FORENSIC SCIENCE
Degrees: The Department of Physical Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in forensic science degree and supporting concentration ("minor") in forensic science.
Students who wish to concentrate in forensic science must complete 30 to 36 credit hours in forensic science and chemistry courses chosen in consultation with the head of the forensic science program. Students may choose either a standard forensic science degree or forensic science with a criminal justice concentration. Students interested in executive positions in law enforcement are advised to consider a double major in forensic science and the Academy of Freedom program.
Supporting concentration: A minor in forensic science comprises 24 credit hours. Students who wish to complement their forensic science training with a supporting concentration in criminal justice must complete 18 credit hours of criminal justice (CRJ) courses.
Honors program: Forensic science majors may choose to apply for admission to the Academy of Freedom multidisciplinary honors program. By providing an innovative approach to the academic program, the Academy of Freedom enables students to combine their specialized major with coursework grounded in an understanding of the American free enterprise system. Through advanced study in such areas as political science, history, psychology, and criminal justice, students gain a better understanding of their role in today's society. Challenging projects enable students to hone their research and writing skills for further study in graduate school.
Courses: The forensic science program is comprised of a four-course sequence that begins with an introduction to the wide array of discilines that compose the field and culminates in an advanced course that presents the degree candidate with an opportunity to investigate an unfamiliar case study from published crime files.
The four courses specific to the forensic science degree are as follows:
- FORENSIC SCIENCE 2479 INTRODUCTORY FORENSIC SCIENCE
- FORENSIC SCIENCE 2489 SCIENTIFIC CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
- FORENSIC SCIENCE 3479 CRIME SCENE ANALYSIS
- FORENSIC SCIENCE 4379 FORENSIC FILES ANALYSIS
Note that forensic science (FRS) courses are cross-credited with CRJ courses and, therefore, may count toward either the forensic science degree or the criminal justice degree.
Beyond the Classroom: At the heart of every area of scientific endeavor is research. Each academic discipline provides opportunities for students to learn and apply statistical research procedures to problems and issues in their fields.
Careers: Forensic science graduates play instrumental roles in the justice system, research, and government agencies at multiple levels. This program is intended to prepare students to function in these demanding arenas.
Graduate Programs: For the student who seeks to further his formal education in forensic science, the baccalaureate degree will provide an excellent foundation from which he may specialize in one of the ten divisions recognized by the American Academy of Forensic Scientists.
Facilities: Science facilities are located in the Winebrenner Memorial Hall of Science - a two-story building with spacious classrooms, computer laboratories, and an herbarium. Students enjoy direct access to an array of scientific instrumentation and equipment, providing hands-on experience in the laboratory.
Scholarships: Financial aid is available through academic scholarships, resesarch and laboratory assistantships, work-study programs, and loans. A competitive, program-based scholarship also is available to one student who elects to pursue the Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science.
For more information contact:
School of Science & Mathematics
Howard Payne University
1000 Fisk Street
Brownwood, TX 76801
(325) 649-5402
Founded in 1889, Howard Payne University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. HPU offers liberal arts and pre-professional undergraduate programs in a distinctive residential community. Brownwood is located near the center of Texas. |
Forensic Science
Website
Faculty
Dr. Derek Smith
dsmith@hputx.edu
|