Crime Scene Investigation at Mountain State University West Virginia
Crime Scene Investigation (Forensic Investigation)
School of Arts and Sciences
Why choose a career in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation?
Although forensic investigation (crime scene investigation) is a young science and profession, it is a dynamic one, its growth spurred by new technologies, increased use by law enforcement, jury expectations, and new legal requirements. Forensics-focused education is a direct response to the increased role science plays in the courtroom today and is one of the fastest-growing courses of study in colleges and universities. The study of crime scene and forensic investigation includes two key components: 1) recognizing, collecting, identifying and examining the physical evidence of a crime scene, and 2) using the principles of the natural sciences to explain and interpret such evidence in legal proceedings.
What can I study?
You’ll learn scientific methodology, divergent problem solving strategies, critical thinking, and ethics in a hands-on, problem-based setting framed by forensics. You’ll develop basic investigative skills that prepare you for entrance into a career as an investigator and/or crime scene technician.
Recognize, properly document, collect, preserve, identify and examine forensic evidence in the processing of a crime scene.
Acquire specialized skills in the crime investigation relating to drugs, homicide, sex offenses, child and elder abuse, cyber crimes, pathology, and arson.
Special opportunities
On-campus learning: At the Crime Scene Investigation House, evidence may be “discovered” in any of six rooms plus the basement and outside yard. And don’t forget to check out the crime scene automobile for evidence, too. We study entomology and decay at our pseudo-body farm. There are many opportunities to learn the craft - from grave digs to mock-ups of homicide scenes.
On-campus student organization: Our Forensics Investigation Association (FIA) student group conducts fundraisers to enable students to attend forensic-related conferences. The FIA also sponsors a Haunted House each year that scares the daylights out of most folks!
Close-knit group: Forensics students seem to bond quickly with one another. Maybe it’s because they’re studying subject matter that makes most people squeamish, or the small size of our classes, or the dark blue jackets they wear (with Forensics spelled out on the back). Whatever it is, if you see one person in a forensics jacket on campus, there are bound to be several others nearby.
Cold cases study: After passing a background exam and drug screening, senior level students have the opportunity to work with local law enforcement on “cold” cases that are 5-30 years old.
Actual field experience: Our senior students are sometimes called in by regional law enforcement agencies to work a crime scene in a support role. You might diagram, photograph, and otherwise assist in a real-life situation.
What are my career options?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, criminalistics and forensics are predicted to grow as fast as the average industry. Some of our students go on to graduate school, while others move into the work force. There are opportunities on both the state and federal level for a wide-range of forensics jobs, including:
Crime Scene Investigator
Fingerprint Technician
Photographer
Evidence Technicians
Homicide Investigator
Food and Drug Inspector