University of La Verne

What you'll study

Coursework covers practical and conceptual topics rather than purely theoretical study. Typical subject areas include:

• Crime-scene documentation and evidence collection — protocols for recording scenes, photographing evidence, and preventing contamination.
• Trace and comparative evidence — fundamentals of fingerprint comparison, footwear and tire impression analysis, and fiber/hair examination.
• Forensic laboratory basics — introduction to analytical techniques used by forensic labs and how lab results relate to investigative questions.
• Identification and biometric methods — overview of biometric systems and procedures for individual identification.
• Legal and ethical considerations — rules of evidence, expert testimony, and professional responsibilities in forensic contexts.

Entry requirements

The minor is open to undergraduate students at the university and is intended to complement a primary major. Students normally declare the minor with the college registrar or academic advisor and must complete the required sequence of minor courses. Some classes may require prerequisite coursework in basic science or criminal justice, and certain laboratory or field components may require instructor approval or completion of safety training.

Career prospects

Completing this minor strengthens practical skills valued in investigative and public-safety roles. Graduates often use the minor to enhance applications for positions such as crime-scene technician, forensic evidence technician, police investigator, or as preparation for graduate study in forensic science, criminalistics, or law. Employers include municipal and state law-enforcement agencies, medical examiner offices, private forensic laboratories, and security or investigative firms.

Scholarships & funding angle

Financial support options for students in this minor mirror broader campus scholarships and departmental awards. Prospective and current students should explore university-wide merit and need-based scholarships, work-study positions that provide laboratory or field experience, and external scholarships offered by forensic and criminal-justice organizations. Internships and practicum placements can also provide paid opportunities and often strengthen eligibility for external funding or research grants.