Quick Facts
- Indiana's only comprehensive Forensic Science program with four unique tracks
- Credits: 65-81
Forensic science is the application of scientific knowledge and methods to investigate crimes, enforce government regulations, and resolve civil disputes. Any scientific discipline, when used in combination with law enforcement or a court of law, is a forensic science. The forensic science program is specifically designed for those looking to obtain broad knowledge of several scientific fields and the methods employed to cases in the justice system.
Forensic science bridges the gap between law enforcement and many scientific disciplines, piecing together the clues using advanced scientific techniques. The program leverages strengths across five departments (biology, chemistry, computer science, criminal justice and criminology, and psychological science), applying scientific principles to crime investigation, civil litigation cases, corporate security, and government regulation enforcement.
The program is designed to give our students laboratory experience with an emphasis on evidence collection and interpretation along with opportunities for direct application, such as the required internship or capstone and advanced forensic analysis sequence.
No other institution in Indiana offers a comprehensive undergraduate forensic science program spanning four concentration areas: behavioral, biological, chemical, and digital. The Ball State University forensic science program is comprehensive, yet focused, with four distinct concentration areas that are tailored to prospective students with varied interests in the criminal justice system, private sector security, regulation enforcement, civil litigation, and/or counseling.
The curriculum offers a set of foundational courses exposing all students to the varied disciplines that encompass forensic science, while also allowing students to gain an in-depth education in their chosen specialization.
Concentrations
The B.S. in forensic science prepares students for current and future high-demand, rewarding careers in sectors that require adaptability to rapid change in investigative approaches, evolving technologies, information literacy, and behavioral analysis.
Behavioral Forensics, also known as forensic psychology, will prepare future professionals by providing an understanding of human behavior in the context of criminal investigations. Students will be qualified for careers in probation and parole, community-based corrections, institutional corrections, case management, rehabilitation counseling, law enforcement, and victim advocacy.
Graduates of this program will be educated in and have the proficiency to evaluate offenders’ risk through various risk/need responsivity instruments and bridge the gap between the criminal justice system, mental health agencies, and substance abuse treatment. This program will also prepare those who seek advanced degrees in criminal justice and criminology, psychological science, counseling psychology, or a Juris Doctorate. Advanced degree holders may evaluate competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, or advise attorneys regarding offender diagnoses.
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Digital Forensics experts are at the forefront of cybercrime. This program will educate students in digital evidence collection, preservation, and analysis. Students will learn how to collaborate with law enforcement on identity theft, assist businesses with cyber-attacks and fraud, or collect and preserve sensitive data for the future.
The digital forensics concentration serves a critical role in addressing the growing need for professionals with specialized skills to investigate, analyze, and present digital evidence for cybercrime and cybersecurity incidents. With more people using digital devices and the internet, there is a greater demand for experts who can effectively investigate and combat these crimes. By providing the ability to investigate and attribute digital crimes, these professionals contribute to the identification and prosecution of cybercriminals, making the internet and digital environments safer for everyone. Private sector organizations also require digital forensic experts to investigate cybersecurity incidents, data breaches, and insider threats.
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Forensic Biology instructs students in innovative methods and approaches to collect and analyze forensic DNA and other biological crime scene evidence. Students graduating with this concentration solve crimes using modern cellular and molecular biology tools necessary for the analysis of forensic DNA and other biological evidence.
The forensic biology concentration fulfills a growing need for professionals throughout Indiana and beyond with specialized skills in biology and criminal investigation. The forensic science program will bridge the gap between biological evidence and criminal justice proceedings by training students with needed skills and knowledge in genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. There is increasing demand in the areas of criminal investigation for professionals who can contribute to solving complex criminal cases using modern histopathological (changes in tissue related to disease) and biochemical techniques. Therefore, graduates in biological forensics will have the needed skills and expertise in these areas for successful careers in investigative research, forensic labs, and law enforcement, both in the private and government sectors.
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Forensic Chemistry takes chemistry into the real world. Students will learn how to investigate and attribute crimes, identify criminals using chemical analysis, and investigate and analyze chemical components for numerous applications.
The forensic chemistry concentration serves a critical role in addressing the growing need for professionals with specialized skills to investigate, analyze, and present evidence from microanalysis and drug analysis related to criminal activity. By providing the ability to investigate and attribute crimes, these professionals contribute to the identification and prosecution of criminals, making the community safer for everyone. Private sector and governmental organizations also hire chemists with forensic science training to investigate/analyze chemical components for numerous applications.
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If you’d like to learn more about our Forensic Science Major, please contact us. Or one of the best ways to get a true feel for Ball State is to see it for yourself, so schedule a visit today! And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.