Forensic Science at Pennsylvania State University Park Campus

Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles and methods to assist criminal and civil investigations and litigation. This major is an intercollege collaboration among academic units and provides students with a strong foundation in the biological, physical, and mathematical sciences. It introduces them to relevant topics in forensic chemistry, forensic anthropology, forensic biology, forensic entomology, and appropriate social sciences. Students are educated about the role of forensic scientists in the criminal justice system, the collection and analysis of scientific evidence, and the manner in which evidence is presented in court. Graduates of this major could pursue employment as a scientist in a federal, state, or private forensic laboratory or with insurance companies, homeland security agencies, or the judicial community. Graduates could also choose to pursue graduate study in forensics.