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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Forensic Science

Science for Society

Welcome to the Forensic Science Degree Program at UNL

Forensic Science includes any science that is conducted for use in the legal system. The need for science in the courtroom has greatly increased as a result of legal rulings and the positioning of forensic science in popular culture. The Forensic Science Program addresses this need by providing students with a well-rounded education in the sciences, mathematics, and statistics. In addition, there are two options from which students can select to help them meet their interests and career goals. These include Forensic Biology and Crime Scene Investigation. The Forensic Science Degree Program is designed after the curricular recommendations of National Institute of Justice and the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission. Accreditation will be sought following the graduation of two classes.

Forensic Biology
The Forensic Biology Option is designed for students interested in a laboratory based career focusing on the analysis of forensically important biological materials (DNA, blood, other biological fluids). Students will learn basic techniques in biology and biotechnology to be prepared for professional careers in a crime scene laboratory, research laboratory, industry laboratory, or further study in medicine, law, or biological science. 

Crime Scene Investigation
The Crime Scene Investigation Option prepares students for a career in investigation and law enforcement. This option emphasizes the broad understanding of forensic science as applied to the recognition, acquisition, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of evidence. This Option prepares students for a professional career within a Police and Sheriff’s Department or graduate study in law or the sciences.

 

The undergraduate degree program in forensic science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is housed in the Department of Entomology in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Our program aims to develop well-rounded graduates with a strong fundamental knowledge of the interactions between science and the legal system.

Our forensic science program is new (Fall 2007) and our students are making significant discoveries by working closely with our faculty. The faculty are internationally recognized teachers and research scientists in forensic science, forensic entomology, forensic taphonomy, forensic palynology, and forensic anthropology.  

Areas of forensic science to which we are contributing:

    • Estimation of postmortem interval
    • Location of clandestine graves
    • Bloodstain pattern analysis
    • Molecular identification of forensically important insects
    • Pollen identification and analysis
    • Analysis of skeletal remains

     

    For further information regarding the undergraduate forensic science degree program please call (402) 472.2123 or email dcarter2@unl.edu.  

    Post may be addressed to:

    David O. Carter, PhD
    Department of Entomology
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    12D Entomology Hall
    Lincoln, NE
    68583-0816
    USA

    T: +1 (402) 472.2123
    F: +1 (402) 472.4687

     

    Questions related to academic requirements, such as transfer credit, class scheduling, etc. should be directed to:

    Britta Osborne
    Academic Advisor
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    N236 Beadle Center

    T: +1 (402) 472.9090