Department of Chemistry & Physics Programs

Forensic Science Frequently Asked Questions

Will this program lead to a job as a crime scene investigator?

Maybe. In New York State, CSI is for uniformed local or State Police Officers. Entry level forensic scientists seldom go to crime scenes; as members of the criminalistics team, they mostly do the laboratory analyses and testify in court when necessary. Civilians who have considerable experience, or who have obtained a Master's degree, or both, can become team leaders in some jurisdictions; leading investigations, visiting crime scenes and/or doing crime scene reconstruction.

There are some jurisdictions where civilians can be employed as crime scene technicians: usually as specialists in collecting evidence, or taking photographs, or processing fingerprints (not investigators, per se). A four year degree in forensic science is usually not required; a certificate or two-year degree, and passing of the certification examination of the International Association for Identification (IAI), are generally the minimum qualifications. It is a good idea to check with officials in the location where you hope to work someday.

I already have a Bachelor's Degree in a related field (such as biology, chemistry, or criminal justice). Will I be able to transfer the courses to Russell Sage?

The policy for students seeking a second Bachelor's Degree is this: up to 75 credit hours of coursework may be transferred, and at least 45 credit hours and half of the major requirements must be taken at The Sage Colleges-- including unfulfilled general education requirements at Russell Sage College. English Composition, the "Women in the World" interdisciplinary course, and the foreign language requirement are waived for second Bachelor's Degree students. A transcript analysis will be done to determine which courses are equivalent to Sage courses, and can transfer. Typically, you should expect to spend at least four semesters at Russell Sage-- additional time is needed especially if you have not yet taken the equivalent of one or more of these: Foundations of Biology I & II, General Chemistry I & II, General Physics I & II, Chemical Analysis, Organic Chemistry I & II, and Criminal Justice Functions and Processes.

I am beginning/currently in my second year at a community college. What courses should I be taking to prepare for transferring to Russell Sage for Forensic Science?

The first two years of the Russell Sage College Forensic Science program are identical to what a chemistry major or a pre-med student would take. It is unlikely that your Associate Degree program, or other course package, would match this exactly. So try to come to Sage with as many as possible of the 100 level courses in the major requirements completed-- especially biology, chemistry, and physics. Other courses that would be helpful include statistics, computer literacy, and Spanish. Try to find appropriate Summer courses as well. Plan to start at Sage with the 200 level courses, and plan to spend at least five semesters with us in order to complete the program.

Is this program appropriate preparation for a career in Forensic Pathology?

In a sense, yes. However, you have to go on to medical school and get your M.D., with even more training after that. Our Forensic Science program is good preparation for admission to medical school, with proper advisement and course selection.

The RSC Admissions Procedures Web page says that "specific course work" is required in high school for admission into the Forensic Science program. What courses are those?

You must take high school chemistry or its equivalent, and math up through algebra, prior to taking General Chemistry I in the first year at RSC. So while you may be admitted to RSC with a deficiency in one or both, you can't proceed with the program until the prerequisites are met.

What additional courses are needed to go on to graduate or medical school?

That depends on the school. Generally one year of Calculus, at least one semester of Physical Chemistry, and perhaps a course in serology or immunology.

Is the Forensic Science program open to men?

No. The degree can only be earned by students who are matriculated at Russell Sage College for women. However, qualified men can take some of the courses through the Hudson Mohawk Consortium on a space-available basis.

Can the program be completed in the evenings and/or on a part-time basis?

Currently only two of the required courses are offered in the evenings. This may go down to one course in the 2006-07 Academic Year. Many of the courses are offered only every other semester and some every other year, which makes completion of the program on a part-time basis difficult. Contact us to discuss your particular situation, and we can give you some idea of the length of time you would need to graduate.

Is the program available on-line ?

Currently only one of the required courses (CRJ-111) is available in an on-line format. Prospective employers look for college graduates with hands-on experience in the laboratory; the program thus does not lend itself to on-line delivery.

Return to the Forensic Science program description.

For further information about Forensic Science at Russell Sage College, contact:

Dr. Frank Vozzo
e-mail: vozzof@sage.edu
telephone: (518) 244-2495

For information about admission procedures and/or financial aid, see the Admissions Office Web page.

last updated: September 3, 2007