The Towerlight » Forensic accreditation offered at undergraduate and graduate levels

The Towerlight » Forensic accreditation offered at undergraduate and graduate levels

"When forensic science comes to mind, some people envision television shows like CSI and Dexter, but for Towson students, there’s an opportunity for students to experience it firsthand.

The Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics,home to both the undergraduate and
graduate programs accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, provides several training opportunities for hands-on experience.

“Both Towson’s undergrad and graduate programs have FEPAC accreditation,” Mark Profili, director of the forensic science program, said. “We are one of only four schools that have both their undergrad and graduate programs accredited.”

Protocol for accreditation involves meeting several standards and requirements for faculty, assessments, University support, program director and application acceptance process. A working relationship with a laboratory is necessary, too. All of these must be met to maintain accreditation, according to Profili.

Towson’s undergraduate curriculum provides training in one of three specific tracks- general forensics, forensic DNA and forensic trace evidence/toxicology track. Within these programs, training includes experience with pipe bombs, chemical make-up of ammonium bombs and the use of McCormick spices for finger printing, a method developed by students in the program. Distinctive topics such as death analysis and advanced DNA technologies are also incorporated.

“Students are taught the background science necessary to understand the field wherever the technology takes it and students get hands on experience with state of the art equipment and protocols that are used in the field today,” Forensic Science Professor Cynthia Zeller said.“It is the perfect combination of basic and applied science.”

Students may decide to pursue a master’s degree in forensic science, where the focus is primarily in the study of DNA."