Forensic science programs are found in various college departments, depending on the institution. For instance, at the University of Central Florida, the chemistry department houses an undergraduate and master's program in forensic science. At Boston University, though, the master's program is in biomedical forensic science and is part of the school of medicine. Students should look at the department offering the degree in order to match their particular interests.
At the undergraduate levels, most schools offer a general forensic science degree. At the graduate level, students will find more of an array of concentrations. Boston University's program is in biomedical forensic science, a degree that can lead to work in a medical laboratory. George Washington University offers three concentrations: forensic chemistry, forensic molecular biology and forensic toxicology. In addition, the school offers a concentration in crime-scene investigation. Students should tailor their choice to their particular career goals.
Colleges providing forensic science programs create curriculums that require and allow students to have experience in laboratory work as well as lecture classes. General courses in chemistry and biology are common among undergraduate programs. Some programs, like the one at Boston University, requires students to take two levels in criminal law taught through the Boston University School of Law. Other courses offered by colleges include analytical toxicology, forensic DNA analysis, forensic pathology and trace evidence analysis.
In addition to laboratory and lecture classes, colleges with forensic science programs offer other resources for students. Boston University requires each student to engage in independent research with faculty members, for instance. The program at the University of Central Florida puts students through a rigorous hands-on training that involves site visits. Most colleges are also equipped with laboratory equipment that includes scanning electron microscopes, mass spectrometers and comparison microscopes.