Forensic Science - Piedmont University

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A Closer Look

Why Pursue Forensic Science?

This fascinating and fast-developing career field can enable you to solve even the most perplexing crime or the coldest of cases. At Piedmont University, we’ll teach you how to use all aspects of detection – including documenting, mapping, photography, DNA evidence tracing, serology, bloodstain pattern analysis, ballistics, toxicology, and more – to help solve crimes and make legal cases.

Ranked the No. 26 Forensic Science Program in the United States by study.com, our program currently has a 100% placement rate for either an employed position or graduate program (dependent on the graduate’s career plan). And when you consider that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of forensic science technicians will grow by 14% from 2019 to 2029, (much faster than the average for all occupations), you can understand why forensics continues to garner attention around the nation and here at Piedmont. In fact, our students have shown the ability to solve cases while still undergoing their coursework.

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Three people dust and lift fingerprints from a white paper on a brown table using a brush, fingerprint powder, and a metal fingerprint lifter; tools and containers are scattered around.

How a Piedmont Forensic Science Degree Helps You

A forensic science degree helps you develop a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and criminal justice to analyze physical evidence and solve crimes. It also prepares you for careers in crime labs, law enforcement, and legal settings by teaching you investigative techniques, laboratory skills, and evidence handling procedures.

Learn how crime scene experts solve cases and do their part for the criminal justice system.
Discover career opportunities in forensic investigation, pathology, toxicology, and arson investigation.
Make the most of a connected and experienced faculty at a program that is unmatched across the state of Georgia.
Participate in professional experiences through a required, semester-long internship typically with a local or regional law enforcement agency.

Career Opportunities

A forensic science degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:

Behavioral Science

Computer Analysis

Crime Laboratory Analysis

Crime Scene Examination

Criminology

Document Examination

Forensic Engineering

Medical Examination

More About Forensic Science

Learn more about Forensic Science and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.

Degree Requirements

As part of Piedmont’s College of Arts & Sciences, forensic science students will undertake a well-rounded and thorough mix of coursework – including 25 required courses that range from accounting to human anatomy and technical writing to photography. This also includes specialized forensic science courses and a semester-long internship (typically with a local or regional law enforcement agency).

What Classes Will I Take?

Choose What Suits You Best

Within our forensics 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. No matter which track you choose, you will also take specialty courses such as crime scene photography, evidence documentation, and courtroom procedure to obtain knowledge and experiences not typically offered in forensic science programs.

Get Real-World Training

Piedmont’s forensic science students receive extensive practical preparation designed to ready them for their future careers. The professional connections and experience in forensics offered by the Piedmont faculty is unmatched in Georgia and is why we can place students in stellar internships. These relationships and proficiencies give students the practical knowledge and professional contacts they need to launch a successful career.

Get Ready for an Expanding and Exciting Career

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.

What could be your future

Related Programs

Intrigued by Forensic Science? You might also be interested in one of these programs:

Criminal Justice Law enforcement techniques are always changing and improving, and our undergraduate degree will set you apart in a vast and multi-faceted field.

student reviewing ballistics for criminal justice degree

Psychology Learn about human behavior – and why we act as we do. Our program will prepare you to excel in a wide range of careers, including counseling and social work, as well as for leadership positions in a wide range of organizations.

Row of students taking notes and writing on paper.

Chemistry A background in chemistry can prove invaluable for a career in laboratories, quality control, sales, industrial management, business, and environmental and waste management.

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Meet our Faculty

Our Forensic Science are experts in chemistry, biology, and criminal justice who bring real-world investigative experience and scientific knowledge into the classroom. They guide students through hands-on lab work, case studies, and research to prepare them for careers in forensic analysis and criminal investigation.

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McCormick, Carter Assistant Professor, Mass Communications View Bio

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Freeman, Kevin Associate Professor View Bio

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Nourizadeh, Sherry Assistant Professor of Spanish View Bio

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Reilly, Tes Assistant Professor of Psychology View Bio

DeVane, Joshua Assistant Professor of Music View Bio

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Myers, Keith Associate Professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling View Bio

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Simmons, Natalie Instructor, Biology View Bio

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Wiltse, Brandi Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice & Forensic Science View Bio

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Arrowood, Dawn Administrative Assistant, Deans Office, College of Arts and Sciences View Bio

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Friedline, Mary Leah Assistant Professor, Philosophy and Religion View Bio

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Yang, Yunxuan Lab Instructor, Chemistry | Chemical Hygiene Officer View Bio

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Ivey, Robert Associate Professor, Music View Bio

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Ford, Kristin Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice and Forensic Science View Bio

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Neal, Kayla Specialist, Georgia Forensic Academy View Bio

Park, Heejin Associate Instructor of Music View Bio

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Nimmo, Steve Professor of Mathematics View Bio

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Woodbury, Naomi Assistant Professor, Mathematics View Bio

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Duitsman, Andrew Assistant Professor of Biology View Bio

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Lutz, Robert J. Professor, Computer Science View Bio

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Blackshear-Turner, Mindie Assistant Professor, Mental Health Counseling | Chair, Mental Health Counseling View Bio

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McDermott, Brian Assistant Professor, Spanish View Bio

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Butts, Douglas Associate Professor of Biology View Bio

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Fortunato, Jennifer Assistant Professor of Biology View Bio

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Lanneau, John Assistant Professor, Forensic Science and Criminal Justice View Bio

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Hudgens, Laura Assistant Professor, Mass Communications View Bio

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Montgomery, Drema Assistant Professor, Art View Bio

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Stacy, Jeb Assistant Professor, Physics View Bio

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Majumdar, Santanu Professor, Art | Chair, Department of Art View Bio

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Sigers, Karen Associate Professor, Music View Bio

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Whited, Stephen Professor, English View Bio

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Vance, Cynthia Professor Emeritus, Psychology View Bio

Van Cantfort, Dale Professor Emeritus View Bio

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Torrance, Douglas Associate Professor, Mathematics | Chair, Department of Mathematical Sciences View Bio

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Spiegel, John Associate Professor, Theatre View Bio

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Schmitz, Julia Professor, Biology View Bio

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Pleysier, Albert Professor, History View Bio

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Moss, Janice Professor, Mass Communications View Bio

Lytle, Tim Professor, Philosophy and Religion View Bio

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Ketch, Areatha Assistant Professor, Chemistry View Bio

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Jacobs, Steve Dean, College of Arts and Sciences View Bio

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Jackson, Melissa Associate Professor, Mass Communications View Bio

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DeWald, Jaydn Associate Professor, English View Bio

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Friedline, Michael Associate Professor, Psychology View Bio

Dennis, Joe Associate Professor, Mass Communications | Chair, Department of Mass Communications View Bio

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Davis, Hugh Professor, English | Chair, Department of Humanities View Bio

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Charles, Windy Professor, English View Bio

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Carrigan, Sean Professor, Chemistry View Bio

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Camp, Carlos Professor, Biology View Bio

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Brantley, Rebecca Assistant Professor, Art View Bio

Bowers, Jeff Associate Professor, Spanish | Chair, Department of Independent Studies View Bio

Have Questions?

Where do I start?

To begin your journey toward becoming a Forensic Science student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in the Arts & Sciences department.

Apply to Piedmont Request Information Schedule a Tour