Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond, is the state's largest university. It offers both graduate and undergraduate programs in forensic science. Course work in the bachelor's degree program emphasizes science and hands-on training. Students must complete the general education requirements of the College of Humanities and Sciences and forensic science core classes. They then choose between a concentration in forensic biology or forensic chemistry. Forensic biology focuses on molecular and cellular studies, while forensic chemistry focuses on toxicology and chemical analysis. The program also is designed so that students can double major with biology or chemistry. Each student, however, must complete the requirements for a minor in chemistry. VCU's program was accredited in 2005 by the Forensic Science Educational Programs Accreditation Commission.
Virginia Commonwealth University
P.O. Box 843079
1020 W. Main Street
Room 2015
Richmond, Virginia 23284
804-828-8420
vcu.edu
Defiance College, a small college in Defiance, Ohio, offers a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree. Its program focuses on scientific study and training through internships with police departments or criminal evidence labs. Students take courses in biological decomposition, ballistics and drug analysis. They also study criminal justice to understand the legalities of preserving evidence. The college has an annual mock crime scene for forensic science and criminal just majors to analyze. Defiance encourages its graduates to pursue graduate school or careers in law or medicine. Prospective students can tour the forensic studies department. The school also can arrange for overnight visits.
Defiance College
701 N. Clinton St.
Defiance, Ohio 43512
1-800-520-GODC
defiance.edu/
Roberts Wesleyan College, in Rochester, New York, has a student body of only 1,900, yet it offers a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree and even has a Department of Economic Crime Investigation. The forensic science department focuses on the physical aspect of the work, including operating instrumentation and the proper handling of evidence to keep it admissible in court. Students also take courses in criminal justice and genetics to prepare for the legal aspects of their jobs and for DNA analysis. Unlike the 120 credit hours the other institutions in this article require, the forensic science program at Roberts Wesleyan is only 80 credit hours.
Roberts Wesleyan College
2301 Westside Dr.
Rochester, NY 14624
800-777-4RWC
roberts.edu