Bachelor of Science in Forensic Examiner

West Virginia University

Just 100 years ago, forensic investigation of even the most complicated crimes relied on little more than a notebook, perhaps a photograph or two and some common sense. Today, the practice of examining and identifying evidence involves a sometimes bewildering array of technology and equipment. Teams of specialists work together to generate the critical information needed to solve a case. It requires a surprising depth of scientific and professional knowledge to be a successful part of this modern process. Forensic Examiner students are treated as scientists first. Investigators and laboratory analysts need to understand how their tools work, both to get maximum performance and so that they can effectively defend their choices on the witness stand. To meet this goal, students spend two years mastering fundamental biology, chemistry and physics. Math and statistics, more important now than ever, are also essential parts of the STEM curriculum for future forensic scientists. After building that strong foundation, students move into two years of specialized courses emphasizing professional skills and applications. These courses are taught by a faculty with a variety of deep skill sets, both in practical casework and in academic research and understanding, and with an average course size fewer than 20 students. Based on their individual interests and skills, students can shape their curriculum to best suit their goals through their elective courses. That could be an interest in pattern evidence like firearms evidence or footprints, or it might lean more into investigative skills such as bloodstain pattern analysis or gravesite recovery. As this degree is rather professionally focused, the majority of Forensic Examiner graduates go on to jobs associated with law enforcement, either as scene investigators or laboratory examiners. In 2018, a survey of past-year graduates found that 90% of them were either employed or had gone on to graduate school. Those who go on to graduate school tend to take jobs that are more laboratory-oriented, such as fingerprint comparison, firearms examination or trace evidence analysis.

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences