Is the
program an undergraduate program?
The program in forensic sciences at GWU is a graduate degree program only. For information on undergraduate programs I suggest that you go to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences web page (aafs.org) and go to educational opportunities. They have listings of all of the forensic science programs both undergraduate and graduate.
What
courses should I take in high school to prepare me for a career in
forensic sciences?
Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field of applied science. Degree requirements are being set for the various subspecialties within forensic science. These include forensic biology (DNA testing), forensic chemistry (drug testing), computer forensics, firearms, fire debris and trace evidence. For forensic biology, chemistry and computers bachelor's degrees with specialized training are or will be required. For the other areas more generalized science degrees are required. If you are interested in working in a crime laboratory your high school course preparation are all of those courses (math and science) needed as prerequisites for a college science curriculum. If you are interested in the law enforcement side (crime scene evidence collection, or investigation) then degrees in archeology, behavioral or natural sciences are needed. Again you will need at minimum college preparation courses to meet the requirements for admission to these programs.
To decide what area of forensic science best suites you try calling the director of the local crime laboratory to discuss careers in forensic science or the head of the crime scene unit of the local police agency that handles that duty assignment.
Where to
find information on curricula in forensic sciences?
I suggest that you go to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences web page (aafs.org) and go to educational opportunities. They have listings of all of the forensic science programs both undergraduate and graduate.
What
courses do I need to take to make up for a deficit because I think
my degree is in the wrong field?
Forensic science is not a single field. To a large extent the degree you have and the degree you need for employment in the field depend on your job interests. If you would like to work in a crime laboratory doing drug chemistry or fire debris, or forensic biology you will need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology respectively or a closely related field. If your interests lie in the laboratory doing document examination or firearms a more general science background is usually acceptable. Crime scene investigation is usually a law enforcement function and if your interests are in that area you will have to be prepared to go into law enforcement. If your interest is in the law enforcement side and only interested in the MFS the only requirement is a bachelor's degree.
What
undergraduate degree do I need to enter the Graduate forensic
sciences program at GWU?
Forensic science is a multidisciplinary field of applied science. Degree requirements are being set for the various subspecialties within forensic science. These include forensic biology (DNA testing), forensic chemistry (drug testing), computer forensics, firearms, fire debris and trace evidence. For forensic biology, chemistry and computers bachelor's degrees in specific relent areas are required (biology, chemistry and computer sciences) are or will be required. For the other areas more generalized science degrees are required. If you are interested in the law enforcement side (crime scene evidence collection, or investigation) then degrees in archeology, behavioral or natural sciences may be useful. However, for the latter categories more general bachelor's degrees are acceptable for the program. Areas such as firearms examination and document examination require a bachelor's degree however usually the MFS will be sufficient to qualify for a position with a less scientifically oriented bachelor's degree.
Does GWU
have a master's program in forensic psychology?
The Department of Forensic Sciences does not have a Master's program in forensic psychology. Forensic psychology is a clinical specialty. As such it is a special clinical residency for individuals with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
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