There is no full-blown forensic science degree available within Wichita Falls itself. However, Midwestern State University in that city offers programs in two of the field's specific subdisciplines, forensic psychology and forensic computer examination. Forensic psychology studies the interaction of human behavior and law. Television crime shows frequently feature experts creating psychological profiles of hunted criminals, which is one aspect of forensic psychology. Forensic computer examination uses a variety of technologies to extract evidence of wrongdoing from computer files, even if they have been deleted or encrypted.
Denison, Texas, is located approximately 120 miles east of Wichita Falls and north from the
Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Grayson Community College, located in Denison, offers a two-year Associate of Science degree in forensic science. This program is intended for students who will be going on to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere, but wish to remain in northern Texas to begin their schooling. As always, it is prudent to check with your chosen four-year school to ensure they'll accept transfer credits from Grayson.
The University of North Texas is a major institution boasting enrollment of over 34,000 students in the 2010 to 2011 academic year. It is located approximately 100 miles southeast of Wichita Falls, on the outskirts of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The school's forensic science program has a heavy emphasis on chemistry and biology, complemented by a deep course load in law, ethics and the practical logistics of handling evidence.
Wichita Falls is located just five miles from the Oklahoma border, and for its residents, the University of Central Oklahoma is closer than most Texas-based schools. Central Oklahoma is located in Edmond, just north of Oklahoma City, approximately 150 miles north of Wichita Falls. The Forensic Science Institute at UCO offers a broad, interdisciplinary training in all facets of forensic science, either as a standalone degree or as part of a double major. The Institute also offers a graduate program, culminating in an M.S. in forensic science.