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.

Welcome to Madonna University’s College of Natural and Social Sciences. Our Forensic Science degree program has earned a reputation for excellence and our graduates are in high demand. Our undergraduate forensics program has a two-stage admissions process. Before you can be admitted to our Forensic Science major, you must first be accepted into Pre-Forensics. To learn more about Stage One admission requirements, see the Stage 1 link below. Once you are accepted as a pre-forensics student you must meet the following requirements. See the Stage 2 link below to learn more. Whether you are transferring to Madonna or coming directly from high school, we would be happy to walk you through the necessary steps to becoming a Madonna University student. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 734-432-5339 or admissions@madonna.edu. 

• General Admission Requirements
  
  • Transfer Students
  • International Students
  • Forensic Sciences Program Information
• Two Stage Admissions Process
  • Stage 1: Pre-Forensic Program
  • Stage 2: Forensic Sciences Program

• Forensic Science Major Requirements
  • Sample Plan of Study
• Minor Requirements for Forensic Science Majors
• Crime Laboratory Technician Certificate of Achivement
• Crime Scene Practice Certificate of Completion
• DNA Analysis Certificate of Completion

Forensic Science Program facilities are housed in the beautiful Gold Certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Franciscan Center for Science and Media at Madonna University. This new, 60,000 square foot facility opened in fall 2009 and provides state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories where students and faculty design and carry out innovative research projects.

Instrumentation and Equipment List

MU Safety in Science Laboratories Student Manual

Laboratory internships allow students to acquire new skills, as well as network with and assess potential employers in an interactive professional setting. While many forensic laboratories offer internships, the number of placements is often limited and highly competitive. Students interested in internship opportunities are strongly encouraged to contact their faculty advisor and initiate the application process at the beginning of their third year.

Students at Madonna have numerous opportunities to give back to their community. However, students in the Forensic Science program get the opportunity to put their forensics skills and their Felician Values into action through Forensic Science Community Outreach. Our outreach programs focus on initiatives which help to restore justice to the less fortunate and often forgotten members of society.

Learn More About Forensic Science Community Outreach at Madonna

The purpose of the Madonna University Forensic Science Society is to encourage interaction and networking between Madonna University students, alumni, and forensic science organizations within the local area. The MUFSS also hosts get-togethers, learning activities and opportunities for members to put their skills and Felician Values into service for the community. Students are eligible (and encouraged) to join once they are accepted and enrolled at Madonna.

Learn More About the MU Forensic Science Society

The Forensic Science Program fosters professional relationships that provide opportunities for faculty and students to present and publish the research data generated within the Madonna University Forensic Science Research Facility. Students have also been able to participate with faculty members on long term research funded through the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Funding is available for students to help cover the costs of publication and travel to professional functions to present research.

Learn More About Student Research Opportunities

 Madonna University FSAT Ranking - Spring Sitting*

Test Year	# of UG Programs	Total # of Students	Students from MU	Ranking
2015	13	103	9	2
2016	11	111	9	7
2017	13	108	8	3
2018	12	145	11	4
2019	12	117	10	2
2020	4	19	10	2

*there are two separate sittings, spring and fall; with 25 accredited undergrad programs

Forensic Science majors returning from one fall semester to the next as compared to students as a whole at Madonna University (2016 - 2019)

Retention Rates

	Major	Retention Rate
F2016 to F2017	Forensic Science	100.00%
	University-Wide	78.80%
F2017 to F2018	Forensic Science	94.59%
	University-Wide	78.83%
F2018 to F2019	Forensic Science	100.00%
	University-Wide	82.51%

History of Forensic Science Program Accreditation

Following the 2004 release of the National Institute of Justice’s report on the state of forensic science educational institutions in the United States, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) sponsored the development of the Forensic Science Education Programs Education Commission (FEPAC), to implement the recommendations of the NIJ’s Technical Working Group on Forensic Science Education (TWG-ED). Madonna University is one of 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.

FEPAC website

• American Society of Forensic Sciences
• International Association for Identification
• The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Young Forensic Scientists Forum
• Midwestern Association for Forensic Scientists
• California Association of Criminalists
• National Clearinghouse on Science Technology and the Law
• National Institute of Justice

If you would like to donate to the Forensic Science Department for research, please contact Dr. Jodi Lynn Barta, Director of the Forensic Science Program at 734-432-5514 or jlbarta@madonna.edu.

Student Resources

• Student Handbook
• Technology Resources
  
  • Includes: IT Help Desk, MyPortal, Blackboard
• Registrar's Office
  
  • Includes: Graduation application, Change of academic record or student information, FERPA release form, Registration add/drop/withdrawal, Special requests, Grievances (appeals of grades, terminations and dismissal from the University)
• Student Accounts
• Financial Aid
• Library and Research Support
• Office of the First Year Experience
• Center for Personalized Instruction
• Counseling and Disability Resources Center
• Veteran's Resources
• TITLE IX Information and Nondiscrimination and Sexual Misconduct/Violence[BROKEN LINK]
  
  • Includes: Statement of Nondiscrimination, Student Code of Conduct, Options for Assistance Following an Incident of Physical or Sexual Assault, Campus Safety and Security (Annual Security and Fire Safety Report)

Administration

Forensic Sciences Department
Dr. Jodi Lynn Barta, Chair
jlbarta@madonna.edu
(734) 432-5514

Dean of Students
Dr. Christine Benson, Dean
cbenson@madonna.edu
(734) 432-5867

College of Arts and Sciences
Kevin Eyster, Dean
keyster@madonna.edu
(734) 432-5307

Susan Toma, Associate Dean
stoma@madonna.edu
(734) 432-5525