May 18, 2007

LINCOLN, Neb. — A new undergraduate degree program in forensic science will be available at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln beginning this fall.

The degree, offered through UNL's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, was approved May 17 by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. It was approved earlier by the university's Board of Regents.

The program has two options for study. The forensic biology option is aimed at students interested in a laboratory-based career that focuses on the analysis of biological evidence such as DNA and blood. The other option, crime scene investigation, is designed for students interested in a field-based career in forensic science.

Both options also can be used as a stepping stone for further education in medicine, law, science and several other fields, said David Carter, coordinator of the program for the entomology department.

Carter said labor experts predict forensic science will be among the fastest growing science career areas.

UNL's program will be only the fifth undergraduate program in the Midwest and only the second in the Big 12; the other is at Baylor University.

"Most of the forensic programs are located on the coasts, particularly the east coast, so the UNL program will provide an opportunity for students to learn forensic science in the Midwest," Carter said. "This is actually quite an important attribute, as some forensically important processes are strongly related to the environment in which they occur."

CASNR is part of the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

5/18/07-DM

David O. Carter - Ph.D.
Entomology
Assistant Professor
(402) 472-8285

Dan Moser
IANR News & Photography Coordinator
(402) 472-3007

Department: Entomology