Hilbert College

FORENSIC SCIENCE | CSI, B.S./M.S.

Hilbert's forensic science/crime scene investigation program has a two-fold reputation for excellence.

Our curriculum embraces the latest technological and practical knowledge in this exciting and evolving field, so it draws traditional-age college students looking to enter the field as well as veteran officers seeking to improve and update their skills.

Forensic science focuses on analyzing evidence in laboratory settings, while crime scene investigation involves the proper identification, collection, and chain-of-custody procedures of the evidence being analyzed. Hilbert blends the two areas with a strong emphasis on crime scene investigation and its relation to the forensic lab.

Coursework includes crime scene photography, laws and rules regarding evidence, bloodstain pattern analysis, fingerprint evidence, and more.

Our program is distinguished by our faculty's experience and expertise, many of whom have worked in criminal justice for 25 years or more and have earned advanced degrees. Our professors have worked as special agents, detectives, and forensic investigators and come from the ranks of the FBI, New York State Police, county sheriff's departments, local police departments, and the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office.

Hilbert's program in forensic science/crime scene investigation, listed as an educational "opportunity" by the American Academy of Forensic Science, offers students small classes, personal attention and academic advisement, the flexibility of daytime or evening courses, and a commitment to help you earn your degree on time.

We also offer exciting internship opportunities at a wide array of agencies, and it is common for internships to lead to job offers for our graduates.

Hilbert's innovative combined 4+1 BS/MS program lets students earn a bachelor's degree in forensic science/crime scene investigation and a master's degree in criminal justice administration in five years.

Students are admitted to the program after completing all undergraduate degree requirements without taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Students begin taking graduate-level courses during their final year of undergraduate study, then complete program requirements in the fifth year.

Factors for employment are agency-dependent issues students have some control over and should be aware of to be employable in the CJ/FS realm, whether as an intern or employee.

Vision requirements

Physical fitness requirements

Tattoo visibility

Social media posts

Background checks

drug usage

criminal history

driving records

credit history

personal associations

and past work performance

In addition, they may include drug tests, polygraph examinations, and physical and medical examinations.

Prior misdemeanour and felony conviction may impede a student's ability to participate in an internship experience and gain employment.

Your career path in forensic science/crime scene investigation can lead to a variety of positions, such as:

crime scene/evidence technician

fingerprint examiner

autopsy technician

firearms examiner

lab assistant

document examiner

crime scene photographer

arson investigator

trace evidence examiner

accident investigator

serologist/DNA analyst