Forensic Science

Office: Newman Towers
Telephone: 410-617-2057
Fax: 410-617-5682
Website: www.loyola.edu/academics/forensic-studies

Chair: David Rivers, Professor

Professors: David Rivers; Christopher Thompson
Assistant Professors: Alan Thoms-Chelsey
Affiliate Faculty: Tatiana Anderson; Rana DellaRocco; Rachelle Fobbs; Jonathan Fried; Dana Keiter; Whitley Mayo; John Morgan

The Forensic Studies major provides a framework for students to explore ideas, concepts, and technology addressing crime, homeland security, and growing threats to individuals, institutions, and nations through acts of terrorism and attacks on security. Concomitantly it provides a solid foundation in the natural sciences and applied through courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, complemented by rigorous focus on biological and chemical concepts and analytical thinking through coursework in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematical sciences, physics, and statistics. Students will also experience and receive training in multi-disciplinary approaches to forensic studies; analyses applied to criminal and civil investigations; matters of administrative law; exploration of factors and events that influence individuals and groups to engage in criminal activity or commit acts of violence; and examination of issues that threaten national security and the tactics to counter such threats.

The curricular path for the major encourages breadth of understanding, interdisciplinary approaches, critical understanding, team skills, excellent communication skills, and deductive reasoning. Specifically, the major's curriculum will develop and promote skills needed for multiple career paths, including excellent oral and written communication skills, intellectual curiosity, use of interdisciplinary approaches, critical and analytical thinking skills, and commitment to life-long learning. Additionally, the program and its curriculum will emphasize the development of strong moral and ethical character in students.

Learning Aims

The forensic studies major curriculum will bestow the following learning and curricular outcomes:

Students will master current factual content, concepts, theoretical perspectives, and historical trends of different subfields of forensic studies.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in communicating effectively in a variety of formats, including verbal, written, and symbolic channels relevant to forensic investigation, criminology, 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 studies 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.

Programs

Accelerated

Accelerated Bachelor's to MS in Forensic Pattern Analysis Program

Major

Forensic Studies, BA

Minor

Forensic Studies Minor

Courses

Forensic Studies