Forensic Science Degree

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

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Northern Virginia Community College

Also known as Norfolk State

700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA

Commonly referred to as NOVA, the Northern Virginia Community College is the second-largest community college in the country. The main campus alone, located in Annandale, is built over almost 80 acres in addition to 8 other campus sites and educational centers in different localities. NOVA was founded in 1964 as the Northern Virginia Technical College, serving almost 800 students in a single location. At present, there are about 90,000 students enrolled in both credit and non-credit courses across all campuses.

The Annandale campus is home to over 20,000 students enrolled in various courses among the following academic divisions: Math, Science and Engineering; Business and Public Services; Languages and Literature; and Liberal Arts. The campus is also known for offering certificate courses in Human Resource Management and Advanced Forensic Investigation. Programs for skills improvement and organizational learning are handled by the Office of Workforce Development and Continuing Education.

NOVA aims to have its students earn the necessary credits for acceptance into four-year colleges. In line with this goal, the Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program was designed to provide assistance to outstanding high school students in Northern Virginia in transitioning from secondary to higher education. Priority in enrolling at NOVA with financial assistance is granted as well as guidance on seeking placement with other universities. Completion of an associate degree program with a 2.5 GPA guarantees admission to the George Mason University (GMU).

Annandale's Student Services Center also provides special assistance to international students, military service members, and veterans. All students have access to various facilities including the Ernst Community Cultural Center, a facility featuring a theater, art gallery, gymnasium, and several function halls.

Participation in intercollegiate athletic events and other non-academic pursuits is highly encouraged, particularly in basketball, soccer, ice hockey, and volleyball. Tournaments and intramural events are organized by the Student Activities Office, aiming to highlight the importance of recreation and extra-curricular activities in further development of a student's competencies.

Students Enrolled in the Forensic Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Norfolk State 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).