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Collect. Analyze. Interpret.

With research-active faculty, a student-centric philosophy, contemporary curriculum, world-class equipment, and superior facilities, students in Forensic and Investigative Science receive a unique scientific and hands-on learning experience.

Explore Our Programs
Student photographs a body on the sidewalk

Major or Minor in Forensic Science

Students choose which undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree program best fit their academic and career interests — forensic biology, forensic chemistry, or forensic examiner.

B.S. Degree Programs
Female with pipette preparing a sample of DNA

Masters in Forensic
Science

Our graduate M.S. students take advanced science courses, including microscopy, trace evidence, pattern evidence and laboratory management.

M.S. Degree Program
Grad student examines bullets in the ballistics lab

Doctorate in Forensic
Science

Ph.D. students take a common core of advanced forensic science courses and additional courses as deemed necessary by their dissertation committees.

Ph.D. Degree Program

Leading the way in forensic and investigative science since 1998

By passing down years of expertise, faculty are able to prepare current students for a career in forensic science. Students with curiosity, a scientific mind, and keen attention to detail will find themselves successful in our program, the field of forensics, and often play a part in advancing the profession. Through these areas and many others, the WVU Forensic and Investigative Science Program has been making valuable contributions within the field of forensics since the beginning of our program.

Welcome from our Department Chair About Our Department
  1. 1998
    The Forensic and Investigative Science Major was created.
  2. 2002
    The first Forensic and Investigative Science class graduated.
  3. 2004
    Department attained FEPAC accreditation for the Bachelors of Science degree.
  4. 2007
    Oglebay became a fully functioning lab space.
  5. 2010
    Accreditation is attained for the M.S. in Forensic and Investigative Science.
  6. 2015
    The Ph.D. in Forensic Science program is introduced
  7. 2018
    Bachelor's degree is split into separate majors – Biology, Chemistry, and Examiner.
  8. 2023
    Over 100 students are placed in summer internships.

Students First

Our #studentsFIRST program is designed to help our first and second year students succeed in their transition to college

As students are admitted to the major for their junior year, we focus on preparation for graduate school or a career.

How We Put Students First
300+
years of combined academic and practical experience from our faculty, many of whom are world-renowned in their fields
90%
of graduates are employed, attending graduate school, or being vetted for employment within 6 months of graduation
18,000+
square feet of teaching and research laboratories solely for the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science

The largest crime scene Training complex in the country

Our Crime Scene Training Complex includes four crime scene houses, a vehicle processing facility, a photography house and a ballistics laboratory with firearm discharge facility.


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Department Events

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Academic Calendar

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