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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Forensics and Investigative Science
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Forensic Biology, B.S.

This major prepares students for positions in forensic labs as DNA analysts. In many forensic investigations, biologically-based evidence is the most critical piece to solving the case.
Plan of Study

Deep within nearly every cell in your body is a unique set of genetic markers, a particular combination sets you apart as one in a quadrillion or more.

When a crime occurs, recovering those genetic markers and determining who they belong to is a job for forensic biologists. They take that precious genetic material, extract it and rely on rigorous, experimental science to determine who it likely came from. The Forensic Biology major prepares students to do exactly this, with a curriculum providing fundamental understanding of biology and genetics paired with cutting-edge investigative and laboratory career skills.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

In many forensic investigations, biologically-based evidence is the most critical piece to solving the case. Positively identifying unknown materials as human body fluids can demonstrate that someone was injured, that a piece of clothing was worn or that an object was held in someone’s mouth. The development of DNA profiling in the 1980s and 1990s made the analysis of biological evidence from crime scenes even more important, as it gives analysts the ability to identify the source of biological material with extraordinary precision. Currently, DNA analysis stands as the gold standard of a rigorously science-based field under the greater umbrella of forensic science.

As part of that gold standard, Forensic Biology majors are trained as scientists, spending their first two years building a strong base of chemistry, math, physics and the core biology topics of ecology, evolution, organismal physiology and the beginning of cell biology. In their junior and senior years, students build on that foundation by focusing on cell biology, genetics and biochemistry as the essential knowledge to be effective practitioners. This curriculum ensures graduates meet the educational requirements set by the FBI to be DNA analysts.

However, there is more to forensic biology than merely DNA. Death investigators apply a mix of classical investigative techniques and biological knowledge to help medical examiners determine cause and manner of death.

On the forensic side of forensic biology, students learn basic evidence collection and preservation skills, practical microscopy skills and current methods for biological fluid analysis (serology). These skills, particularly the critical documentation and reporting skills, are used repeatedly across the curriculum and are also used extensively in the departmentally-facilitated internship experience between the junior and senior year. The internship experience often helps students network and prepare for formal employment, and further develop their career goals. Students can then choose elective courses that fit their interests, skills and future career goals.

Opportunities

Explore the WVU Difference through this program's academic, research, and student life opportunities.

  • Full accreditation, Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, 2024
  • Fully functioning DNA analysis laboratory with state-of-the-art instrumentation to include 7,500 Real Time PCR and 3500 Genetic Analyzer.
  • Utilization of most current FBI CODIS core loci kit chemistries.
  • Four crime scene houses for training investigators – the largest in the nation.
  • Vehicle processing garage.
  • Partnerships with more than 200 vetted forensic internship sites around the U.S.
  • All teaching faculty have a mix of practical experience and academic credentials, with 300+ years of combined experience.
  • As one of the original SpeakWrite certified departments, communication skills such as writing and presenting are emphasized throughout the entire curriculum.
  • Agreement with FBI-Criminal Justice Information Services division includes FBI instructor-led training in fingerprint classification.
  • Nikon Camera Locker Program provides access to state-of-the art cameras throughout the undergraduate program.
  • Applied BioSystems partnership supports DNA extraction and profiling at the undergraduate level.
  • Cogent Systems Automated Fingerprint Identification System access and training.
  • Hemospat, Inc. offers access to professional-grade blood stain pattern reconstruction software.
  • J. Edgar Hoover Foundation Scholarships: Two two-year partial scholarships awarded to juniors demonstrating financial need and academic excellence.
  • International Association for Identification Collection, located in the WVU Libraries, includes the research library of the organization and resources dating to the 19th century.
  • ForensicsNETbase, an online repository of forensic science texts from publisher Taylor-Frances/CRC, is available through the WVU Libraries.
  • Case analysis in partnership with the West Virginia Innocence Project and the WVU College of Law.
  • Relationships with WVU Pathology Assistant Program, State Fire Marshall’s Office, Marshall University Forensic Science Center and the West Virginia State Police Crime Laboratory.
  • Forensic photography laboratory with full overhead lighting tracks.
  • Decomposition and remains excavation training site at the WVU Horticultural Farm.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.

Living Learning Communities

Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.

Student Organizations

To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.

Research and Opportunities

Most Forensic and Investigative Science faculty accept and encourage undergraduate research. Undergraduates have presented research at both regional and national conferences. Some recent areas of undergraduate research that students may assist graduate students with are:

  • Rapid analysis of DNA mixtures
  • Male DNA recovery from sexual assault samples
  • DNA preservation in entomological samples
  • DNA mixture interpretation software analysis
  • Biological fluid analysis using epigenetic loci
  • Recovery of biological fluids utilizing the MVAC wet-vacuum system

Depending on the project, undergraduates can begin research as soon as their freshman year. Some projects can go on for several years, even sparking an interesting graduate project. Many Forensic Biology students have taken part in the WVU Undergraduate Research Office’s Research Apprenticeship Program and Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program, depending on their interests.

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. Coroners

    Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

    Also called: Coroner, County Coroner, Deputy Coroner, Medical Examiner

  2. Detectives and Criminal Investigators

    Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

    Also called: Criminal Investigator, Detective, Investigator, Special Agent

  3. Fire Inspectors and Investigators

    Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.

    Also called: Arson Investigator, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal, State Fire Marshal

  4. Forensic Science Technicians

    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.

    Also called: Crime Laboratory Analyst, Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Forensic Scientist

  5. Intelligence Analysts

    Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

    Also called: Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Criminal Research Specialist, Intelligence Analyst, Supervisor Intelligence Analyst

  6. Police Identification and Records Officers

    Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

    Also called: Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Technician, Criminalist, Forensic Specialist

  7. Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts

    Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.

    Also called: Certified Fraud Examiner, Inspector General, Investigator, Special Agent