Forensic Science Degree

The forensic science degree program at Northern Essex 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 Massachusetts colleges that offer forensic science degrees.

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Northern Essex Community College (NECC)

360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA

Northern Essex Community College, located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, began operations in 1961 on the former site of Greenleaf Elementary school. Starting with a class of 186 students, the school became popular from the start, quickly expanding its enrollment and facilities to match the demands of residents and students within the school's service area. The college proved to be too popular, requiring the addition of several campuses throughout the years to expand the school's service area and meet the needs of the community. The school has added facilities and programs to meet and anticipate community needs, utilizing funding to ensure that programs are modern and relevant and that buildings are upgraded with equipment and technology that is necessary for the modern student.

Academics

Northern Essex Community College offers a large variety of programs that allow students to pursue academic transfer or career training opportunities. Such programs typically take two years to complete and result in an associate degree, through some programs may instead confer a certificate and take significantly less time to earn. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education at Northern Essex Community College, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution to pursue the final two years of a bachelor's degree through participation in upper division courses typically offered at colleges and universities.

Career training programs provide students with the opportunity to receive training and skill development in a high demand field. Students will take traditional classroom courses alongside more practical training oriented courses that provide work like environments and allow student to apply skills and techniques learned. Such programs typically take between one and two years to complete and allow the graduate to enter the workforce as a professional. Entry level positions are normally available to recent graduates with opportunities for growth based on the field of entry and the area of study.

Program offered include:

• Accounting
• Graphic Design
• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education
• Nursing

Admissions and Financial Aid

As an open enrollment institution, Northern Essex Community College admits any students that meet the minimum requirements for enrollment. Students interested in full or part time program enrollment should complete the application for admission, provide all pertinent information regarding previous education, participate in student orientation and meet with a counselor to discuss program choice and develop a curriculum best suited to one's schedule and needs. Registration takes place shortly before the start of each semester and some students may be required to take a placement exam in order to be eligible for registration.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Individuals requiring financial assistance must complete all necessary forms, the most important of which is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is used to determine the student's financial needs, eligibility for aid programs, and the monetary awards he or she may receive. Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year, as one's financial situation may change and thus needs regarding aid.

Students Enrolled in the Forensic Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. NECC offers a less than one year certificate program in forensic science.

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

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).