What you'll learn as a forensic investigation major at UW-Platteville
UW-Platteville’s bachelor’s in forensic investigation is for people who want to discover the theory, analysis, and procedures used in scientifically investigating and processing a crime scene. The forensic investigation major provides a thorough practical and theoretical study to the application of science within the investigative process. You will explore the role that science plays in recognizing, documenting, collecting, and preserving physical evidence at crime scenes, and how this evidence is evaluated within a courtroom setting.
Careers in Forensic Investigation
As a forensic investigation major, you have a wide range of career paths to choose from, with jobs such as:
- Forensic investigator
- Crime scene investigator
- Criminalist
- DNA analyst
- Forensic anthropologist
- Forensic autopsy technician
- Forensic biologist
- Forensic chemist
Discover by Doing
Forensic Investigation at UW-Platteville is focused on experiential learning that connects your education to your future career.
Real-Life Skills Get You Hired
One of only a handful of its type in the country, the Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House at UW-Platteville lets you put your skills to use in realistic, simulated crime scenes and interrogations.
The Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House and the Forensic Investigation Research Facility—approximately one-and-a-half acres of fenced land on the FICSH property—provide opportunities for mock crime scene practicals, both indoors and outdoors. Under the supervision of faculty with real-life experience, you will apply what you've learned about crime scene processing, evidence collection, and documentation to get a sense of what it’s like to be at a crime scene.
Together, both facilities provide opportunities for you to work with faculty to conduct research on techniques and technologies used for crime scene investigation, such as the use of alternate light sources to locate bone, searching for clandestine graves using drone-based aerial imaging, and the effects of outdoor environments on fingerprints.
Program Overview
Forensic investigation is one of the fastest-growing specializations in the discipline of criminal justice, and UW-Platteville’s Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation is the first and only public institution of higher education in Wisconsin to grant a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation. When pursuing a forensic investigation degree, you’ll learn investigative methods and crime-scene processing techniques such as fingerprint identification, crime-scene mapping, legal aspects, and forensic photography.
Enrolling in one of our forensic investigation programs means you’ll network with professionals and develop career skills through the university’s nationally recognized internship program as you work in local, state, or national agencies and departments while earning credit. Our active student organizations and clubs give you ample opportunities to make friends and build your resume. You can also apply the principles from our forensic investigation courses, such as recognizing, documenting, collecting, and preserving physical evidence in simulated crime scenes at UW-Platteville’s Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House.
Students who major in forensic investigation must choose an area of emphasis: Crime Scene or Laboratory. We also offer a minor in forensic investigation. We encourage students to pursue majors and/or minors in science (e.g., biology, chemistry) to expand their skill sets.
