Forensic Science

Solve Criminal Cases.

Have you ever wanted to help solve a cold case? Or become a crime scene investigator to determine who was involved in a crime and what actually occurred? Forensic science is comprised of a variety of disciplines and involves documenting, mapping, photographing, and tracing evidence using DNA, serology, bloodstain pattern analysis, ballistics, toxicology, and more, to help solve crimes and make legal cases.

In this growing field, forensic science professionals have a multitude of job opportunities, ranging from crime scene investigation to forensic investigation, pathology, toxicology, and arson investigation.

Piedmont University is the perfect institution to pursue your undergraduate degree in forensic science.

Students pursuing a degree in forensic science receive extensive practical preparation designed to ready them for their future careers. The professional connections and experience in forensics offered by Piedmont faculty is unmatched in Georgia. Student learning extends beyond the laboratory, and specialty courses such as crime scene photography, evidence documentation, and courtroom procedure provide knowledge and experiences not typically offered in forensic science programs. Students also participate in professional experiences through a required, semester-long internship typically with a local or regional law enforcement agency. These relationships and proficiencies give students the practical knowledge and professional contacts they need to launch a successful career. Through these experiences, Piedmont students have actually solved cold cases and have been part of investigations in our regional community.

Within the program, students have two tracks to choose from: lab services for incoming laboratory scientists, and a second track that focuses on mastery of forensic disciplines. In the first track option, students take courses in forensic sciences, as well as chemistry, biology, and mathematics — all of which provide knowledge employers desire in their incoming forensic scientists. The second track is focused on mastery of the forensic disciplines, including documentation, mapping, photography, fingerprints or other imprint evidence, DNA, ballistics, bloodstain patterns, and more.

Piedmont Helps Launch Your Career in Forensic Science

Another advantage of becoming a Piedmont student is that prior to graduation, Piedmont faculty and staff work to place all graduating forensic science students in an employed position — allowing for a smooth transition from student to practitioner. Some students may also move on to pursue graduate degrees, and many have been accepted into some of the best graduate programs in the country. Currently, Piedmont University has a 100% placement rate in either an employed position or graduate program dependent on the graduate's career plan.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow by14 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. State and local governments are expected to hire additional forensic science technicians to process their high caseloads. Additionally, scientific and technological advances are expected to increase the availability, reliability, and usefulness of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials. As a result, forensic science technicians will be able to provide even greater value than before, and more forensic science technicians will be needed to provide timely forensics information to law enforcement agencies and courts.