The United States is currently experiencing a rapid increase in the number of high-technology forensics laboratories whose mission it is to analyze and interpret a wide variety of evidence and data in many forms, in support of investigations and prosecutions involving both criminal and terrorist activities. This demand is especially strong in the Northern VA region, where several new FBI and police forensics labs are being built or expanded. The College of Science (COS) of George Mason University is responding to the substantial local and regional demand for graduates trained in the technical and legal aspects of forensic science by introducing a new Graduate Certificate in Forensics (FRSC). The FRSC certificate requires students to complete 18 credit hours of graduate courses.

The certificate will be offered in two concentrations, one in Forensic Science and the other in General Forensics. Students applying for admission into the Forensic Science concentration should have an undergraduate degree in biology or chemistry, whereas those applying to the General Forensics concentration may hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. A unique element of the proposed certificate is the “Forensics Capstone Course,” which is shared by the two concentrations. In this class, students from the two concentrations will combine their skills as members of interdisciplinary investigation teams as they analyze a “real world” crime scene. By utilizing the expertise of individuals currently employed in forensics as guest instructors, students completing the FRSC certificate program will receive the most up-to-date, advanced forensics training available in the region. Completion of the certificate will enhance the careers of those students who are already working in this area, and can also serve as a useful intermediate step towards later enrollment in a graduate degree program in forensics.

The certificate is intended for:

· Students seeking advancement in their current professional career.

· Students with a background in the biological or chemical sciences who are planning to enter the field of forensics.

All courses are offered in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate students with full-time employment outside the university. The certificate program includes 6 credit hours of core courses covering fundamental forensic concepts and crime scene analysis. An additional 9 credit hours of courses in forensic science or general forensics are required in the two respective concentrations, with a 3 credit capstone course bringing students from both tracks together in a final project.

Forensics refers to the application of scientific methodologies for the analysis of crime scenes, the collection of evidence, and the laboratory analysis of that evidence in support of criminal investigation. Related legal aspects must also be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to forensics. As such, forensics is an inherently multidisciplinary specialty that requires some background in both science and law. The depth of the required background depends on whether the graduate is seeking the specific scientific skills necessary for laboratory employment, or instead a more general background in forensics with a stronger focus on criminal law and anthropology. The certificate is designed to meet the challenge of preparing students with diverse backgrounds for practical careers in both of these areas of forensics. At the time of completion, depending on the concentration, students should be able to:

· Understand the basic principles of forensics.

· Perform a general crime scene analysis.

· Develop DNA profiles and interpret results of toxicological studies.

· Apply fundamental legal and anthropological concepts.

· Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary groups.