Forensic Science
Why Pursue Forensic Science?
At Piedmont University, forensic science is more than earning a degree. It is an opportunity to develop the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and professional experience needed to succeed in one of the nation’s fastest-growing career fields. Our program combines rigorous academics with hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, medical examiner offices, and private forensic organizations.
Small class sizes allow students to work closely with faculty who bring extensive professional experience into the classroom, while modern laboratory facilities provide opportunities to apply classroom concepts using the same techniques and equipment found in professional forensic laboratories. Throughout the program, students participate in mock crime scene investigations, laboratory exercises, and a semester-long internship that provides valuable real-world experience before graduation. Together, these experiences ensure that graduates leave Piedmont prepared to contribute immediately to the forensic science profession.
The Georgia Forensic Academy
Piedmont University is currently the only university in Georgia with a forensic academy that offers Georgia POST credit toward the Crime Scene Technician Certification. While other university-affiliated academies provide Georgia POST basic law enforcement training, the Georgia Forensic Academy is uniquely focused on forensic science education and professional crime scene training.
By completing academy coursework before graduation, students gain practical experience, develop professional relationships with working forensic practitioners, and graduate with credentials that distinguish them from other applicants entering the job market. This combination of academic preparation and professional training provides graduates with a competitive advantage as they begin careers in forensic science and crime scene investigation.
How a Piedmont Forensic Science Degree Helps You
- Piedmont University offers two concentrations that allow students to tailor their education to their career goals. Students interested in processing crime scenes, documenting evidence, and working in the field may choose the Field Track. Those interested in scientific laboratory analysis, biology, chemistry, and advanced forensic testing may pursue the Laboratory Track. Regardless of concentration, every student develops a strong foundation in scientific reasoning, critical thinking, evidence analysis, and professional ethics.
- Learning extends well beyond the classroom. Throughout the program, students participate in realistic mock crime scene investigations, evidence collection and processing, forensic photography, laboratory analyses, courtroom testimony exercises, mock interviews, career fairs, and a semester-long internship. These experiences reinforce classroom instruction while helping students develop the confidence, technical skills, and professionalism expected by employers.
- Students complete coursework in our new dedicated forensic laboratory designed to support a wide range of forensic disciplines. Specialized instructional spaces for crime scene processing, forensic photography, comparative analysis, firearms and toolmarks, trace evidence, bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic anthropology, and evidence receiving allow students to train using professional-grade equipment in an environment that closely resembles operational forensic laboratories.
- This combination of specialized coursework, hands-on training, modern laboratory facilities, and real-world experience prepares graduates for careers in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, medical examiner and coroner offices, government agencies, and private forensic organizations. Whether students choose to begin their careers immediately after graduation or continue into graduate or professional school, they leave Piedmont with the knowledge, practical experience, and professional foundation needed to succeed in the forensic sciences.
Fingerprint photo by Forensic Science alumna Hannah Anderson
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:
More About Forensic Science
Learn more about Forensic Science and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Related Programs
Intrigued by Forensic Science? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
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.
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.