Certificate in Forensic Sciences

About this programme

Broadly defined as the application of science to the law, forensic science is an exciting field of study for students in the Faculty of Science. An enriching addition to a Bachelor of Science, the Certificate in Forensic Sciences is designed to expose students to select facets of this unique intersection of complementary disciplines. Progressing through the program as a cohort group, students learn directly from both research faculty and external field experts, developing their awareness of the science underpinning physical evidence investigation. Critical thinking practice is at the core of the program, with an inherent focus on the development of intellectually disciplined processes of applying, analyzing, and evaluating information, results, and conclusions. Forensic scientists use their skills in many different fields, including biology, chemistry and psychology. Police forces are regularly involved in forensic investigations, but there are others (e.g., medical personnel, dentists, biologists, criminologists and anthropologists) who are interested in, or can benefit from, training in forensic sciences. Recent forensic science students have followed their certificate with these roles: Admission to the Certificate in Forensic Sciences is by approval of the Program Coordinator following review of student applications on an annual basis (normally in May of each year). To be eligible to apply, an applicant must be a current BSc or BA student at Saint Mary’s University with: The Certificate in Forensic Sciences consists of twenty-four credit hours of required and ele