Forensic Science

Madonna University is one of the only 35 institutions in the world to achieve accreditation through the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) and has the only FEPAC Accredited undergraduate program in Michigan.

Through a focus on career preparation, the Forensic Science Program follows the mission of Madonna University by supporting a liberal arts education that instills humanistic values, intellectual inquiry, a respect for diversity, and a commitment to serving others. This mission is based on the Franciscan values of respect for the dignity of each person, peace and justice, reverence for creation, and education for truth and service.

Students in the Forensic Science Program earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science with a minor in Chemistry to fulfill the requirements of FEPAC accreditation. As the only accredited undergraduate program in the State of Michigan, Forensic Science at Madonna University meets the standards that are being demanded by employers under the Department of Justice’s newly introduced endeavor to improve forensic science nationwide through a partnership between the National Commission on Forensic Science and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The emphasis on applied learning provides a skill set that benefits both those that seek immediate employment in the field, or those that decide to pursue graduate or professional school.

Forensic science coursework is presented by specialists with experience that can assist students in mastering techniques and building confidence so that they are prepared not just theoretically but also with “good lab hands” that are essential for the performance of standard operating protocols within a highly regulated environment. Because the field of forensic science contains a myriad of different sub-disciplines and specialties, coursework is focused on exploring techniques at the experiential level so that students can decide which avenue they wish to pursue when making the next step in their journey to success. By engaging in independent projects for research and development within the Madonna University Forensic Science Research Facility, students at the undergraduate level may gain a level of skill development that is most often reserved for those in graduate level programs.

The ultimate goal is to prepare each student to embark on a career dedicated to serving justice and their community through the application of science in law enforcement.

1. All Madonna University Forensic Science students are required to provide vaccination records for Hepatitis A and B (or a recent titer demonstrating immunity).
   This requirement must be completed before students are accepted from Pre-Forensics into the Forensic Sciences program.

• Request for Official State of Michigan Immunization Record 

  (Students from outside Michigan should consult with the state health boards in their home state).

• Tips for finding old immunization records

2. All Madonna University Forensic Science students are required to be eligible for a background investigation.
   Each agency has its own process and qualification requirements. However, those seeking employment in a law enforcement agency laboratory should expect that a thorough review of their criminal, credit, academic and professional histories will be conducted. Polygraph examinations may be required, depending on state law and departmental policy. Potential disqualifiers (e.g., drug use, criminal history, credit problems) vary between agencies.

• FBI Employment Eligibility

3.  All Madonna University Forensic Science students are required to participate in national standardized testing prior to graduation.
   The MU Forensic Science Program currently uses the Forensic Science Aptitude Test (FSAT) developed by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC).

• Forensic Science Aptitude Test (FSAT)

Brandon began his career with the Michigan State Police as a Forensic Technician, but was soon promoted to a position as Forensic Scientist in the Biology Unit and has since been qualified in numerous courts as an expert in Body Fluid Identification, DNA Analysis, and Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation. In April of 2013, he was promoted to the position of Lab Manager in the Biology Unit of the Michigan State Police Northville Crime Laboratory.

Stephanie completed her Master’s of Science in Forensic Science at Syracuse University (’15) and is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Molecular Genetics and Genomics at Wayne State University’s Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics.

Stephanie was awarded an Earhart Scholarship while attending Madonna University and participated in Title III Faculty-Student Collaborative Research as part of her ancient DNA research focusing on the extraction, amplification, and analysis of DNA from individuals recovered from the historic Spring Street Presbyterian Church cemetery vaults in New York City. She is a Student Affiliate of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, has represented Madonna University by presenting her research at state and national conferences, and won first place in the undergraduate category at our annual Research Day. Stephanie credits the faculty of the Forensic Science Program at Madonna University for helping to develop her inner scientist.