Criminal Justice/Forensic Science

Program Mission Statement

The mission of both the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Programs is to provide educational opportunities to individuals that will enable them to obtain the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed in a career in public safety and related fields.

What is Forensic Science?

The word forensic comes from the Latin word forensis: public; to the forum or public discussion; argumentative, rhetorical, belonging to debate or discussion. Today, the word forensic and forensic science is used more broadly. It can be defined as the art or study of formal debate as well as the use of science and technology to investigate and establish facts in criminal or civil courts of law. As investigators forensic science is one of the primary tools that assist us in establishing the link between the crime scene, the forensic laboratory, and the legal system. 

Program Objectives

The objectives of the Forensic Science program and its instructors are to insure that our students receive a complete education in the forensic science/criminal justice field. Upon completing the program, our students will be able to enter public safety and related professions, with the skills necessary to excel as professionals. This program offers students the opportunity to obtain a traditional criminal justice education supplemented by skills oriented training unique to crime scene investigation. Specialized training such as crime scene processing and reconstruction; interview and interrogation; and courtroom testimony offer student’s opportunities historically reserved for working professionals in metropolitan police departments. Through our program, and their dedication and hard work, graduates of the forensic science program can make a real difference in the lives of the citizens they protect and serve.