Thursday, July 12, 2012

University of New Hampshire students considering a career as crime scene investigators now will be able to minor in forensics starting this fall with the launch of a new program that has been a growing area of interest among students.

The new forensics minor in the Justice Studies Program focuses on the study of scientific tests and techniques used in the investigation of crimes. The new minor capitalizes on existing UNH faculty expertise in the areas of biology, psychology, sociology, and justice studies who already teach courses that focus on aspects of forensics.

“The field of forensics has become increasingly important within the field of justice studies. As students pursue their interests in justice studies, many have expressed an additional interest in the more specialized study of forensics,” said Ellen Cohn, coordinator of the Justice Studies Program and professor of psychology.

“This minor formalizes the process for students who have concentrated their coursework on forensics courses. Students who minor in justice studies will have enhanced future academic and professional goals by giving them formal recognition for their expertise in forensics,” Cohn said.

The forensics minor will be available to students beginning in fall 2012. Students will be required to take five courses, including two core courses, Introduction to Justice Studies and Introduction to Forensic Science. They will select three electives from the following courses: Technology, Crime, and Society: A Forensic Exploration of High-Tech and Digital Crime; Introductory Criminology; Homicide; Forensic Psychology; Psychology and Law; and Psychology of Crime and Justice.

For more information about the new forensics minor, contact Prof. Ellen Cohn at ellen.cohn@unh.edu and 603-862-3197.

Originally published by:

UNH Media Relations

Written by Lori Wright, UNH Media Relations