Forensic science is the application of scientific principles and methods to determination of facts of legal significance.
Western Carolina University has a highly qualified array of forensic faculty to provide excellent training in all areas of this exciting discipline. The program, to be approved in January 2007, will offer an outstanding curriculum, research opportunities, and cooperative education experiences leading to excellent career opportunities.
The curriculum will include coursework in each of the following areas:
Criminal Justice: an introduction to the local, state, and federal justice system.
Digital Evidence: involves the investigation of crimes leaving evidence in computer systems.
Forensic Anthropology: human identification, the effects of decomposition on the human body, and injury to the human skeleton.
Forensic Biology: identification of human biological evidence using serological and DNA analysis techniques.
Forensic Chemistry: the application of analytical chemistry to facts of legal significance, including analysis of hair, fibers, drugs, and explosives.
Forensic Psychology: use of psychological principles and technologies to assist the court in answering various legal questions (e.g., competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and violent risk assessment).

Forensic Science Facilities
The Forensic Science Program is well-equipped in state-of-the-art facilities in the Belk, Killian, McKee, Natural Sciences, and Stillwell Buildings. Excellent scientific equipment is available in each of the program for students to obtain hands-on experience in forensic techniques. The Western Carolina Human Identification Laboratory (WCHIL) is a fully equipped facility dedicated to the recovery, storage, and analysis of human remains. Hunter Library, the largest library in Western North Carolina, provides free access to on-line forensic science databases and has extensive book and periodical holdings.

Forensic Science Careers
There are a wide variety of career opportunities available to Forensic Science graduates. These include:

• Government Crime Lab Analyst
• Homeland Security Specialist
• Intelligence Community Professional
• Biotechnology Analyst
• Industrial Chemist

A forensic science degree also provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional schools, including

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Criminal Justice
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Psychology
• Forensic Science
• Medical School
• Pharmacy School

Further information on forensic science careers is available at the website of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Forensic Science Contact
For further information about the Western Carolina University forensic science program, please contact

David J. Butcher, Interim Director, Forensic Science Program,
Professor of Chemistry, and
Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
340C Stillwell Hall
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Phone: (828) 227-7646
Fax: (828) 227-7647