| Application Information and Checklist
The forensic sciences involve the application of scientific principles and technical methods to criminal investigations. Forensic scientists are variously involved with searches of crime scenes, the analysis of collected evidence, identifying and linking victims and suspects, the interpretation of evidence in the context of the crime, and the presentation of expert opinions and conclusions in a court of law.
Forensic scientists practice in a wide variety of disciplines. Hamline’s Postbaccalaureate Forensic Sciences Certificate Program recognizes this and tailors the program to best prepare students for their chosen career paths. Career counseling and personal advising ensure completion of an individualized program of study.
Hamline’s 42-48 credit program will prepare students to pursue careers in the forensic sciences (as either a technician or scientist), law, or law enforcement in a hands-on applied theory-to-practice environment.
Certificate seeking students must have completed an undergraduate major in one of the following relevant disciplines:
Anthropology
Biology
Chemistry
Criminal Justice
Paralegal (Legal Assistant) Program
Physics
Psychology
Given that the forensic sciences include a broad range of disciplines, petitions to earn the certificate through majors not listed above will be evaluated by the director of the program. Students pursuing a career in the forensic sciences with an emphasis in criminalistics should have a major in either biology or chemistry, while those interested in investigation and/or non-natural science forensic sciences (e.g. forensic psychology, forensic odontology, forensic anthropology) may pursue a major in a discipline outside the natural sciences.
To earn a Postbaccalaureate Forensic Sciences Certificate, students must have earned an appropriate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and maintained a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5.
Admission to the Post Baccalaureate Forensic Science program is very selective. While all majors are considered, due to technical advances in the Forensic Science field, most admitted students have majors in the sciences and have lab experience.
Tuition for the certificate program is $435 per semester credit for the 2007-2008 academic year. Financial aid is available based on individual eligibility. Students must be enrolled in at least six semester credits to qualify for financial aid. For required forms or more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 651-523-3000.
Admission Deadlines
Fall: August 1
Spring: December 1 | 
