What is the CSI House?
Point Park University's Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) House lets students investigate crime scenes and learn from regional experts in a creative lab space that mimics real-world scenarios.
Inside the CSI House, students will get hands-on learning experiences in a forensics lab, where they learn to analyze evidence such as hair, blood spatter and gunshot residue in a residential setting. Attached to the lab is a computer lab with industry-relevant intelligence software, allowing students to learn the types of technologies used in criminal justice, forensic science and other investigative industries.
The center was created with grant funding, including a $95,000 Congressionally-directed award the university received with support from U.S. Senator Arlen Specter. Point Park also received a $25,000 grant from the Remmel Foundation through the PNC Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee for equipment and renovation, and another $10,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, with support from State Representative Paul Costa.
Who uses the CSI House?
Although students majoring in criminal justice, forensic science and intelligence and national security are the primary users of the CSI House, students in other programs at Point Park also use the facility to complement their majors.
For example, photography majors can gain experience photographing a crime scene; journalism majors can learn how to collect information and report on the crime; and theatre majors may act in a scene as it occurs or apply their creative stage-setting skills to create convincing crime scenes.
Point Park's CSI House is also available to support appropriate community groups.
Courses Offered
Some examples of courses taught at the CSI House include:
- Development of the Death Investigation System
- Accident/Suicide Death Investigation
- Natural Death Investigation
- Forensic Evidence I and II
- Forensic Photography
CSI Summer Camp
During the summer, the CSI House also hosts high school students for the CSI Summer Camp: an exciting program that takes students through the world of examining evidence, forensic investigative challenges and career opportunities.
At the camp, students often design their own crime scenes, learn fingerprinting techniques and learn from experienced faculty and guest speakers about the worlds of criminal justice, national intelligence and forensic science. In addition to getting on-campus experience, campers will also learn more about what college students learn when pursuing degrees in these investigative fields.
