Forensic Science Degree

The forensic science degree program at Catawba Valley Community College includes instruction for students that focuses on the application of biomedical, physical, and social sciences for the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence, human testimony, and criminal suspects. Students who graduate the forensic science degree program will have knowledge in courses such as forensic medicine, forensic dentistry, anthropology, psychology, pathology, forensic laboratory technology, crime scene analysis, fingerprint technology, document analysis, pattern analysis, examination procedures, and applicable law and regulations. Get more details below including other North Carolina colleges that offer forensic science degrees.

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Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC)

2300 W Innes St, Salisbury, NC

Catawba Valley Community College, located in Hickory, North Carolina, is one of the 52 schools that comprise the North Carolina Community College System. The school was established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in 1958. The school was originally operated by Catawba County, but was given over to the NCCCS in 1963 and as a result of the transfer the school went through a period of adjustment and change, becoming a technical institute and community college over the following years.

Academics

As a comprehensive community college, CVCC offers students programs that encourage workforce development or academic transfer. Career training programs provide individuals with the skills and abilities to enter the workforce as qualified professionals. Programs take up to two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency and assists in the securing of employment after graduation.

Students may also pursue academic transfer, completing their first two years at the school followed by applying to a college or university to complete the final two years and earn their bachelor's degree. Schools will have varying admissions requirements, and as such students should meet with a counselor and research their desired transfer school prior to registration.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Cosmetology
• Real Estate
• Social Science
• Mathematics

Admissions and Financial Aid

Catawba Valley Community College is an open enrollment institution that will admit any individual who is at least eighteen years of age or has earned a high school diploma (or equivalent). Students should supply transcripts, standardized test scores, be prepared to take a placement exam, and meet with a counselor all prior to registration. Financial aid applications should also be submitted prior to the start of the semester. Aid is available in the form of loans and grants and distributed based on need based on the information provided by the student through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students Enrolled in the Forensic Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Catawba Valley Community College has offered the following degree levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Forensic Science Technicians

Description

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, forensic science technicians employment is expected to grow at a rate of 26.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
  • Total Employment: 80
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.94
  • Average Annual Salary: $47720

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).