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Students pursuing a Forensic Science degree analyze fingerprints

Please Note: to be hired as a forensic scientist, you will be required to successfully pass screening (such as but not limited to a criminal background check and drug test).

Forensic science is a broad, interdisciplinary field in which the natural sciences are used to analyze, examine, evaluate and assess physical evidence in matters of the law.

Learn to interpret and reconstruct crime scenes as you prepare for a key role in our legal system. Study in our new, state-of-the-art labs and become a forensic science technician – a career expected to grow 17% by 2030.

With a strong training in the sciences, evidence response and recovery, crime laboratory procedure, and the ability to conduct research that progresses various fields of forensics, you’ll be prepared to work in a variety of local, state, and federal agency settings.

High-tech Learning in State-of-the-Art Labs

  • Technology to aid in the processing of fingerprints, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis.
  • Forensic Science Lab and training center with simulated crime scenes
  • Learning Commons Science and Research Center labs
  • State-of-the-art equipment and renowned faculty

Watch: Behind the Scenes with Student Forensic Investigators

With a strong training in the sciences, evidence response and recovery, crime laboratory procedure, and the ability to conduct research that progresses various fields of forensics, you’ll be prepared to work in a variety of local, state, and federal agency settings.

Courses You'll Love

Crime Laboratory
Criminalistics
Evidence Response and Recovery
Forensic Photography
Independent Research Projects in Forensic Science

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Inside the Classroom:

Outside the Classroom:

The Path to Your Dream Career

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 17% by 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. State and local governments are expected to hire additional forensic science technicians to process their high caseloads. Additionally, scientific and technological advances are expected to increase the availability, reliability, and usefulness of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials. As a result, forensic science technicians will be able to provide even greater value than before, and more forensic science technicians will be needed to provide timely forensics information to law enforcement agencies and courts.

Just a few of the many career options include:

  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Forensic Consultant
  • Forensic Science Technician/Criminalist
  • Medicolegal Death Investigator
  • Graduate School and Research

Employment and internship sites include:

  • Academic and industry research labs
  • Hospital and healthcare settings
  • Local, state, and federal crime labs
  • Police and sheriff’s departments
  • Private investigation agencies

Since 2023:

  • 38% of graduates have a job in Forensic Science and related fields within 3 months of graduating.
  • 13% of students go on to graduate school immediately after graduation

Note: Forensic Science is challenging! Even if you want to be a CSI, the standards for hire in MA require you have successfully completed coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematic courses. Last year, 52% of students stayed within the major after year 1. If science and math is challenging for you, we can help - our faculty provides high touch learning environments and peer tutoring. Actively engaging in class and these opportunities are strongly correlated with an individual's first year success!

Forensic Science majors graduating in 2023 and 2024 completed their degree in 3.9 years on average, ranging between 3 to 5 years.

Research

Forensic Science students complete at least two years of independent research in various topics of Forensic Science depending on research mentor expertise and student interest. With access to advanced equipment and renown faculty, students at Curry College have the chance to publish in peer-reviewed literature and present at regional and national conferences: opportunities often not available to undergraduate students. This experience makes students highly competitive for entry level jobs in forensic sciences or for graduate school admission.

Students conduct research with faculty who send from the following institutions:

  • Harvard Medical School
  • Cornell University
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • University of Connecticut
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Texas
  • University of New Haven
  • And more!

To date, students have completed forensic research topics in relation to the following forensic fields/topics:

  • Criminalistics
  • Forensic Entomology
  • Forensic Microbiology
  • Wildlife Forensics

Since 2023, 94% of graduates participated in academic research within the field of Forensic Science prior to graduation.

19% of students graduated with an honors distinction, requiring additional research, a public oral presentation, and a written thesis approved by a committee of faculty members.

The Forensic Science program at Curry College is a proud partner of the Laboratories and Educators Alliance Program (LEAP), bridging research institutions with crime laboratories in collaborations to advance Forensic Science.

Internships

With the opportunity to pursue an internship, Curry students have the chance to fill their e-portfolio with a variety of incredible experiences. With Boston just 7 miles away, you’re at the center of opportunity at Curry. Internship sites for Forensic Science students have included local crime labs, the Boston Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, local hospitals and criminal justice agencies, as well as out of state agencies.

