B.S. in forensic science
to be offered this fall

By Kara Bonn
Contributing Writer

Palm Beach Atlantic University will begin offering a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science this fall semester. PBA is one of two universities in Florida that offer the four-year program, and it is unique to Christian schools altogether.

Forensics is “the fastest growing career in science,” said Cynthia Toth, coordinator of the new program and associate professor of biology.

Graduates with a bachelor’s in forensic science are jumping right into careers as DNA analysts, criminalists, toxicologists and molecular biologists.

Even pre-law students are finding immense utility in studying forensic science for their later careers in law.

Starting salaries for graduates are as high as $70,000 to $80,000 a year and the demand for professionals in the field is higher than ever.

Toth explained that government labs are now doing less of the work and moving towards privatization, so the job market in the field is at its prime.

Toth was excited to share that the program already expects fifteen students. PBA’s science department is stocking up on state-of-the art equipment that will allow students to simulate the jobs they will be doing down the road. A brand-new Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine in the lab will allow students to watch on-screen as thousands upon thousands of DNA strands are copied and produced.

Later they will use the product of the PCR to perform paternity tests and identify the culprit of a simulated crime right in the lab.

Classes will be taught by adjuncts, professionals who are still working in their various forensic science fields. When students graduate, they will be placed directly into internships with the help of PBA.

Popular crime shows help entice students to forensic careers. CSI PBA-style will commence this fall.