Forensic Science Program

Tour EKU Forensic Science

• Forensic Science Degrees
• Forensic Science Courses
• Seminar Series
• Tutoring Center
• Departmental Clubs
• Forensic Student Awards
• Jobs / Useful Links

People think of many different things when they hear the words “forensic science.” Many of their ideas come from watching the many television shows about forensic science. You should be aware that not all of the portrayals of forensic scientists on television are accurate.

In nearly all cases, the people who investigate a crime scene and collect evidence are law enforcement personnel. Forensic scientists are the people who analyze the evidence in the laboratory. Most of the time, the scientists do not go to crime scenes. Their time is spent in the laboratory performing chemical and biological tests to examine the evidence.

If you like applying chemistry, physics, biology, and math to problems related to legal situations, then the EKU forensic science program may be right for you.

However, if you want to be a crime scene investigator, a career in law enforcement is the most direct way to get into that. Eastern Kentucky University has an internationally recognized College of Justice and Safety that has degrees in Police Studies and Criminal Justice (see “Related Programs at EKU” below).

Forensic Science is defined by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) as “science used in public, in a court or in the justice system. Any science, used for the purposes of the law, is a forensic science.”

You can see from this definition that there are many types of “forensic” science. The AAFS includes the following divisions: 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 Resources, under Choosing a Career.

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:

• 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

The EKU forensic science program offers a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. There are two options within the degree: Chemistry and Biology. The Chemistry Option is geared toward preparing the student for work in most sections of the forensic laboratory, including trace, drugs, arson, and toxicology. The Biology Option prepares the student for work with DNA. The links at the right will show you a typical 4-year schedule for each of the options. Another link gives you a brief description of the forensic science courses we offer.

In the past 10 years, about 65% of our graduates have gone to work in forensic science laboratories all over the United States. Most of these are government (city, state or federal) crime laboratories. There are also a few private laboratories that provide forensic science services. The drug analysis section and the toxicology section of the crime laboratory generally have the most entry-level openings. If you are flexible about the area of the lab you are willing to work in, and you are able to move, you will have a better chance for a job.

The job market now is very competitive for forensic science positions. Students who have very good grades, have been involved in forensic science activities while in school, have done research or internships, and can communicate clearly have an advantage in the job search process.

If you decide you want to do something other than forensic science, you have many options available to you because our forensic science degree provides such a strong science background. Our graduates also have chosen 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.

Eastern Kentucky University is a comprehensive regional university that has programs in many areas. One of these is the College of Justice and Safety, which houses departments of Criminal Justice, Police Studies, and Loss Prevention and Safety. 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.

Take all the science and math courses you can. Courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics are helpful.

You can find information regarding application processes, costs, housing, financial aid, and the Richmond, Kentucky area by visiting EKU Admissions. Campus tours and visits with the forensic science program director can be arranged.

[top]