Foresnsic Science Program at Wichita State University

The application of scientific principles within the context of criminal justice has always appealed to the general public. Interest in this field is evidenced by the current popularity of ‘true crime’ and fictionalized stories of forensic investigations portrayed in various media outlets. “Several colleges report long waiting lists for forensic science courses, and dozens of others are developing courses or entire programs in the science of crime fighting” (CBS News August 18, 2003). Currently there are approximately 8,400 forensic science technicians employed in laboratories throughout the United States . According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics “Jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to increase about as fast as average” through the year 2012 (p. 8). Employment demand in related industries (chemical and biotechnology), for which graduates of this program would be eligible candidates, is expected to increase at a faster rate (BJS, 2004). Courts, judges and juries are becoming increasingly more aware of the value of scientific evidence. As a result the demand for forensic skills within the criminal investigation and prosecution processes is increasing. Dillon (1999) predicts that the demand for employment in forensics will “increase as a result of the judicial system’s continuing need for corroborating evidence in prosecutions” (p. 5).

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences degree at Wichita State University is designed to meet an increasing demand for trained forensic scientists and technicians. It has always been possible for a student at WSU to develop an interdisciplinary major in Biology, Chemistry, Anthropology, Psychology and Criminal Justice. This new degree program has more ‘brand’ identity among crime laboratory managers. An individual with this degree can be assigned to virtually any aspect of a forensic investigation with less pre-service training and is therefore considered more potentially viable within a typical crime laboratory setting. This program capitalizes on the diversity of academic resources available at WSU and will produce forensic generalists, rather than narrowly focused specialists.

No other university in Kansas offers a bachelor of sciences in forensic sciences degree. Similar programs exist at nineteen other universities throughout the nation. The programs closest to WSU’s service area are at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond , Oklahoma and at Columbia College in Columbia , Missouri . Approximately twenty less comprehensive (associates degrees or certificates in forensics) or more narrowly focused (forensic odontology, vocational training programs) programs exist throughout the nation. Most of these are biology, anthropology, or chemistry degrees that require a minor in criminal justice.

There are three principal advantages for pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences at Wichita State University . First, the academic resources (teaching, research, facilities, etc.) necessary to support this program are in place and well established. With the exception of the capstone practicum course, all the courses listed on the attached proposed curriculum are offered routinely at WSU and taught by full-time faculty. Second, WSU’s metropolitan setting offers students considerable access to a broad array of practitioners and practical situations that will enrich their classroom experiences. This provides students an opportunity to experience ‘real world’ situations within the safety of a learning institution. Furthermore, it provides the university with another avenue of community support and service. And third, Wichita is home to a regional crime laboratory as well as a branch of the University of Kansas Medical School. WSU students benefit greatly from access to practitioners and scholars at these institutions.

Successful students in this program should have a strong aptitude in the physical, biological, and chemical sciences. An ability to understand criminal motivation and apply broad criminological theory is also important. The application of basic investigatory techniques, adherence to evidentiary rules and procedures, and effective communications (e.g. courtroom testimony) are essential skills for the forensic scientist. Within this field employers are quite reluctant to consider applicants with a history of drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behavior and poor credit histories. Most employers require polygraph, medical, psychological examinations and extensive background investigations.

Upon declaration of the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science as a major, students will be assigned a pre-major code. Upon completion of the following admission's criteria, students can be admited to the program:

	Cumulative grade point average of 3.0
	Completion of the following basic skills courses:
	English 101 - College English I
	English 102 - College English II
	Communications 111 - Public Speaking
	Math 111 - College Algebra
	Completion of the following pre-major courses:
	Biology 210 - General Biology I
	Biology 211 - General Biology II
	Chemistry 211 - General Chemistry I
	Chemistry 212 - General Chemistry II
	Attend an oritentation for prospective Forensic Sciences majors (offered each semester)
	Completion of the Forensic Science application form & the criminal history disclosure form

Application deadlines:

October 1 for spring
March 1 for fall

The admission decision is made by a faculty committee representing the Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice departments.

CONTACTS:

Ms. Dee Pritchett, Program Advisor
School of Community Affairs
Wichita State University
1845 N. Fairmount, Campus Box 135
Wichita, Kansas 67260-0135

Telephone: 316-978-6509
E-Mail: dee.pritchett@wichita.edu

Dr. Brian L. Withrow, Program Director
and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
School of Community Affairs
Wichita State University
1845 N. Fairmount, Campus Box 135
Wichita, Kansas 67260-0135

Telephone: 316-978-6539
E-Mail: brian.withrow@wichita.edu

REFERENCES

'CSI' Spurs Forensic Academies (August 18, 2003). CBS News. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on August 18, 2004.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/08/18/entertainment/main568982.html

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (July 2004). Occupational Outlook Handbook
http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos115.htm

Dillon, Hall (1999). Forensic scientists: A career in the crimbe lab. Occupational Outlook Quartely, Fall, 1999. pp. 2 - 7.