Forensic scientists can train at Southern Wesleyan
A new generation of detectives is emerging.
These scientific detectives, using tools like microscopes, genetic science and computer technology, can uncover facts and analyze crime scenes.
Southern Wesleyan University now offers two majors designed with these new age detectives in mind: forensic science and forensic computer science. These degrees prepare students for careers in crime laboratories and other public safety settings, according to Dr. Walt Sinnamon, chair of the science department at Southern Wesleyan.
“Forensic scientists study evidence in criminal and civil law cases,” Dr. Sinnamon said. “These scientists investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence.”
The forensic science major focuses on the principles and techniques of physical, natural and technological crime analysis, where science is practiced and applied to the analysis of crime scene evidence.
“The type of work forensic scientists are involved in is expanding -- crime scene technicians/analysts, forensic molecular biologists and toxicologists are just a few of the options available,” Dr. Sinnamon said. “Forensic scientists may specialize in areas such as DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis, toxicology or performing tests on substances such as fiber, hair, tissue or body fluids to determine the significance to an investigation.”
Forensic computer science combines computing with chemistry and biology, Sinnamon said. Forensic computing is finding data that has been hidden from law enforcement, believed to be deleted from a computer system, or left behind as a result of not knowing how a computer processes information.
These majors can lead to careers in criminalistics, pathology/biology, odontology, toxicology, physical anthropology, questioned documents, computer and engineering sciences.
Forensic scientists work in crime laboratories, forensic laboratories, police departments, medical examiner/coroner offices, hospitals, government agencies and private laboratories.
“Increasingly, the type of work forensic scientists are involved with is expanding,” Sinnamon said. “Scientists investigate crimes by collecting physical or technological evidence. Often, they specialize in areas related to biology, chemistry or the computer sciences.”
For details, call 1-800-282-8798, ext. 5000, or e-mail