
research centers on criminal justice system
administration. Participating faculty from the
College of Science and Mathematics and the College
of Humanities and Social Sciences pursue research in
a number of unique forensic disciplines ranging from
forensic entomology to wildlife forensics.
What
does a forensic scientist do?
Most people are intrigued by the
forensic sciences because of what they see on TV.
Not all of the portrayals of forensic scientists on
television accurately show the actual work of the
forensic scientists. If you think you want to become
a forensic scientist, you should become aware of the
kinds of knowledge, skill, and abilities you will
need to successfully achieve this goal.
As a forensic scientist, you are
first and foremost a scientist who applies
scientific principles to solve problems that are
related to our legal and regulatory systems. Your
role is to ensure that accepted scientific
principles are used to examine evidence and to
obtain and interpret data. You must be able to
perform exacting laboratory work, keep detailed
records, write understandable reports, and explain
and defend your findings in a courtroom. You are not
an advocate for the prosecution or the defense.
Some of the knowledge, skills, and
abilities you need to possess to be a successful
forensic scientist include the following:
- a thorough understanding
of the basic sciences, especially chemistry and
biology
- willingness and ability to
perform laboratory work to very high quality
standards
- the ability to apply scientific
knowledge to solve complex real-life problems
- the ability to communicate
clearly and effectively, both in writing and
speaking
- personal integrity and high
ethical standards
Forensic Science covers a broad
spectrum of scientific disciplines, including
criminalistics, toxicology, pathology, odontology,
engineering, physical anthropology, psychiatry and
behavioral science, and questioned documents. You
can find more information about these areas in a
career information booklet at the American Academy
of Forensic Sciences page at http://www.aafs.org/.
Look in the Resources section, under Choosing a
Career.
Top
What do I need to do to become a forensic scientist?
If you are a high school student,
you should take all the science and math courses you
can. Almost all forensic science jobs now require a
B.S. or B.A. degree in Forensic Science or one of
the other science fields.
The B. S. degree in Forensic
Science from Arkansas State University provides you
with a very strong undergraduate science background
in chemistry, biology, math, and physics. You will
also take courses that are specifically related to
work in a forensic laboratory, such as Evidence and
Procedure and Criminal Investigations. Click
on the links at the top of this page to see the
curriculum for the Chemistry and Biology options for
the degree.
Top
What can I do with my Forensic Science degree after
I graduate?
Graduates of our program are
trained to work in forensic science laboratories all
over the United States including government (city,
state or federal) crime laboratories as well as
private laboratories that provide forensic science
services.
Because the Forensic Science
degree provides such a strong science
background, many other career options are also
available. Our graduates will be prepared to pursue
advanced study in chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical
sciences, pathology, and law school; to work in a
variety of chemical industries; and to teach at the
middle school, high school, and university levels.
Flexibility and the willingness to consider many
locales enhance job opportunities.
Top
Are there other programs at ASU related to the
justice and legal systems?
Arkansas State University is a
comprehensive regional university that has programs
in many areas. Programs include chemistry, biology,
criminology, nursing, psychology, sociology, and
political science pre-law. All of these
programs are related to forensic science with some,
such as nursing, being an emerging forensic
sub-discipline. You can get more
information about these programs by clicking
here. Thus, a
full spectrum of scientific, investigative, and law
enforcement programs are available to meet the
interests of a wide variety of students.
Top
Where can I get more
information about ASU and Jonesboro?
Click
here to go to
the University home page, then click on Admissions.
You can find information here about how to apply,
costs, housing, financial aid, and the Jonesboro,
Arkansas area. Campus tours and visits with the
forensic science program directors can be arranged.
More questions about the ASU
Forensic Science Program? Click
here |
