Handbook Overview

Forensic science is critical to an effective justice system, which in turn is a pillar of a civil society.  It is an interdisciplinary field that includes chemistry as a foundational and integral component. Physical evidence presented in courts is frequently analyzed using forensic science techniques that are often grounded in chemical principles and methods. The credibility of the legal system critically depends on forensic tests that are consistent, accurate, and scientifically valid.

However, modern forensic science faces enormous challenges.  Continued work to establish and bolster both the validity and reliability in forensic analytical methods needs to be ongoing.  Strengthening the scientific foundations of forensic science with the analysis and interpretation of verifiable data, efforts to identify and avoid bias, and clear connection to and building on peer reviewed research will benefit the profession as a whole.

The Center for the Future of Forensic Science at BGSU offers unparalleled experiential learning to forensic science students and a gateway to advanced training and cutting-edge forensic science research for practicing forensic scientists, forensic science technicians, crime scene investigators, and other law enforcement professionals. 

• Unique partnership with Ohio BCI on-campus crime lab and investigation facility
• Unique partnership with Ohio Attorney General’s Center for the Future of Forensic Science that conducts cutting edge forensic science research 
• A “Crime House” provides the ability to demonstrate real world crime scenes on campus
• Opportunities to learn from faculty that are all accomplished forensic and CSI professionals 
• Students learn the current knowledge and skills coveted by employers across the country and around the world in state-of-the-art facilities with instrumentation used in real crime laboratories  
• A partnership with the BGSU’s Graduate College to offer an accelerated master’s degree option 
• Student engagement and recognition through organizations such as Delta Delta Epsilon Forensic Science Honor Society  

Institutional Accreditation

BGSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. BGSU has been continuously HLC accredited since 01/01/1916. Additional detail and accreditation verification information may be viewed at HLC Accreditation. 

Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) Accreditation

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program at BGSU was specifically designed with FEPAC accreditation in mind. Since the program’s inception in 2016, the curriculum has followed the FEPAC standards. After a multi-year application and review process, the Bowling Green State University Master of Science in Forensic Science (MSFS) and Accelerated MSFS programs both recently (March 2024) received accreditation from FEPAC. Our program is one of 20 comparable accredited graduate degree programs (as of May 2025) in the United States and Canada, and the only in Ohio.

The Purpose of FEPAC

An assessment of forensic sciences published in 1999 by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), entitled, "Forensic Science: Review of Status and Needs", described the educational and training needs of the forensic science community as "immense". Among the recommendations contained in the report was the establishment of the following:

1. National standards for education in forensic sciences;
2. An independent, community-wide, consensus-building, standard-setting body such as a technical working group for education in forensic sciences; 
3. An accreditation system for forensic science education programs.

In 2004, the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) became an official standing committee of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and awarded its first accreditation February 2004.

The mission of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is to maintain and to enhance the quality of forensic science education through a formal evaluation and recognition of college-level academic programs. The primary function of the Commission is to develop and to maintain standards and to administer an accreditation program that recognizes and distinguishes high quality undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs.

The goal of the forensic science academic programs at BGSU is to maximize the Ohio BCI relationship to provide students the precise education and training crime laboratories seek. Producing highly qualified forensic scientist position candidates equipped with the correct academic foundation and current technological skills.

Program objectives include continuous direct consultation with professional forensic scientists and crime laboratory managers to ensure curricula aligns with current laboratory practices. Evidence handling and analysis protocols; documentation strategies; instrumentation, equipment and supply provision; as well as professional ethics, quality assurance, applicable law and testimony instruction are all intended to accurately reflect professional practice. The ongoing professional relationship will inform timely academic adjustment, as necessary. 

BGSU forensic science programs recognize the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) Standards as its academic foundation. The program intends to achieve continual FEPAC accreditation recognition as a mechanism to ensure top quality forensic science programming is maintained, and students and employers recognize a FEPAC compliant education is achieved.   

Mission Statement

As the teacher/scholars of forensic science education, we are committed to: 

• Nurturing leaders in the forensic sciences; 
• Developing professionals who contribute to the greater good of society by protecting the public and ensuring justice; 
• Advancing the profession and practice of the forensic sciences through education and cutting-edge research.  

