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

Prepare for a position such as a crime scene analyst, latent fingerprint examiner, firearms examiner, forensic photographer, evidence technician, investigator, or law enforcement.
Plan of Study

With world-class training facilities and a solid STEM foundation, this major prepares you to tackle the investigation of a crime from start to finish.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

Just 100 years ago, forensic investigation of even the most complicated crimes relied on little more than a notebook, perhaps a photograph or two and some common sense.

Today, the practice of examining and identifying evidence involves a sometimes bewildering array of technology and equipment. Teams of specialists work together to generate the critical information needed to solve a case. It requires a surprising depth of scientific and professional knowledge to be a successful part of this modern process.

Forensic Examiner students are treated as scientists first. Investigators and laboratory analysts need to understand how their tools work, both to get maximum performance and so that they can effectively defend their choices on the witness stand. To meet this goal, students spend two years mastering fundamental biology, chemistry and physics. Math and statistics, more important now than ever, are also essential parts of the STEM curriculum for future forensic scientists.

After building that strong foundation, students move into two years of specialized courses emphasizing professional skills and applications. These courses are taught by a faculty with a variety of deep skill sets, both in practical casework and in academic research and understanding, and with an average course size fewer than 20 students.

In the two-semester crime scene investigation course progression, students gain the practical skills to identify, collect and preserve evidence at even the most unusual crime scenes. World-class facilities such as the four crime scene houses, vehicle garage and large collection of staging props make these classroom experiences as realistic as possible.

Beyond the scene, core laboratory competencies for investigators such as fingerprint development and classification, photography, microscopy and documentation are integrated across the curriculum, so that they are repeatedly practiced and deeply mastered. A departmentally-facilitated internship makes use of those skills in a real, professional environment before graduation, helping hone skills and focus student interest.

Based on their individual interests and skills, students can shape their curriculum to best suit their goals through their elective courses. That could be an interest in pattern evidence like firearms evidence or footprints, or it might lean more into investigative skills such as bloodstain pattern analysis or gravesite recovery.

Students photographing a mannequin body in the WVU Crime Scene Complex

Opportunities

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

  • Largest forensic science and crime scene training complex in the U.S.
  • As part of the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, you'll also work with Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry students for a broad awareness of the value and function of each major specialty.
  • 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.
  • Full accreditation, Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, 2024
  • Partnerships with more than 200 vetted forensic internship sites around the U.S.
  • Nikon Camera Locker Program provides access to state-of-the art cameras throughout the undergraduate program.
  • Agreement with FBI-Criminal Justice Information Services division includes FBI instructor-led training in fingerprint classification.
  • 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.
  • Vehicle processing garage.
  • Four crime scene houses for training investigators – the largest in the nation.
  • Forensic photography laboratory with full overhead lighting tracks.
  • Decomposition and remains excavation training site at the WVU Horticultural Farm.
  • Microscopy laboratory with 24 Leica and Olympus compound and stereomicroscopes.
  • Independent forensic chemistry laboratory with FTIR, GC-MP, ICP-MS, LC-MS and LIBS instrumentation.
  • 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

All Forensic Examiner students complete a rigorous internship experience in their junior year. The vast majority of graduates rate this as the most important thing they did in college. Students are supported through choosing and applying for internships to carefully vetted sites, such as the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office or Texas Department of Public Safety – and even the FBI.

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:

  • Efficacy of computer-assisted pattern matching of shoe prints
  • Methods for recovery of fingerprints from thermal paper
  • Likelihood of fingerprint recovery from swine skin
  • Measuring sampling bias in forensic entomology
  • Matching of duct tape ends
  • Similarity of markings from consecutively-manufactured firearms
  • Evaluation of presumptive tests for gunshot primer residue
  • Evaluation of networked, tablet-based crime scene investigation

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 students take 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. 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

  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. 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

  4. 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

  5. Fire Inspectors and Investigators

    Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.

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

  6. 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

  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