Department of Natural Sciences

forensic science

 

Explore The Forensic Science Program

(Department of Natural Sciences (asurams.edu))

Our Mission

        The Bachelor of Science degree program in Forensic Science at Albany State University aims to provide students with an understanding of the scientific knowledge, and practice of forensic science, and prepare students for work in forensic science laboratories, crime scene investigation, and related areas.

        We aim to continually improve the program's quality and technological innovation and promote integrity. Career advancement. And understanding forensic science practices are cornerstone of our mission

       The program is committed to advancing the educational needs of students and working professionals. The program is aligned with and works towards the overall university mission. The Forensic Science program provides the relevant educational needs based on labor market trends in forensic science and science in general for the citizens in Georgia, the United States of America, and beyond. 

 Learning Goals 

  1. The Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Forensic Science aims to prepare students to be high-quality forensic professionals. It does this by providing them with the education and experiences needed for professional careers in forensic sciences. 
  2. To offer a nationally recognized Forensic Science degree program combining state-of-the-art educational technology with innovative pedagogy.
  3. To conduct research with students and professionals in other universities and other institutions to advance knowledge and provide students with skills in using instruments and scientific techniques useful in forensic science. 

Objectives

The Forensic Science program at ASU objectives that are related to its mission and goals are:

  • Graduates will understand and be able to perform classification of physical evidence at a crime scene 
  • To familiarize students with skills in the packing, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence
  • For students to understand and be able to write skilled crime scene reconstruction reports.
  • Be able to read and interpret papers in the primary literature
  • Be able to work collaboratively with others
  • Be able to present scientific information in visual, oral, and written formats
  • Be aware of major scientific and ethical issues in Forensic Science
  • To produce graduates in Forensic Science who may go directly into employment in the many laboratories and organizations in the field of Forensic Science, such as the FBI, GBI, other state crime laboratories, and local and other federal organizations.
  • To produce graduates who have the capabilities needed to enter Ph. D and MS programs in other institutions
  • The ASU forensic science program will become a source of knowledge for nearby criminalistics laboratories and law enforcement agencies

Class 2023 Feedback

           Graduating Senior Program Satisfaction Survey

             Satisfaction survey with the program environment     

     Lab Facilities

             Course Instruction

             Satisfaction with instructors   

Testimonials

Student 1A native of Kingston, Jamaica, and a Spring 2023 Forensic science graduate, poised to make her mark in the field with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Raised in a culturally rich environment, Jada developed a profound respect for justice, inspiring her pursuit of forensic science. With a passion for unraveling mysteries and a solid academic background, Jada excelled in her studies, specializing in crime scene investigation. Her internship with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation showcased her dedication and attention to detail. Ms. Internship led to her full time employment with the GBI. As Jada embarks on her career, she looks forward to contributing her analytical skills to solve complex cases and uphold the principles of justice. Jada Smith.

            

Student 2For my final semester as a forensics student at Albany State University, I was able to do my internship with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. I worked in one of their 15 regional offices in Americus, Georgia. The office consists of a Special Agent in Charge, an Assistant Special Agent in Charge, a Crime Scene Specialist, and several Special Agents. The agents perform various investigative functions such as interviews and search warrants, while the crime scene specialist, also a Special Agent, performs crime scene examinations and evidence processing. This internship is a great way to see how the GBI works daily. Overall, this internship has been an incredible experience.   Michelle Taylor.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Student 3“I Interned at the Dougherty County Coroner's office, under tutelage of the county Coroner- Mr. Michael Fowler. During my internship, I worked in the office and, most times, at the crime scene; I have worked over 5 cases: 3 of these cases being homicides and 2 being natural deaths. I aided Mr. Fowler in establishing the Time of Death, Victim Identity, and Various stages of death for reporting and documentation purposes. The internship prepared me for my future in crime scene investigation. Kayla N Hoey.

 

 

Student 4I am currently an intern for the Dougherty County Coroner’s Office where I get to learn about the process of what happens after a person has passed away, get first-hand experience in the field, and gain insight into the many other options I have for careers within my field of study. At the Coroner’s Office, a normal day consists of filling out Coroner’s Reports based on medical records, and other forms of documentation so that the deceased has been placed in the system for the coroner to review and sign off on for further processing of the case. I also get the opportunity to go to scenes after a crime has occurred alongside first responders, coroners, crime scene investigators, and other personnel in the field. Khalia Johnson.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Enrollment and Graduation Rate

            Exit results

The exit examination is required for graduation from the program, the pass score for the exit exam was 70%.

Class 2021 Feedback

 

Feedback

  • Testimonials

 

Aniyah Greene


Aniyah Green
Aniyah Greene is a Fall 2021 graduate from Philadelphia, PA. While studying Forensic Science, she was involved in multiple on campus organizations. For example, Ms. Greene served as the Vice President for the Forensic Science club. She also served as a general member for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. According to Ms. Greene; “she credits the Forensic Science program for allowing her to gain connections with many prestigious individuals within the field, as well as amazing internship opportunities, and excellent hands-on learning.” Ms. Greene hopes to attend a medical school to achieve her dreams of becoming a Medical Examiner

 

 

 

Evan SuberEvan Suber
According to Evan Suber- a member of Forensic Science Club and DDE International Honor Society of the Forensic Science, “The Forensic Science Program here at Albany State University is a good program that prepares you for the real world forensic science activities with hands-on laboratory practice of different techniques in crime scene, DNA analysis, drug chemistry and toxicology. For me, I really enjoyed the opportunities to interact with various forensic experts in the field, networking and DNA analysis labs.” She will be attending graduate school in spring of 2022.

 

 

 



Enrollment and Graduation Rate

 

Enrollment 1

 

Exit Examination

 

EXIT EXAMINATIONS

A total of 18 students took the exit examination during the year (spring and fall 2021), the average score was 75.9%, and the highest and lowest scores were 91% and 69%. The pass score for the exit exam was 70%.