FAQs
What makes Arcadia renowned among colleges offering forensic science degrees?
Among forensic science colleges, Arcadia is unique in its partnerships with the CFSRE and with the nationally known NMS Labs, which is among the nation’s premier labs and is frequently involved in high-profile cases as well as serving the local law enforcement community. Arcadia is also among an elite number of forensics colleges with full national recognition and accreditation.
What should I look for in a forensic science school?
When potential employers are comparing candidates with degrees in forensic science, they look first for a forensic graduate program and then to see if the master’s degree program is fully accredited by FEPAC (Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission).
Should I get a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in Forensic Science?
While there are several forensic science schools and colleges that offer forensic science at the undergraduate level, many of those programs focus on technician skills or criminology—not on the science knowledge needed to become a practicing Forensic Scientist. Students who want to use DNA samples to help identify victims, help police determine if poison was a murder weapon, and conduct chemical testing on bomb residue need to attend a forensic science university with a master’s program that offers a strong science foundation. Arcadia’s forensic science studies in these areas are taught by some of the nation’s top forensic scientists, who teach in addition to continuing to work daily to help solve crime and forensic mysteries and research new forensic science techniques and materials. This level of expertise is not usually available at college offering forensic science as an undergraduate program.
What type of Forensic Science classes will I take?
Arcadia’s master’s degree in Forensic Science gives graduates a strong Forensic Science education in areas such as Molecular Biology and Genetics, Chemistry and Toxicology, and Forensic Medicine, to name just a few of the Forensic Science courses essential at the graduate level.
Does Arcadia offer anything that other colleges for forensic science don’t?
Arcadia’s guaranteed internship at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education is a unique feature not available at other colleges with forensic science. This highly desirable 14-week internal internship program at the Foundation gives every student valuable real-world experience and career-preparation. Arcadia believes that hands-on experience is so essential that it is a forensic science degree requirement.
If I want to study forensic science, what types of careers can I expect?
Earning a master’s in forensic science from Arcadia positions you for employment at some of the nation’s top law enforcement agencies, medical examiner’s offices, and crime labs. Dr. Michael Rieders, an Arcadia alum, is the CEO of NMS Labs and teaches in the college’s forensic science program, but he finds time for some high-profile cases, such as isolating Salvador Dali’s DNA or donning his scuba gear to collect forensic evidence. Alumni with Forensic Science degrees can be found at the New York Medical Examiner’s office.
Will I have big classes or be in small groups?
Every Forensic Science class at Arcadia is a lesson in personal attention. Most classes are held on campus and some at the nearby Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, where students and faculty form a close-knit forensic science college community. A low student-faculty ratio means students work closely with faculty in each Forensic Science course.
