Forensic Science Programs in Michigan
If you are interested in the scientific theories of this field and how they can be used to solve crimes and catch perpetrators, the field of forensic science could be a natural choice for you. Forensic science is a critical part of the field of criminal investigation, with more and more investigative agencies relying heavily on forensic evidence. To succeed in this area of study, you must be able to use technology, scientific procedures, and reasoning to understand exactly what a piece of evidence means.
With our list of forensic science schools in Michigan, you can compare options and find the programs that fit your needs.
If you look at court proceedings and trials, you can see that forensic evidence is used in the vast majority of violent crime cases. In homicide cases, forensic investigators and technicians testify on what they’ve encountered, what it means, and how it solidifies the timeline of events in a particular crime (Daily Press, 2017). This input makes it much easier to find the real perpetrators, understand what happens to victims, and ensure that justice is served.
Forensic Science Degrees in Michigan
As an aspiring forensic science professional, it’s important to choose a training program that fits the previous education you’ve completed, the experience you have, and the career goals you hope to achieve. Within the field of forensic science, there are several areas of specialty.
Michigan schools offer forensic science programs at different levels of study and different specialties. Some of the areas of specialized study include forensic accounting and forensic chemistry.
Earning a certificate in forensic accounting shows you how to analyze financial records and statements to track the movements of a victim or perpetrator. This information can be very helpful in laying out the timeline of a crime and figuring out where a victim spent their final days or hours.
Certificate in Forensic Accounting
Forensic Accounting Principles (4 credits): Get an overview of forensic accounting and learn about the overall goals of this field. Instructors compare forensic accounting to general accounting to explain the differences in these areas of study.
Financial Statements (4 credits): Learn how to read and analyze financial statements to find trends, unusual activity, and evidence.
Investigative Accounting and Fraud Examination (4 credits): Develop techniques for investigating fraud and uncovering inaccuracies in financial records.
Litigation Support (4 credits): Discover what your role is in a court case and how you must document evidence to make it usable in a courtroom setting.
Associate-Level Forensics Courses
Physical Evidence (3 credits): Explore different types of physical evidence while learning how to store, process, and analyze evidence.
Biological Evidence (3 credits): Learn about the complexities of biological evidence. In this course, you may discover how to collect biological evidence from living and dead specimens to process it for an investigation.
Police Photography (3 credits): In this course, learn how to take crime scene photographs that are admissible in court, clearly outline the course of events, and make evidence visible.
Criminal Investigation (3 credits): This broad introduction to the process of criminal investigation shows you how your forensic work may be used by crime solving teams.
Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Chemistry
Forensic DNA Analysis (3 credits): Since DNA is a huge part of forensic science, this course shows new forensic scientists how to analyze DNA and compare samples.
Criminal Justice Investigation Issues (3 credits): Delve into some of the most common issues that impact the field of criminal investigation. The content of this course changes to suit the current criminal justice climate.
Criminal Justice Fundamentals (3 credits): Learn about the core fundamentals of criminal justice. A broader understanding of this field may help you understand your role as a forensic science technician or scientist.
Analysis of Physical and Biological Evidence (5 credits): Being able to properly analyze evidence is extremely essential to your career. In this rigorous course, learn how to properly analyze each type of evidence.
Those who have already finished their undergraduate education may be interested in graduate forensic science programs. A master’s degree requires about two years of study beyond your bachelor’s degree, resulting in 30 to 40 graduate credits.
Graduate Courses in Forensic Science
Law and Forensic Science (2 credits): Start your study of high-level forensic science concepts with this class, which looks at the legal aspects of forensic science and the steps you must take to ensure that your evidence is legally admissible.
Forensic Chemistry and Microscopic Evidence (3 credits): Advanced technology has made it easier and easier to find trace amounts of evidence. This course focuses on microscopic evidence that can be used to further solidify criminal cases.
Forensic Serology (3 credits): In this class, learn about the analysis of bodily fluids.
DNA Profiling (3 credits): Creating a DNA profile helps scientists identify perpetrators and victims while eliminating suspects.
Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Alcohol (3 credits): By the time you complete this course, you should be able to analyze blood samples for the presence of drugs and alcohol, which can strengthen a court case and indicate a perpetrator or victim’s frame of mind.
Ready to learn how to become a forensics scientist?
Get started today by contacting Michigan forensic science programs listed on this page.
Working as a Forensic Scientist in Michigan
As the field of forensic science has become more widely established throughout the country, the demand for experts at all levels of education has increased. After completing your certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree, you may be curious about your job opportunities in Michigan.
It’s important to use your time in school to prepare for this process; consider completing an internship or practicum course to start building connections with local employers and figuring out which traits they value in employees.
You may choose to go straight to work in a lab setting as a forensic science technician. Forensic science technicians are the behind-the-scenes experts in this field, processing evidence and submitting analysis to criminal investigators for use in their cases. You may spend most of your time working alone or with a small team in this role. On average, forensic science technicians in Michigan earn $62,610 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Between 2016 and 2026, job openings for forensic science technicians may increase 17% (CareerOneStop, 2017).
In the law enforcement branch of the criminal justice industry, criminal investigators should have an extensive knowledge of forensic science. You may thrive in this role if you want to use your new knowledge in a role that allows you to work within the community. The average annual salary for a Michigan criminal investigator is $84,190 per year (BLS, 2017). Job openings for criminal investigators may increase by an average of 160 openings per year between 2016 and 2026 (CareerOneStop, 2017).
Coroners often work independently in Michigan’s many rural counties and communities, making them an important part of the forensic science community in this state. As a coroner, you may be the first step for forensic evidence when a crime results in one or multiple deaths. By the year 2026, CareerOneStop anticipates a 5% swell in job openings for Michigan coroners (2017).
If you are ready to find out what the field of forensic science can offer you, this is your opportunity.
Find the right forensic science Michigan program for you by contacting criminal justice schools near you.
Online programs may not be available in all areas.
