Forensic Science
Learn to improve public safety and protect people from harm by the examination of evidence through scientific means.
Forensic Science, B.S.
The Forensic Science Bachelor of Science degree is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) and is offered through the College of Basic and Applied Sciences at MTSU.
Though it may not be as glamorous as shown on film and television, the field and its practitioners are on the front lines in the fight to put "justice" in the justice system.
MTSU's Forensics degree program prepares its graduates for advanced study in forensic science or employment in public crime laboratories, specialized private laboratories, and law enforcement agencies. It also helps students understand the role of the forensic scientist in the criminal justice systems, preparing them to present oral and written findings to the court.
MTSU's Forensic Science Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Forensic Science Program is to:
- Provide a strong academic foundation through its interdisciplinary curriculum—biology, chemistry, and criminal justice—that will prepare graduates for advanced study in forensic science or professional schools; or employment in public crime laboratories, specialized private laboratories, and law enforcement agencies.
- Provide students with an appropriate curriculum that will ensure an understanding of basic scientific principles and methodologies, as well as the development of analytical skills.
- Promote student understanding of the role of forensic scientist in the criminal justice system and introduce them to the process whereby oral and written findings end up in court. It also preps them for employment in crime laboratories or graduate school.
- Promote student interaction with current forensic practitioners through seminars and internships and pairs them with highly qualified faculty who are active researchers.
If you live in one of these states: GA; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.
News Briefs
Forensic anthropology focus of MTSU’s Lifelong Learning microcourse slated for Aug. 20
“CSI” enthusiasts or those with an investigative curiosity may want to sign up for the 2024 Lifelong Learning Program at Middle Tennessee State University, where this year’s focus is on forensic anthropology.[ Read More ]
MTSU Forensic Institute for Research and Education hosts young sleuths at CSI Summer Camp
Middle Tennessee State University recently hosted 32 high school students from as far away as Alabama, Kentucky, and New Mexico who converged on campus recently for a summer camp to learn about forensic science and what is really involved in crime scene investigation, also known as CSI.[ Read More ]
News Briefs
Forensic anthropology focus of MTSU’s Lifelong Learning microcourse slated for Aug. 20
“CSI” enthusiasts or those with an investigative curiosity may want to sign up for the 2024 Lifelong Learning Program at Middle Tennessee State University, where this year’s focus is on forensic anthropology.[ Read More ]
MTSU Forensic Institute for Research and Education hosts young sleuths at CSI Summer Camp
Middle Tennessee State University recently hosted 32 high school students from as far away as Alabama, Kentucky, and New Mexico who converged on campus recently for a summer camp to learn about forensic science and what is really involved in crime scene investigation, also known as CSI.[ Read More ]
Forensic Science, B.S.
The continual advance in forensic technologies translates to a corresponding high demand for lab analysts. Career options exist with the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, medical examiner offices, hospitals, military, private firms, and universities.
Forensic Degree Student Achievement Information
Number of forensics degree graduates and number of students completing internships and research projects by academic year.
Academic Year |
Internships |
Research Projects |
Graduates |
| 2022-23 | 19 | 9 | 25 |
| 2021-22 | 22 | 14 | 15 |
| 2020-21 | 1* | 9* | 6* |
| 2019-20 | 15 | 12 | 20 |
| 2018-19 | 12 | 9 | 14 |
| 2017-18 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| 2016-17 | 9 | 5 | 7 |
| 2015-16 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| 2014-15 | 5 | 2 | 6 |
*This AY was severely impacted by Covid-19 restrictions and cancellations.
Careers in Forensic Science Include
- Crime lab technician
- Crime scene manager
- Criminalist
- Evidence custodian
- Firearms/Toolmark analyst
- Forensic anthropologist
- Forensic biologist
- Forensic chemist
- Forensic investigator (medical examiners’ offices)
- Forensic nurse/physician’s assistant investigator
- Forensic pathologist
- Forensic photographer
- Forensic scientist
- Intelligence officer/analyst
- Laboratory manager
- Latent fingerprint examiner
- Microanalysis
- Police services support technician
- Quality assurance director
- Toxicologist
Employers of MTSU Forensic Science Alumni Include
- Aegis Sciences Corporation
- Covenant Pathology Services Laboratory (CPS)
- District 4 Medical Examiner’s Office (Jacksonville, FL)
- Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp)
- Metro Nashville Police Department Crime Laboratory
- PathGroup
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
- TestAmerica
- Vi-Jon
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
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Laura Cole Memorial Best Mock Trial Performance Award
Laura Cole was a Special Agent Forensic Scientist with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, serving as a Drug Chemist in the Nashville laboratory until her death in summer 2023. Laura taught the Forensic Senior Seminar course in the MTSU Forensic Science Program curriculum as an adjunct professor. From its inception, Laura was a mainstay in the program and was indispensable to the success and ultimate accreditation of the program in 2022. Her connections to the Forensic community allowed her to provide our students with opportunities to meet and learn from practicing Forensic Science professionals from various disciplines within the field.
One aspect of the program curriculum dear to Laura was the required mock trial for our seniors in which they testify in a mock setting as an expert witness in a discipline of Forensic Science. In her honor, we have posthumously created the Laura Cole Memorial Best Mock Trial Performance Award to be presented each year to one senior who performs in an outstanding manner at the mock trial. The winners of the award are listed below by year.
2023 – Heather Duffy
2024 – Camile Phillips
Forensic Science Handbook 2021
Forms
Links
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
Complaints and Concerns
If a student has a complaint or concern about the forensics degree program, we suggest the following steps be followed:
- Address the issue with the other party involved, if appropriate.
- Reach out to a contact within the Forensic Science program.
Forensic Science Program Director
Dr. Frank Bailey
[email protected]
615-898-5483 - If a student does not feel their issue has been resolved after completing steps 1 and 2 – or does not feel comfortable discussing their situation within the Program, he/she is encouraged to contact the Dean of Basic and Applied Sciences.
Dr. Greg Van Patten
[email protected]
615-898-2613
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