A California-based digital publisher, Forensiccolleges.com has included Ferris State
University's Forensic Biology program among their Top 15 Schools, which was announced
on Monday, May 4. This program in the College of Arts and Sciences has been offered
at Ferris for more than 15 years.A California-based digital publishing company has included Ferris State University
among its top 15 programs, among United States schools offering undergraduate and
graduate degree programs in Forensic Biology.
Forensicscolleges.com, a subsidiary of Sechel Ventures, included Ferris’ Bachelor
of Science curriculum in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, as one of only
two institutions from the state of Michigan. Bradley Isler, the coordinator of the
Biology program, said it is an honor to be ranked seventh in the U.S. He added that
the university has offered this program for more than 15 years.
“Our experience in this field has been an asset, and while a number of universities
and colleges in the region offer academic programs that explore forensic science from
a criminal justice perspective, Ferris is unique in offering a program that explores
forensic science with an emphasis on biology,” Isler said. “Our laboratory-based instruction
means that we are well placed to attract and instruct students looking to pursue careers
as technicians and specialists in forensic science.”
Isler said that some Forensic Biology students also choose to complete a dual major
or minor to broaden their learning and aid their entrance into the job market or graduate
school after completing their degree.
“There have been a number of cases where our forensic biology students choose to pursue
a major or minor in Criminal Justice, with the goal of attending the Law Enforcement
Academy,” Isler said. “These students can go onto service as police officers, or work
with the forensic services unit of a department, as the opportunity is there to become
a jack of all trades.”
Another popular dual major for forensic biology students is the biotechnology program,
which increases a student’s training in the molecular laboratory sciences. This path
is especially helpful for those students looking towards graduate school or a career
as a forensic DNA analyst.
Isler added that the Michigan State Police have announced plans to establish a regional
laboratory in the Grand Rapids area, which could present significant opportunities
for their students. However, the job market is highly competitive, he added.
“Internships are not required of our Forensic Biology students, but they are recommended,
as a way to gather experience and accentuate their learning, in preparation for their
careers,” Isler said. “As state and regional DNA testing sites are established and
expanded, we encourage our students and graduates to demonstrate their abilities,
which are accentuated by our diverse and intense curriculum.”
Forensicscolleges.com cited that Ferris offers students training in “how to analyze
biological evidence for application to legal investigations, and receive in-depth
training in laboratory and field settings.” Further noted was that Ferris Forensic
Biology students learn to “isolate, purify, and amplify DNA, as well as how to collect
and analyze plants, insects, and other biological evidence gathered from a crime scene.”