Forensic Investigation
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
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.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
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.
