The tool markings left at the scene of an intrusion, the hair follicles found at the scene of a kidnapping, the bullet casing left at a homicide-- all of this evidence can be used to solve a crime. You can be the scientist that solves the missing link in an investigation with the right kind of training—the kind of training that you can get from TSU.

Television shows, such as CSI, portray forensic science at work. Crime scene investigators collect even the smallest pieces of evidence, which are then analyzed in a lab. The emergence of these shows proves how far forensic science has come. With technology unknown just a few years ago, forensic science has extraordinary powers to produce evidence that wins court cases. DNA testing is a perfect example. With trace evidence, police and forensic scientists can reopen and prove who committed decades-old crimes.

Four years ago, TSU’s Department of Science and the Department of Criminal Justice decided to combine expertise to offer a forensic science major. Both departments were independently strong academically before joining forces, but together they have produced a solid curriculum combining both science and law enforcement. The curriculum is very rigorous in the “hard” sciences and prepares students for careers directly related to the analysis of trace evidence left at crime scenes.

The faculty members of the Department of Science strive toward excellence in teaching in the classroom and in the laboratories. The class and laboratory size is kept small to provide one-on-one instruction on state-of-the-art equipment such as an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, high pressure liquid chromatography equipment, a gas chromatography- mass spectrophotometer, and two comparison microscopes – a ballistics microscope and a fiber/hair microscope. Tri-State University is believed to be the only non-governmental organization in Indiana to own both types of microscopes. You will receive hands-on instruction on all laboratory equipment. Law enforcement classes are taught by faculty with many years of experience in the field, many connections in criminal justice, and a desire to pass their knowledge on to students.