The Department of Forensic and Investigative Science continually meets the standards of excellence established by the industry-standard Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission. WVU’s accreditation for undergraduate and graduate education was recently extended.
The B.S. in Forensic and Investigative Science was re-accredited on January 1, 2019 through January 1, 2024.*
The M.S. in Forensic and Investigative Science was re-accredited on January 1, 2019 through January 1, 2024.*
*Due to COVID, accreditation has been extended to January 1, 2025.
Undergraduate
Forensic science programs of variable quality are appearing at many institutions. How do you decide which is right for you? Why should you consider studying forensic science at WVU? It is an individual decision based on many factors, but some things you should know about our program.
Accredited programs such as ours have to meet rigorous standards in our courses, structure, facilities, and faculty qualifications. A degree from an accredited institution carries significant weight in the forensic science community and that will become increasingly important as the number of forensic science graduates enter the job market. Our program has been one of the first accredited programs in the nation for over two decades.
We employ thirteen full-time faculty with real forensic experience, professors whose one and only job is to pass their knowledge and experience to the next generation of forensic leaders. These faculty are supported by another three part-time faculty with professional credentials that enhance the curriculum.
All of our students complete a rigorous, 270-hour summer internship at federal, state and local police agencies and labs, and forensic laboratories nationwide. Working with students, we organize the internships, check on progress, and ensure that the experience helps you mature from a student to a forensic professional. Many students obtain their first job as a result of their internship, either directly or indirectly.
Upon graduation from the Forensic and Investigative Science Program, students will be able to:
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Take data generated during a forensic investigation and prepare for trial. Students
should be able to testify to the interpretation of the evidence.
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Demonstrate competency in the collection, processing, analysis, and evaluation
of evidence.
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Present a portfolio including their resume, certification forms, internship experiences,
and any other learning experiences they have achieved.
- Demonstrate their application of skills and knowledge in a professional environment that they have acquired through their internship experience.
It’s your education. It’s your career. Do your homework and pick the right program for you. Selecting a university is a family decision that represents years of financial and emotional support and commitment. We welcome inquiries from prospective students, parents and families about our program, faculty, and facilities.
Graduate
Forensic Science programs of variable quality are appearing at many institutions. How do you decide which is right for you? Why should you consider graduate work in forensic science at WVU? Here are some things you should know.
The accreditation of our M.S. degree signifies that we are recognized for the quality of our academic program. A degree from an accredited institution carries significant weight in the forensic science community and that will become increasingly important as the number of forensic science graduates enter the job market.
Our full-time research faculty are skilled teachers and internationally recognized researchers. The faculty are involved in research grants supported by NIJ, NIH, DEA, DOD, USSS, FBI, and NSF. They serve on numerous boards and commissions. Our faculty are committed to passing their knowledge and experience to the next generation of forensic leaders.
We encourage you to investigate our program if you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in forensic science and welcome inquiries from prospective students.
Student Complaints
If undergraduate and graduate students are not satisfied with the program or they find the program to not be in compliance with standards, they may reach out to FEPAC to submit a complaint.