Colleges With Good Forensic-Science Programs

Chaminade University of Honolulu

• One of the leading forensic entomologists teaches forensic science classes at Chaminade University of Honolulu. That's Dr. M. Lee Goff, who is the forensic-science consultant for such popular crime shows as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "Crossing Jordan." The school requires students to complete the equivalent of minors in chemistry, biology, math and physics in addition to forensic-science courses. The college says it is one of only 10 in the nation which require this much science. Chaminade is a private college that was founded by the Society of Mary in 1955.

  Chaminade University of Honolulu
  Forensic Sciences Program
  3140 Waialae Avenue
  Honolulu, HI 96816-1578
  808-440-4209
  chaminade.edu

University of Central Florida

• The University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, is home to the National Center for Forensic Science, a research laboratory that is affiliated with the National Institute of Justice. The university, home to more than 35,000 students, offers both bachelor and master of science degrees in forensic science. The master's program, which requires a bachelor's degree in forensic science, is available online, though some classroom attendance is required.

  University of Central Florida
  4000 Central Florida Blvd.
  Orlando, FL 32816
  407-823-2000
  ucf.edu/

Oregon State University

• Oregon State University is a land-grant college established in 1868. The 22,000-student university is only one of two colleges in the nation to have Sea Grant, Space Grant and Sun Grant designations. Forensic science is taught in the chemistry department, with students also taking courses in biology, biochemistry, toxicology, forensic chemistry, analytical chemistry and statistics. Oregon State University, with its winning Beaver athletic teams, is located in the mid-Willamette Valley town of Corvallis.

  Oregon State University
  Corvallis, OR 97331-4501
  541-737-1000
  oregonstate.edu/

Loyola University, New Orleans

• Students planning to major in forensic science at Loyola University in New Orleans begin by taking chemistry, biology and math classes their freshman year. At graduation, Loyola students receive a bachelor of science degree in chemistry with a focus on forensic science. Loyola began offering forensic science in 1999, and today it is one of the school's more popular programs in the chemistry department. Students do a six-week internship with a local crime lab.

  Loyola University, New Orleans
  6363 St. Charles Ave.
  New Orleans, LA 70118
  504-865-3240
  loyno.edu/