Why FranU’s Forensic Science Program is the Best

The Forensic Science Certificate Program at FranU provides students with comprehensive forensic science training while preparing them to serve victims and pursue justice through scientific investigation.

For students exploring universities with forensic science majors or seeking a forensic science certificate program, FranU offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on learning with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry.

We are committed to preparing our students with the essential skills needed to work in forensic science,” said Dr. Carmen Nichols, Director of the Forensic Science Certificate Program.

A Strong Scientific Foundation 

Students begin their forensic studies with foundational science coursework. At FranU, the Forensic Science Certificate Program is completed alongside the Bachelor of Science in Biology through the Biochemical Analysis track, which provides a strong background in chemistry and laboratory analysis.

During the first two years of the biology program, students complete general education and science courses similar to other science degree programs. These classes provide the background knowledge needed to apply scientific principles to forensic investigations later in the program.

The forensic science certificate curriculum includes 24 credit hours of study. Of these, six credit hours in biology and six credit hours in organic chemistry are completed as part of the first two years of the Biochemical Analysis track. After completing these foundational courses, students can typically finish the remaining forensic science classes within one year.

Students can take specialized electives as part of their forensic studies, including Criminalistics, Forensic Chemistry, Toxicology, Drugs of Abuse, Quantitative Analysis and Instrumental Analysis.

Alumna Haleigh Davis found success after graduating from the program and now works at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. She credits FranU for her success, stating:

FranU’s in-depth lab classes relating to chemistry and instrumentation really prepared me for the work I do today. My job is 90% inside the lab working with sensitive instruments and I feel like I got a good idea of how it would be from the FranU lab classes.”

Real-World Instruction

FranU’s program emphasizes real-world experience in the laboratory and classroom. Students gain practical skills in major areas commonly found in modern crime labs, including:

• Crime scene investigation
• Ballistics and firearms analysis
• Latent fingerprint identification
• DNA analysis
• Drug identification
• Toxicology

Throughout each forensics class, students work with tools and techniques like those used in professional laboratories across the nation.

To prepare students for their careers, we make sure they gain hands-on experience in nearly every forensic science class they enroll in,” said Dr. Nichols. “This gives our students familiarity with the same techniques, tools and instrumentation they will encounter on their first day working in a crime lab.”

Realistic Crime Scene Investigations

Students learn how to document crime scenes, properly collect and preserve evidence, dust and lift fingerprints, analyze blood spatter patterns and identify controlled substances. These experiences provide valuable knowledge that prepares graduates for the field.

As part of the Criminalistics course, students participate in a mock crime scene investigation as their final exam using the University’s Simulated Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH). During this test, students use the skills they’ve learned throughout the course to process a crime scene, analyze data and submit their results.

Additionally, to prepare students for the courtroom side of death investigation and forensic science, they take part in a mock trial in the Forensic Chemistry course. In this exercise, students present their findings and practice providing courtroom testimony based on evidence they analyzed during the course.

A Growing Field

The demand for skilled forensic professionals continues to grow. According to national labor projections, employment in forensic science is expected to grow 13% over the next decade.

FranU’s program is designed to evolve alongside advancements in forensic technology and investigative techniques, ensuring students receive applicable and modern training.

In their senior year, students also complete a shadowing experience at an off-campus location. Many students choose forensic-related placements that allow them to observe the day-to-day work of professionals in crime labs, public health laboratories or investigative agencies.

Graduates of the program have gone on to work with organizations such as Agilent, the Louisiana Department of Public Health, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Others have continued their forensics studies in graduate or professional school.

For those wondering how long forensic science training takes, FranU’s certificate program can typically be completed in about one year after completing the required biology and chemistry foundations.

Students who combine a bachelor’s degree in biology with the Forensic Science Certificate gain a versatile scientific background that prepares them for careers in forensic laboratories, research facilities, law enforcement agencies and graduate programs.

To learn more about FranU’s Forensic Science Certificate Program visit here.