Vision Statement

Through an innovative collaboration, we develop leaders who revolutionize the profession of forensic science.  

The Forensic Science Program further comports with the overall Mission, Vision and Core Values as expressed by Bowling Green State University (BGSU): 

“Bowling Green State University provides holistic and comprehensive educational experiences that enhance the lives of our students, stakeholders, and the many publics we serve. Our graduates are prepared for lifelong personal and career growth and for engaged citizenship and leadership in a global society. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and outreach, BGSU builds a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive community where creative ideas, new knowledge, and entrepreneurial achievements can benefit others in our region, the state of Ohio, the nation, and the world.”  https://www.bgsu.edu/forward.html#vision 

The rising level of demand for forensic science professionals has been correlated with the rising level of technological solution prominence across nearly all industries. Forensic information will be far more accessible and actionable with the assistance of cutting-edge technological developments, making those who specialize in collecting said information more valuable to their employing organizations by default.  Experts have postulated that the source of the higher demand for forensic science professionals could be related to a higher overall level of public awareness about the importance of forensic science itself. Thanks in part to a higher degree of media coverage, there are now more expectations for forensic investigators to contribute their skills for clarity and closure in criminal investigations.  While the forensic science field is slated to see many more employers expressing an interest in those who specialize in it, the steep requirement for expertise will demand a higher level of effort from prospective forensic science specialists to distinguish themselves from the competition.  The higher level of interest in forensic science that employers will have means that potential applicants will likely be screened with more scrutiny going forward. Going forward, forensic science experts may have a greater need to demonstrate independent proficiency in technological solutions to supplement their contributions to their respective fields.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the median pay for Forensic Science Technicians. Historically, the median pay of Forensic Scientists has been estimated above the annual wage for all workers. Simultaneously, the percent change in employment over a 10 year span is typically projected to be much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This rising demand will accompany rising competition as well. 

As suggested in job openings found on the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) website (Career Opportunities | American Academy of Forensic Sciences), the skills required for these positions include: 

• Strong level of detail, problem solving, reasoning and organizational skills; 
• The ability to compare, quantify, analyze, and/or identify physical materials and other matters; 
• Knowledge of basic statistical methods and procedures; 
• Expertise to acquire, manage, manipulate, understand and analyze data and complex data sets; 
• The ability to develop evidence and to present it effectively in written reports, orally, or through demonstrative aids;
• The ability to maintain and establish satisfactory working relationships with coworkers, various law enforcement personnel, and legal system personnel;
• The ability to pass an agency background investigation.

The curriculum of the BSFS program at BGSU is designed to graduate forensic scientists with the types of skills required to be successful as a professional in this field.

Background Checks

The BGSU forensic science program recognizes the importance of emphasizing the elevated personal integrity requirements particular to employment in the field of forensic science both early and often. Specifically, all students are advised that background checks similar to those required by law enforcement are likely to be a condition of employment.  Anyone considering a career in the forensic sciences must be aware that employment applications typically go well beyond normal job requirements for transcripts, employment history, references, interview and basic criminal-record checks. Though varying by agency or employer, expect applicant background checks to extend to inquiries about use of alcohol and illegal drugs, including marijuana, which is still illegal federally, and prescription drugs taken or sold illegally for academic enhancement purposes; willingly taking, sending, receiving, or exchanging explicit photographs; family and social companions; financial history; police records; and civil court actions. In addition, personal information posted on the internet, including social media websites, may be subject to review. Candidates should expect to take drug, personality, visual acuity (depending on discipline), and polygraph tests prior to employment. As an employee, you may be subject to continued drug testing and asked to provide fingerprints and a DNA reference standard.

The above is true for permanent employment as well as internships. Students must consider all factors that could influence future employment. 

The Bowling Green State University (BGSU) forensic science degree programs are the product of the rare placement of a world-class crime laboratory on the campus of an internationally recognized academic institution. The location of an Ohio Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) crime laboratory and investigation facility at BGSU created a natural symbiotic relationship between the two institutions. That relationship evolved into a formal partnership agreement under the name Ohio Attorney General’s Center for the Future of Forensic Science at BGSU (The Center).  The Center serves to facilitate forensic science academic programming, research, and real-world practitioner training.