Forensic science is one of the most recently approved areas of specialization at BGSU for both 本科 和 博天堂官方网站生 博天堂官方网站. The 刑事司法 Program now offers a specialization in Forensic Investigations. The new specialization focuses on investigation of various forms of crime, especially in terms of gathering 和 analysis of varying forms of evidence in ways that enhance the ability of the criminal justice system to arrest 和 convict those responsible for the crimes. 

Under博天堂官方网站生 students who choose the Forensic Investigation Specialization must complete the basic courses for the 刑事司法 major, 和 then enroll in courses specific to their intended careers in investigations. The basic course is that of investigations, an introduction to both the types of crimes they will be investigating 和 the fundamental techniques they will employ. 学生 have the opportunity to work mock crime scene, documenting evidence 和 summarizing their work in report form. The university maintains a dedicated residence half a block off campus for use by the Department for experience-based learning of this nature.

The course on Investigations is coordinated with Introduction to Forensic Science, giving 博天堂官方网站生s who will work in the field an underst和ing of how the evidence they collect is analyzed in the Crime Lab by forensic scientists. because crime now involves digital techniques, a specific course in Digital Crime 和 刑事司法 supports that new 和 rapidly-evolving area. The final required course in the specialization is Law, Evidence & Legal Issues in Forensic Science, pulling together issues raised in other classes, with a focus on the presentation of forensic evidence at trial.

Beyond the four Forensic Investigations core courses, students may take electives from the general 刑事司法 curriculum or relevant courses offered in other departments. The 刑事司法 Program encourages both skills development 和 a broad underst和ing of social conditions in which crime occurs; the students round out their major requirements by choosing courses that enhance their developing career goals. Courses in Accounting, 计算机科学, 和 Management Information Systems (MIS) address skill-based areas, while a wide range of courses in psychology, 管理, 政府, 儿童发展, drug 和 alcohol use, 诸如此类, broaden the students' underst和ing of the social 和 legal environment of their work.