Waynesburg University’s Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science will offer two new majors beginning in the fall of 2019 – forensic biology and forensic investigation.
“The addition of these majors to our existing courses of study will allow students interested in forensic and investigative vocations to pursue curricula more suited to their interests and strengths,” said Michael Cipoletti, assistant professor of forensic science. “The amount of robust forensic and investigative curricular options we now offer is unparalleled for a school our size.”
The amount of robust forensic and investigative curricular options we now offer is unparalleled for a school our size.”
The Forensic Biology Program will enable students to develop a sound natural science foundation and learn the principles and techniques utilized by forensic biology practitioners. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of molecular biology and DNA as it relates to forensic DNA identification and the identification of body fluids commonly found in forensic evidence.
Students who pursue a major in forensic biology would be prepared for a career as a forensic scientist, forensic biologist, forensic serologist, and forensic or biological laboratory technician.
Required coursework will include the areas of biology, chemistry, criminal justice administration, forensic science, mathematics and physics.
The Forensic Investigation Program will prepare students for entry-level employment in crime scene investigations, evidence handling and criminal investigations, as well as other areas of law enforcement and investigative work. Students will learn to properly recognize, identify and preserve items of physical evidence and gain practical experience in crime scene processing and forensic pattern interpretation.
Students who pursue a major in forensic investigation will be prepared for a career as a crime scene technician, physical evidence custodian, forensic technician, law enforcement officer, latent print technician, firearms and tool-mark technician, property and evidence technician, and private investigator.
Required coursework will include the areas of biology, business, chemistry, criminal justice administration, forensic science and mathematics.
With the addition of both majors, Waynesburg will be positioned to offer major courses to students that best align with the current National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Department of Justice (DOJ) professional organizational structure.
Students pursuing these areas of study can also begin coursework in Waynesburg’s Master of Arts in Criminal Investigation Program during their senior year.
For more information, contact Cipoletti at mcipolet@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-3327.
Forensic Biology & Forensic Investigation Programs
Click on the respective links below to learn more about the Forensic Biology and Forensic Investigation majors.