13% of students complete an internship within a crime laboratory before graduating in the graduating classes 2023 and 2024

Conferences and Symposia (presented at)

  • American Academy of Forensic Science
  • Annual Blood spatter Analysts Association Conference
  • Entomological Society of America
  • Forensic Technology Center for Excellence National Forensic Science Week
  • Natural History of New England Conference
  • North American Forensic Entomology Association Annual Meeting
Hailey Gonsalves ’23

Meet Hailey Gonsalves '23

Hailey Gonsalves ’23 has a dream – to one day work in a crime lab. Specifically, she wants to test the biological trace evidence - the materials commonly collected from crime scenes - to help catch the perpetrators. So, when she was applying to college, she found that Curry College would be just the right fit for her career aspirations.

Meet Hailey
A student analyzes evidence at the Curry College Forensic Science Lab

State-of-the-Art Training Center

Students in the forensic science program develop a wealth of hands-on practical experience available to them both indoors and outdoors at our state-of-the art labs and training center.

Forensic Science Lab and Training Center
Curry College Science students conducting research on the Milton Campus

Home Field Advantage

As far as professional research experience goes, Curry Science students needn’t look any further than our own backyard. For the past several years, a variety of faculty-led science research projects have taken place on the rich grounds of our Milton Campus, giving students hands-on experience and publishing opportunities that are unique to our College. And in hypercompetitive fields, our students are getting a leg up on the competition.

Learn More
An officer speaks to criminal justice students

Criminology and Criminal Justice Major/Minor

Do you love the law? Want to make a difference by standing up for those who need a voice? Then a Criminology and Criminal Justice major or minor may be for you.

Explore Criminology and Criminal Justice
Cybercrime minor represented by a student researching on her computer

Cybercrime Minor

A minor in cybercrime will expose students to the world of crime involving computers, the internet and related modern technologies preparing them for professions in legal investigation, law enforcement and data analysis.

Explore Cybercrime
A student and faculty member collaborate in a law class

Law and Society Minor

Students pursuing a minor in Law and Society will study how laws are created and how they in turn shape social movement around various interests, exploring the intersections between law, power, and society. Students with a Law and Society minor will be prepared for careers in advocacy, legal research, and paralegal studies.

Explore Law and Society
Students and faculty in a classroom in the Curry College Learning Commons

The Learning Commons

The Learning Commons and Science and Research Center was designed to support the success of every student at Curry. It provides a space and tools that facilitate the College’s approach to teaching and learning, mentoring and empowering students to help them achieve their ambitions. This powerful new feature of the Curry campus is an embodiment of the College’s mission and strategic vision for the future.

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Explore Related Programs:

Curry College student and faculty member conduct research on the wooded Milton campus

Undergraduate Research

One of the hallmarks of our Natural Sciences and Mathematics programs is the incorporation of undergraduate research into the curriculum. Students participating in these programs conduct real-world research in collaboration with members of our award-winning faculty.

Undergraduate Research
A student in the Pre-Health program studies in a science lab

Pre-Health Professions

If you are considering pursuing a career as a physician, dentist, veterinarian, physician assistant or other medical careers requiring an advanced degree, you should consider Curry.  Our small class sizes, experienced faculty advisors, and student-centered approach will help you take the next step.

Pre-Health Professions
Curry College students receive their Biology Honor Society certificates

Biology Honor Society

Tri-Beta is a society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.

Beta Beta Beta
Curry College Pre-Health E.L.I.T.E. students at an involvement fair

Pre-Health E.L.I.T.E.

Pre-Health E.L.I.T.E. (Enhanced Learning Implemented Through Experience) looks to strengthen the students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical profession or exploring the field further.

Pre-Health E.L.I.T.E.
A Curry College Study Abroad student pets an elephant in Thailand

Study Abroad

Go global with Curry College faculty members as part of our very popular Short-term, Faculty-led Courses, or create your own customized Study Abroad opportunity!

Study Abroad
Curry College students laughing in science lab

First-Year Experience

Making the transition to college can be a little confusing and lot of fun. Your First-Year Experience at Curry College helps smooth out the bumps and puts you on the path to success.

First-Year Experience
A Curry College faculty member interacts with students in the classroom

Gen Ed

At the heart of Curry College's undergraduate curriculum is our General Education (Gen Ed) Program. Gen Ed is based on our belief in the power and potential of the liberal arts.

General Education

Life-Changing Opportunities Await

Start with a foundation in the liberal arts. Add attentive faculty and countless opportunities to learn by doing. That’s what you’ll get with a bachelor’s degree from Curry. Learn what’s waiting for you today.

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