« Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies

Forensic Science Degree

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Offered On Campus

Experience Hands-On Laboratories and Real Crime Scene Simulations

Our forensic science degree program will prepare you for work in most sections of the forensic laboratory. You'll be immersed in the world of drugs, arson, toxicology, death investigations and DNA evidence.

Additionally, forensic science majors at Point Park University have the unique opportunity to investigate mock crime scenes in our crime scene investigation house — located right on campus.

You'll also have the opportunity to participate in real-world internships. For example, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office is just a short walk away. We've also had students intern with UPMC Research, Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, Ocean City Police Department and Quest Diagnostics.

If you like applying chemistry, physics, biology and math to problems related to legal situations, then our forensic science degree program may be right for you.

Explore Our On-Campus CSI House

Courses & Topics

Coursework is not for the faint of heart and includes an exploration of accidental deaths and suicide, crime scene photography, forensic autopsy photography, gunshot wounds, stab wounds, time of death and hands-on labs with collecting of trace evidence like hair, fiber, glass and then processing evidence found at the scene.

Accident/Suicide Death Investigation
Anatomy and Physiology
Criminalistics
Criminal Evidence
Development of the Death Investigation System
Forensic Photography
Forensic Real Crime Scene Investigation/Crime House
Natural Death Investigation and the Ethics of Forensic Science

Minor in Forensic Science

Broaden your science and law enforcement skillsets by minoring in Forensic Science at Point Park, a program especially beneficial for students majoring in criminal justice, legal studies, forensic psychology, intelligence and national security or biological sciences. Point Park's 18-credit minor includes the following courses:

Accident/Suicide Death Investigation
Development of the Death Investigation System
Ethics in Forensic Science
Forensic Evidence I and II
Introduction to Criminal Justice

Meet Our Faculty

Edward Strimlan, M.D., professor, coordinator of the Forensic Science Program and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies

Dr. Strimlan is the former chief forensic investigator for Allegheny County's Office of the Medical Examiner.

Faculty Bio

Christine Secilia, Ed.D., lecturer of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies and coordinator of the Undergradute Criminal Justice Program

Dr. Secilia has more than a decade of law enforcement experience, including six years as a sergeant.

Faculty Bio

Richard Linzer, J.D., professor of Criminal Justice and Faculty Advisor of Alpha Phi Sigma National Honor Society

Professor Linzer has more than 40 years of experience in the legal field.

Faculty Bio

Career Options

With a forensic science degree, you will have the option to pursue various career opportunities in areas such as:

Ballistics
Criminalistics
Entomology
Epidemiology
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Nursing
Investigations
Odontology
Pathology/Medical Examination
Physical/Forensic Anthropology
Serology
Toxicology

News & Features

Point Park University Launches Second Year of $4,000 Visit Scholarship for Students Who Visit Downtown Campus

The Visit Scholarship, valued at $4,000, is exclusively available to high school juniors and seniors who visit Point Park University's vibrant Downtown campus between Aug. 1, 2024, and April 1, 2025.

School of Arts & Sciences Closes Out Academic Year with Events Celebrating Graduates, Student Projects

"To have worked so hard on a project that means so much to me and finally share my findings with so many people makes my heart swell with pride and appreciation."

School of Arts & Sciences, Conservatory of Performing Arts Collaborate to Refresh CSI House

A group of theatre production students recently updated the CSI House, Point Park University's on-campus facility in which students stage and investigate crime scenarios as part of their forensic science and criminal justice coursework.

Point Park Charts Bold Path Forward with Innovative Strategic Plan – Pioneer Vision 2030 – Shaping the University’s Future

Point Park University's strategic plan, Pioneer Vision 2030, leverages the University’s strengths, including its focus on and commitment to experiential learning, as it looks to build out a cultural corridor on its side of Downtown that connects with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Forensic Science Major Hannah Lanham Interns with Dr. Cyril Wecht, Fayette County Coroner's Office

"The education I have received at Point Park so far has prepared me tremendously for working in the field. I was able to connect my classroom knowledge to real-life tasks and cases."

Point Park University Partners with Joon Care to Provide Increased Access to Mental Health Care for Students

Point Park University has launched a partnership with Joon to offer students increased access to mental health care services. Joon is a teletherapy service designed specifically for young adults.

Ocean City Police Officers Share Summer Opportunities with Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Students

Students in several criminal justice and forensic science classes learned about summer internship and job opportunities available at the Ocean City Police Department as officers visited Point Park University's campus.

Get Career-Ready with: Hannah Lanham '24, Forensic Science Major

"I was drawn to Point Park for the internship opportunities offered, as well as the high percentage of students who get a job directly after graduation."

Focused on Forensic Science: A Faculty Q&A with Associate Professor Edward Strimlan, M.D.

Edward Strimlan, M.D., associate professor and coordinator of the forensic science program, discusses why Point Park's forensic science program is unique and how students in this major are made career-ready.

Point Park University

201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1984

Ready to learn more?