Forensic Science Degree

The forensic science degree program at South Suburban 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 Illinois colleges that offer forensic science degrees.

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South Suburban College (SSC)

3535 West Foster, Chicago, IL

South Suburban College, located in South Holland, was founded in 1927 and was originally known as Thornton Junior College. The school was established as part of Thornton Township High School, located in Harvey. The school became an independent institution in 1965 through the Community College Act, establishing its own district and expanding its role and services, resulting in a name change to Thornton Community College four years later to reflect the school's new offerings. The school moved to its permanent home in 1972, and changed its name once more in 1988 to the current, as its better describes the location of the school.

Academics

Students may enroll in either career training or academic transfer programs, allowing students to pursue the track that best reflects the needs and interests of the individual student. Career training programs allow students to develop the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce in a given field as professionals. Students in such a program will have a mix of theoretical and practical course, and will learn to apply techniques and methods in a real world setting through controlled environments. Programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree, and allowing individuals to seek employment at the entry level.

Academic transfer is accomplished by completing the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying to a college or university to complete the final two years and earn a bachelor's degree. Students may ease the transfer process by applying to a public Illinois University, which has agreements in place with the school guaranteeing admission if certain academic requirements are met. Students looking to transfer to private or out of state schools should meet with a counselor to develop a curriculum for transfer that best meets the needs of the desired school or schools.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Graphic Design
• Nursing
• Sociology

Admissions and Financial Aid

Any student interested in enrollment at South Suburban College may do so if they meet the minimum requirements for admission, complete and submit an application, and pay all associated fees and tuition. Students should also supply test scores and transcripts, if one or both is unavailable students may be asked to take a placement exam prior to registration. New students are asked to participate in orientation to familiarize themselves with the campus as well as to meet with a counselor to discuss curriculum, program enrollment and goals.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students in need of assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school to determine a student's financial needs and aid program eligibility, both of which are considered when constructing an aid packet. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year, and students may be chosen at random to supply additional information to be compared to the FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy.

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

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 330
  • Average Hourly Rate: $33.15
  • Average Annual Salary: $68940
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 30
  • Average Hourly Rate: $34.66
  • Average Annual Salary: $72080

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).