2022-2023 Graduate Academic Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Forensic Pattern Analysis
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 Return to: Loyola College of Arts and Sciences
Office: Donnelly Science Center, Room 247
Telephone: 410-617-2642
Fax: 410-617-5682
Website: www.loyola.edu/academics/forensic-studies/forensic-pattern-analysis
Graduate Director: David Rivers, Professor of Biology
Director, Program Operations: Jonathan Fried
Professors: David Rivers
Associate Professors: Suzanne Keilson; Christopher Thompson
Assistant Professors: Richard Auer, Bu Hyoung Lee
Affiliate Faculty: Tatiana Anderson; Rana DellaRocco; Neeta Deshpande; Kefaya Diab; Kevin Drummy; Joseph Farrell; Rachelle Fobbs; Kenneth Jones; Dana Keiter; Taylor Lentz, John Morgan
General Information
The Master of Science degree in Forensic Pattern Analysis was developed in consultation with local, state, and federal forensic laboratories, and, as a result, its curriculum and learning outcomes develop the skills, knowledge, and attributes for graduates to fulfill a critical need in the region that now requires lengthy on-the-job training. The degree provides training and coursework in forensic pattern evidence, including latent prints, firearms/toolmarks analysis, questioned documents, and tire and shoe tread analyses. In addition to developing a range of technical and specific skills to advance students' career options, this degree program also enhances the broader development of students' skills in a manner consistent with Loyola's mission. These attributes include excellent oral and written communication skills; intellectual curiosity; use of interdisciplinary approaches; critical thinking skills; commitment to life-long learning; and strong moral and ethical character. No matter what task assigned, a forensic investigator seeks only for truth.
The degree can be completed in two years or students may pursue the program as part time students.
Learning Aims
The MS program in Forensic Pattern Analysis provides a framework for graduate students to explore ideas, concepts, technology, and professional practice in collecting, processing, and analyzing pattern evidence associated with a range of legal matters, especially criminal investigations. Concomitantly, it provides a solid foundation in forensic science and forensic studies complemented by rigorous focus on biological, chemical, and physical concepts and analytical thinking through coursework in biology, forensic science, and statistics. Students also experience and receive training in professional and ethical approaches to forensic science, including critical and professional writing, presentation of results, expert testimony in court, and ethical and moral components of professional conduct as stewards of forensic science and criminal justice.
- Students will master current factual content, concepts, theoretical perspectives, and historical trends of different subfields of forensic pattern evidence.
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in communicating effectively in a variety of formats, including verbal, written, and symbolic channels, relevant to forensic investigation and presentations in the judicial system.
- Students will develop an understanding of the moral and ethical issues surrounding crime and forensic investigation.
- Students will demonstrate a clear understanding of major concepts and techniques used in subfields of forensic pattern evidence based on their ability to read, interpret, and critically evaluate primary literature; design experiments or conduct independent investigation to test ideas and hypotheses; and interpret data through statistical and graphical packages.
- Students will demonstrate core competencies in fingerprint techniques associated with crime scene processing and laboratory comparisons testing.
ProgramsMasterCoursesBiologyForensic StudiesPhilosophyWriting
Return to: Loyola College of Arts and Sciences
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