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Forensic Investigation

Forensic Investigation

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Program Website
Sample Schedule
WVU Tech Catalog


 
You'll even participate in a clandestine-grave dig, a blood-spatter lab and creating and solving scenarios with your classmates. 

WVU Tech's Forensic Investigation program offers students hands-on opportunities to learn basic investigative techniques, crime-scene processing and photography skills in real-world scenarios. A wide range of unique courses, including interviewing, intelligence and death investigation is offered. You'll even participate in a clandestine-grave dig, a blood-spatter lab and creating and solving scenarios with your classmates. 

Profiles

Build your case, build your career

WVU Tech forensic investigation graduate, Ella Osbourne.

Ella 
Osbourne, '13

Graduate  

At Tech, Ella took her passion for forensic investigation and criminal justice to new levels, graduating as a double major with a bachelor's degree in each field. 

These days, she's putting her education to work as a medicolegal investigator for the Chief Medical Examiner’s office in Charleston, West Virginia.
Woman works in Forensics lab

Kayla 
Mckown, '19

Graduate

Kayla, a Beckley, WV native, graduated in 2019 and has since completed her Master of Science in Forensic Science from Marshall University. She uses the knowledge that she gained from WVU Tech in the lab, working with the Huntington Police Department as a Forensic investigator. Here, she works to apply what she has learned through her education to determine the truth about an incident and provide closure to those involved. Kayla’s love for puzzle solving, mystery novels and CSI-type shows led her to WVU Tech and a degree in Forensic Investigation.

“Do not limit yourself, doubt your abilities, or undermine your own success. Work hard for what you want to achieve, take the science classes that may scare you, consider the advice of your supervisors, learn as much as you can and challenge yourself to reach new heights.”

Career Profile

Build your case, build your career. WVU Tech’s forensic investigation program will develop you into a forensic generalist with an extraordinarily wide breadth of knowledge and honed critical inquiry skills, unlike many forensic programs that create a specialist in a specific forensic discipline. This knowledge and skillset translates well to various careers.

Students may also choose to pursue advanced academic studies in fields such as criminal justice, forensic science or psychology.

Careers

Our graduates find career opportunities as: 

  • Crime scene investigators
  • Field detectives
  • Crime lab analysts
  • Death investigators
  • Law enforcement officers

Crime Scene House

Our dedicated crime scene investigation facility includes three levels equipped to mock-up a variety of crime scenes, plus a garage for vehicle processing and yard space where you'll examine clandestine gravesites. It's the perfect place to learn new skills and put those skills to the test in an environment that's true to life.

THINGS YOU'LL LEARN

Become an investigative generalist in an environment focused on real-world experience.


Trace and Blood Spatter Evidence

This course covers various types of trace evidence and its collection, preservation and evaluation. You'll also learn about bloodstain pattern analysis for incident reconstruction.

Interviewing Theories and Practice

Explore interviewing theories and techniques to determine emotional states from speech and body language, build rapport, prevent contamination, increase recall and reduce the risk of false confessions.

Crime Scenes

This class examines concepts, technical information and field-tested techniques and procedures involved in crime scene investigation. The course focuses on the initial responding officer, duties of the investigator and on various types of crime scenes.

View a sample degree schedule or explore more course options in the catalog.

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