Forensic Science Major
Forensic Science
The Forensic Science degree program prepares students for careers in crime scene investigations, crime laboratories, trace evidence examination, and commercial laboratories. Students learn the application of science to law.
Lasell offers the only FEPAC accredited Forensic Science bachelor's degree program in Massachusetts and is one of only two programs in New England. FEPAC accreditation is a prestigious distinction held by only 31 institutions nationwide. While the program remains fully FEPAC accredited, as of September 6, 2024 it is currently on probation. Under the leadership of Program Chair Beth Saucier Goodspeed, a seasoned professional with 24 years of experience, the program continues to thrive and anticipates regaining full FEPAC accreditation.
Students take a wide range of courses in both the traditional sciences and criminal justice. Applied coursework is focused on conducting criminal investigations, quality assurance, collection and preservation of evidence, and analysis of evidence.
Program Features
The program features many extracurricular opportunities to give students leadership/team experience and portfolio material.
- Coursework involves the use of case studies, field experiences, and mock crime scene scenarios as a means of using our connected learning philosophy to reinforce theory and concepts learned in the classroom.
- The program offers unique internship experiences at a variety of sites, a research-based Capstone course, and courses that exemplify Lasell’s unique Connected Learning environment, facilitated by faculty with noted industry and academic experience.
- Lasell's Forensic Science major has earned FEPAC accreditation, one of only 31 bachelor's programs with this accreditation.
What You'll Learn
From your first day, you’ll take courses in your major and advance towards graduation with a yearly plan. Not sure what classes to take? We’ll help you create the perfect plan.
Forensic Science Student Outcomes
- 75% of students who started the Forensic Science program in Fall 2022 cohort were retained into their Sophomore year.
- 100% of students who started the Forensic Science program in the 2020 cohort graduated within 4 years.
Forensic Science Learning Outcomes
- Interact professionally and educate clients, peers, colleagues and law enforcement personnel.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive level of knowledge in the area of forensic biology, forensic chemistry, crime scene investigations, and forensic DNA analysis.
- Demonstrate the use of instrumentation commonly encountered in forensic analysis and techniques used in processing crime scenes, including documentation, and collection, and preservation of physical evidence.
- Use independent decision making and critical thinking to determine the best procedures for the analysis of diverse physical evidence items.
For a complete list of courses and learning outcomes, view the Academic Catalog >>
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Career Success in the Forensic Science Industry
Students are prepared for careers in crime scene investigations, crime laboratories, trace evidence examination, and commercial laboratories or graduate studies in areas such as forensic science, chemistry, biology, molecular biology, and other science-based areas.
Since 2020, our students have interned with:
- Franklin County Coroner's Office - Forensic Science Center
- Woonsocket Police Department - Criminal Investigations Division
- Waterbury Police Department - Forensics Division
- Watertown Fire Marchall - Arson Investigations
- Clinical Science Laboratories - Toxicology Department
- Lasell University - Laboratory Support
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner - Legal Department
- Batavia Biosciences - Vaccine Development
Blueprint Medicinals - Vaccine Development - University of Toronto - Forensic Genetics Department
- Yale School of Medicine - Psychology Department
- Brigham & Women's Channing Lab - Genetics Research
- Massachusetts's State Police Crime Laboratory - Quality Assurance
Our alumni work or have worked for:
- Clinical Sciences Laboratory - Toxicology Technician
- American Red Cross - Quality Control Chemist
- Hudson Public Schools - Laboratory Technician
- Dermatologist Assistant - Massachusetts's Dermatology Associates
- Massachusetts's State Police Crime Lab - Toxicologist
- Massachusetts's State Police Crime Lab - Laboratory Technician
- BODE Technologies - Forensic DNA Analyst
- Smithers Cannabis Testing - Associate Chemist
- UMass Memorial Medical Center - Laboratory Technician
- Lahey Hospital - Laboratory Technician
- Newton-Wellsley Hospital - Laboratory Technician
- Essex Police Department - State Trooper
- Sample Management Technician - Boston Analytical
- Global Security Operations - Akamai Technologies
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner - Medical Examiner Assistant
Graduate schools attended by Forensic Science graduates:
- University of Central Florida
- Lasell University
- Indiana University
- Boston University
Those interested in applying to the forensic science program should note: Applicants who are interested in forensic science careers should be aware that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment.