Investigative Forensics

Fight crime and work for justice by collecting, processing, analyzing and reporting on evidence from a crime scene.

The investigative forensics minor gives students the chance to consider a career in fields related or attached to the civil and criminal court systems. It also deepens their understanding of how evidence is collected, examined, studied and used, through the lens of different academic disciplines, including chemistry, psychology and communication studies.

Forensics students train analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to tackle real problems. They assess evidence without bias, and document their own lab findings precisely and systematically. Investigative forensics students understand how the larger society reacts to crime based on the crime’s time and place. Knowing that crime doesn’t occur in a vacuum, they collaborate across the liberating arts to come to a complete picture.

  • <blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “I have always had a fascination with forensic work so minoring in Investigative Forensics seemed like it would be fun. It ended up not only being fun but being very interesting and engaging. I am beyond grateful Monmouth offers majors/minors like this so students have the opportunity to study what truly interests them.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Rachel Boyles ’19</footer></blockquote>
  • <blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “The British Chemistry/Codes/Crime course was a great experience for me! The course material was informative and super interesting…the trip to England and Scotland helped me to explore more of the world and peoples’ different cultures too!.I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anyone who is indecisive about going on a short study abroad trip like this!”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Samantha Brosend ’20</footer></blockquote>
  • <blockquote class="callout-quote"><div class="callout-quote-text"><p> “The forensics minor allowed me to pursue my fascination with crime and mystery shows. It was interesting to learn more about the forensic process. The minor also pulled from my other minor and major and it was nice to see how it all came together between the disciplines.”</p></div><footer class="callout-quote-footer">Paige Gerard ’19</footer></blockquote>

Use evidence to find the truth

With a base in investigative forensics, our courses teach students how to read and write detailed reports, weigh in on a situation impartially and objectively, and understand motive. These skills can be applied to any career path, but notable options include investigative journalism, public defense, and security and loss prevention. 

Investigative forensics pairs well with a major in chemistry, but might also be a fit for students interested in art, psychology, communication studies or biology

Investigative Forensics News

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