A new degree program at East Carolina University gives students an edge — and potentially higher salaries — in careers requiring skills in forensic science and crime scene investigation.
The ECU bachelor of science in multidisciplinary studies with a focus on forensic science requires more coursework in chemistry and criminal justice studies than any other program in the state, enabling ECU graduates "to compete for the top salaries," Anthony Kennedy, professor and director of ECU's forensic science program, said.
"Salaries for graduates with chemistry backgrounds are higher than those trained in biological sciences or other specialty areas," Kennedy said.
The total 123-credit-hour program includes 30 credit hours in chemistry, 18 hours in criminal justice, 17 hours in biology, seven in anthropology and 51 in humanities and social sciences. Those requirements are designed to supplement the skills required in a forensic laboratory setting.
With the extensive program requirements, "I would argue that our students are better equipped to work in state and federal labs," Kennedy said.
The degree is appropriate for students considering a career in a state, federal or private forensic lab, or for students interested in obtaining advanced degrees in forensic science, Kennedy said.
Forensic science technicians help investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. At a crime scene, technicians may take photographs, sketch the crime scene, record and collect evidence (including weapons, fingerprints or bodily fluids), and catalog and preserve evidence to be transferred to a lab. In the lab, technicians may perform chemical, biological and physical analysis on evidence taken from the crime scene, explore links between suspects and criminal activity, consult with experts in related fields, and reconstruct the crime scene.
Many technicians specialize in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis, and most develop written reports so effective communication skills are critical. A forensic science technician must be able to explain their findings to lawyers, detectives and other law enforcement officials. They may also be called to testify in court.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, forensic science technicians earned a median annual income of $52,840 in 2012, and employment in the field is expected to grow 6 percent through 2022.
The ECU degree is offered through the Multidisciplinary Studies Program in the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences with support from the Department of Criminal Justice in the College of Human Ecology.
For additional information about ECU's forensic science program, contact Kennedy at 328-9816 or kennedyan@ecu.edu or visit the program website at http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/chem/old/Forensics.cfm.
Program listed among the best in U.S. News
East Carolina University's rehabilitation counseling program is ranked among the best graduate programs in the nation, according to a listing released March 11 by U.S. News & World Report.
The program was ranked 13th for the second consecutive year. It has been consistently ranked in the top 20 since the mid-1990s.
"I am very proud that our program is again highly ranked among the best in country. This is a testament to the value of our faculty and students, and their sustained pursuit of excellence," Dr. Paul Toriello, chair and director of doctoral and graduate programs in the Department of Addictions and Rehabilitation Studies in the ECU College of Allied Health Sciences, said.
The master's degree program in rehabilitation and career counseling teaches counseling and rehabilitation theories, applied counseling approaches and the clinical skills necessary for professionals to assist individuals with disabilities achieve their maximum level of physical, psychological, social, educational, vocational and economic potential. The doctoral program of rehabilitation counseling allows students to specialize in substance and clinical counseling, vocational evaluation or rehabilitation research.
The ECU College of Nursing and College of Business also are included in the 2015 publication. The College of Nursing is ranked fifth among online graduate nursing programs. The College of Business is ranked 58th. The best online graduate programs were announced by U.S. News on its website.
Full lists and rankings can be viewed at http://www.usnews.com. Highlights also will appear in the magazine's "Best Graduate Schools 2015" and "Best Colleges 2015" printed guidebooks.
Construction students compete nationally
Six students from East Carolina University's Department of Construction Management competed last month in the Residential Construction Management Competition at the International Builder's Show in Las Vegas.
ECU students placed in the top half of the teams competing and they hope to be selected to compete again next year. Leanna Becker, Ben Avolis, Courtney Carter, Dylan Hutchinson, Brantlee Jobe and Alex Littleton attended. Alternates were Megan Sommer, Logan Hahm and Kacie Wolcott, who will serve on the team in 2015. Eric Connell served as advisor.
The 34 teams that participated from universities and colleges throughout the United States represented the top 2 percent of students in their field across the country.
The competition gave participants the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a real construction project by completing a management proposal to develop a pre-selected plot of land. Proposals were submitted to a group of construction company executives who acted as judges. During the convention, students defended their proposals to the judges in front of an audience.
The International Builders' Show is the premier event for National Association of Home Builders student chapters to network with builders from across the country. The competition, held during the show, gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to solve construction-related problems by working on real-life construction projects. There are three levels of competition: four-year programs, two-year programs and secondary school programs.
Upcoming Event
- Wednesday: Talking Across Difference presents Jay Smooth, hip-hop deejay and social commentator, 6 p.m. in Hendrix Theatre. Smooth encourages audiences to participate in critical thinking about the world, engage in conversations about cultural issues that matter and find common ground. Sponsored by the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center and the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Free and open to the public. Contact Melissa Haithcox-Dennis at 328-6495 or haithcoxm@ecu.edu.
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