500 - Forensic Science Technology (BS)
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Program Description
1. Biological applications within forensics, e.g., DNA technologies, genetic analysis, and microbiology.
2. Chemical practicalities, notably: physicochemical analysis and identification of drugs, poisons, and fire debris.
3. Microscopic-based examinations, including the analysis of fingerprints, firearms evidence, and trace evidence.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the forensic science technology program at Alfred State is to provide our students with a strong foundation in the natural and physical sciences. This includes not only theoretical didactic delivery, but also a wealth of hands-on laboratory-based forensic analytical techniques. Graduates of the program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain entry-level positions as laboratory technicians, scientists, or examiners in a variety of governmental, institutional, and industrial settings, or with the background necessary for successful transfer into graduate-level programs in the forensic, biological, and chemical sciences or related subjects.
VISION STATEMENT
Through a rigorous hands-on curriculum rooted in the natural and physical sciences, the forensic science technology program at Alfred State strives to produce graduates prepared to be active contributors in a variety of career and educational options.
Program Advantages
All students in the program are required to take a core course load that includes preparation in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics as well as more advanced training in organic chemistry, genetics, biochemistry, instrumental methods, analytical chemistry, microbiology, biotechniques, evidentiary law, public speaking, and technical writing.
Students are trained in the usage and theory of modern instrumental techniques that are utilized by employees in crime laboratories nationwide.
Students have the opportunity to broaden and deepen their training by selecting from a list of approved technical elective course work.
All students in the program are required to complete either an off-campus internship or on-campus directed research experience. Students selecting the internship option will be exposed to a workplace setting and may complete this course at a multitude of off-campus locations offering laboratory testing services.
Students selecting the directed research option will receive preparatory training for future graduate and/or professional school options. In addition, these students will have the opportunity to present their research at both on- and off-campus conferences and/or showcases
Professional Outlook
Employment and continuing education rate of 100 percent – 83 percent are employed; 17 percent continued their education.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Government crime laboratories and medical examiner's offices
Private forensic testing laboratories
Industrial laboratories employing chemical or biological technologists
Quality control/quality assurance positions in testing laboratories
Examples of locations where our graduates have obtained employment include:
New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
New York Police Department Crime Laboratory
National Security Agency
United States Army Criminal Investigations Division
Hamilton County (Ohio) Coroner's Office
Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office
Erie County Crime Lab
Erie County Medical Examiner's Office
NMS Labs
Student Achievement Data
Employment and Continuing Education Report
Graduation Year | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
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Receiving Degrees | 4 | 15 | 17 | 11 |
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Responding to Survey | 2 | 13 | 12 | 5 |
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Employed | 2 | 12 | 9 | 5 |
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Employed in Field | 2 | 12 | 8 | 4 |
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Continued Education | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
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Program and College Graduation Rates
Major 500 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
Freshmen Enrollment | 22 | 20 | 22 | 29 | 24 |
# Grad w/in 6 yrs. | 10 | 4 | 7 | 17 | 13 |
6-yr Grad Rate % | 45.5% | 20.0% | 31.8% | 58.6% | 54.2% |
College (Bachelor's) | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
Freshmen Enrollment | 231 | 313 | 293 | 345 | 296 |
# Grad w/in 6 yrs. | 93 | 131 | 133 | 187 | 149 |
6-yr Grad Rate % | 42.9% | 41.9% | 45.4% | 54.2% | 50.3% |
Professional Outlook
5 of 11 (45%) reported employment, 2 of 11 (18%) reported continuing their education, we did not hear back from 4 of 11 graduates (36%)
Continuing Education Opportunities
FUTURE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Graduate-Level Forensic Science Programs
Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Biology
Chemistry
LECOM Early Acceptance Program
Graduates of the program have been accepted into master's or doctorate level programs from several universities including:
Syracuse University
Cedar Crest College
University of Buffalo
University of Albany
George Washington University
Upstate Medical University
Pittsburgh University
Marshall University
Virginia Commonwealth University
West Virginia University
LECOM EARLY ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM
Alfred State's Forensic Science Technology program has an affiliation agreement with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM).
As a high school senior you can apply to both Alfred State College and LECOM's Early Acceptance Program (EAP) for the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the College of Pharmacy.
Current Alfred State Forensic Science Technology students with at least two years remaining can also apply to LECOM's EAP.
Through the 4+4 program, students who earn a BS in Forensic Science Technology at Alfred State College will continue their education at LECOM. For more information visit https://lecom.edu/academics/early-acceptance-program/.
Accreditation Information
The forensic science technology program is fully accredited by FEPAC(Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission).
Office of Accessibility Services
Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact the Office of Accessibility Services by email at oas@alfredstate.edu or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.