Forensic Science

Cedar Crest College is one of the top colleges for the study of forensic science—and offers one of the few fully accredited programs in the nation.

Are you fascinated by the field of forensic science? Review the evidence below, and you’ll find it pointing you toward Cedar Crest College. Here are a few of the facts about our forensic science programs:

• FACT: Cedar Crest College is one of the few higher-learning institutions in the nation that offers fully accredited forensic science programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (as of fall 2019, just eight other schools share this distinction).  Both the undergraduate and master’s programs in forensic science are accredited by the Forensic Science Educational Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
  

• FACT: Cedar Crest is committed to educating women scientists. We are one of the few liberal arts colleges to offer programs in areas such as forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry, and genetic engineering and the only women’s college that offers degrees in all of these disciplines. (Note: Our master’s level program accepts both men and women.)  Students who major in forensic science can easily double major in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry,

• FACT: Our department has three full-time faculty members who are certified by the American Board of Criminalistics.

Learn about the Cedar Crest advantage »

Studying forensic science at Cedar Crest will prepare you for a wide variety of career paths, such as crime scene investigation, drug chemistry, forensic DNA analysis, toxicology and trace evidence examination.

Recent Cedar Crest graduates have found employment in both public and private sector laboratories, including the New York City Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, New Jersey State Police, and the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. Other graduates have pursued careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical research.

Since 2015 , 50% of the graduates of the undergraduate program have completed or are currently attending a master’s or doctoral level program Graduates have enrolled in graduate or professional school programs at institutions such as Brown University, University of Connecticut, Temple Medical School, and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  In addition, several graduates have stayed at Cedar Crest to earn their Master of Science degree in forensic science.

Since the inception of the Master of Science program in 2007, over 95% of the program graduates are employed in a forensic science or in an allied scientific or criminal investigative capacity.

The forensic science program at Cedar Crest will expose you to a wide variety of disciplines and skills, providing you with a strong foundation from which to launch a career in forensic science. Here, you will interact with forensic science professionals, participate in research using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, and engage in highly sought-after internships.

The Cedar Crest College Advantage

Fully Accredited by FEPAC
Our forensic science program has earned the highest accreditation possible for undergraduate and graduate studies: Both programs are fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Our undergraduate program is one of the oldest accredited forensic science programs in the nation.

Nationally recognized professors
Our faculty members have more than 60 years of professional forensic science experience, and they routinely publish in peer-reviewed publications and present original research at forensic science conferences. Also, our program director, Lawrence Quarino, Ph.D., is a former chair of FEPAC.

A unique curriculum
Our programs will take you from the crime scene to the courtroom. Here, you will receive instruction in subjects as diverse as DNA analysis, toxicology, trace evidence examination, and how to testify as an expert witness. This generalist approach will prepare you to compete for a wide array of careers.

Extensive Research Opportunities
Our students have won numerous research competitions and grants, as well as scholarships from professional organizations. Since 2009, our students and faculty have given more than 100 presentations at regional and national conferences.

State-of-the-art facilities
Here, you will be trained on the leading-edge tools and technology currently utilized by forensic science professionals in the workplace. For example, we’re one of the few undergraduate programs in the nation to provide access to Mass Spectrometry (Tandem) technology and Raman microscopy, which is used for determining masses of particles and their composition. (See Facilities for a list of technology available on campus.)

A focus on leadership
Students present at major forensic science conferences, serve in a leadership capacity in the Forensic Science Student Organization (FSSO), and host the College’s annual forensic science symposium, which takes place every spring.

Impressive internships and career placement
Our students have interned in forensic science labs across the nation and around the globe. They have frequently been commended for their knowledge, skill, and work ethic. Also, almost every student who has graduated from our master’s degree program has found immediate employment after graduation.