Forensic Science and Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Forensic Science and Technology is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to the systematic application of scientific principles to legal investigations. This program equips students with the analytical and technical expertise needed to examine physical evidence, interpret human behavior, and support criminal justice processes with rigorous, evidence-based methods.

• Forensic Medicine: The medical evaluation of injury, death, and disease in legal contexts, often involving cause and manner of death determination.
• Forensic Dentistry: The use of dental evidence—such as bite marks and dental records—to identify individuals or support investigative conclusions.
• Forensic Anthropology: The analysis of human skeletal remains to determine identity, time since death, and circumstances surrounding demise.
• Forensic Psychology: The study of behavior and mental processes related to criminal activity, witness credibility, and offender profiling.
• Forensic Entomology: The examination of insect activity on decomposing remains to estimate time of death and postmortem interval.
• Forensic Pathology: The medical specialty focused on determining the cause and manner of death through autopsy and laboratory testing.
• Forensic Laboratory Technology: The application of scientific techniques in controlled settings to analyze trace evidence, biological materials, and chemical substances.
• Autopsy Procedures: Structured postmortem examinations to gather critical medical and pathological data for legal investigations.
• DNA and Blood Pattern Analysis: The interpretation of genetic material and bloodstain dynamics to reconstruct events and identify individuals.
• Crime Scene Analysis: The systematic documentation, preservation, and interpretation of physical evidence at locations where crimes occurred.
• Crime Scene Photography: The precise visual recording of scenes, evidence, and contextual details using specialized techniques and equipment.
• Fingerprint Technology: The identification and comparison of unique ridge patterns to link individuals to physical evidence.
• Document Analysis: The examination of handwriting, ink, paper, and alterations to assess authenticity and origin of written materials.
• Witness and Suspect Examination Procedures: Structured protocols for interviewing, evaluating, and validating testimonial evidence in a legally sound manner.
• Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Knowledge of statutes, rules of evidence, and procedural laws governing the collection, handling, and presentation of forensic data.
• Professional Ethics and Standards: Adherence to integrity, accountability, and best practices in forensic reporting, testimony, and laboratory operations.