Outside, the house blended in with others on the quiet street. Inside was another story. Some rooms had furniture askew and blood drops on the floor. Others had bags of sealed evidence and yellow police tape.
These staged scenes are part of Hamline University’s Crime Scene House, where forensic science students use real evidence to get hands-on experience solving crimes. Hamline is the only school in Minnesota with a forensic science major, offering bachelor of science degrees in forensic biology or forensicchemistry. Students learn investigative techniques, data analysis, and critical thinking and communications skills needed in an evolving field.
“Students graduate not just with the natural science degree necessary, but with applied knowledge and experience that most people don’t get until they start training,” says Megan Foley, assistant professor of criminal justice and forensic science.
Nationwide and in Minnesota, demand for forensic scientists has been rising. Minnesota employs 110 forensic science technicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Between 2024 and 2035, demand is expected to grow about 13 percent statewide and nationally.
“Most people just think that forensic science is one field, but it’s not,” Foley says. “There are around 20 subfields with very specific jobs.”Hamline’s forensic science program draws from biology, chemistry and other physical sciences. Early on, students take a survey course where they begin to learn the practices of forensic science and how to recognize how physical evidence is identified and examined.
“Students see which areas they’re interested in and which ones they’re not,” Foley says. “Sometimes it opens up possibilities they didn’t realize.”
After the survey course, students begin to hone their areas of interest. Hamline’s forensic courses also are available to criminal justice students interested in forensic investigations, such as crime and death investigation or forensic fingerprint examination.
Hamline also offers a forensic psychology concentration. It focuses on the study of crime, motivations for criminal behaviors and the response and use of psychology in the criminal justice and legal systems.
Senior Hayley Magoon originally intended to major in criminology and criminal justice with a concentration in forensic psychology and a minor in forensic science. After taking survey and biology courses, Magoon changed her plans. She’s majoring in forensic biology, criminology and criminal justice.
“I realized how much I love the natural sciences as a whole, and especially forensic biology,” Magoon says. “I was very happy to dedicate myself to the forensic biology path, knowing that I can eventually go on to actively contribute to the criminal justice system in a meaningful way, while still working in the lab with a science degree.”
Internships are an important part of the curriculum. Over the years, Hamline’s forensic science students have landed internships at the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office, Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department and the St. Paul Police Department.
After graduation, forensic biology students may work in forensic labs as a latent print examiner, DNA analyst, medical examiner or biological scientist. Forensic chemistry students may work as a forensic drug chemist, arson and explosives analyst/investigator, forensic toxicologist or trace evidence examiner.
“Employers know that the students have been introduced to skills and knowledge beyond typical natural science degrees,” Foley says. “For students, the same benefits apply and they also get to experience what these jobs actually entail before joining the workforce.”
Magoon, who graduates in May 2026, would like to work as a DNA analyst in a crime lab, analyzing DNA profiles and occasionally testifying as an expert witness in court. Already she has shadowed professionals and had a mentor who works as a DNA analyst. She is president of the Hamline Crime Society, a campus organization open to all students but especially those interested in the criminal justice system and natural sciences.
“I am hopeful that the education and experiences that I have been provided at Hamline are going to push me along and help me stand out,” Magoon says.