By Trish Svoboda

Starting this fall, Washburn students can pursue a degree in Forensic Investigative Sciences. This bachelor’s degree, offered through the Criminal Justice Department, enhances students’ science and lab skills, better preparing them for internships and careers with agencies such as the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

Kimberly Gerhardt-Whiddon, a lecturer in criminal justice and legal studies at Washburn, said that through discussions with the KBI lab director, it became clear that additional science requirements would increase students’ success in the job market. Washburn collaborated with KBI leaders, using their data and expertise to create the new degree curriculum.

The new Forensic Investigative Sciences program at Washburn is one of the few in the state focusing on crime scene investigation while also covering fire investigation, fingerprint examination, and firearms examination. It incorporates various forensic disciplines, distinguishing it from other programs in Kansas.

Washburn students can still earn a bachelor’s degree in forensic investigations, leading to careers as crime scene technicians or forensic examiners, but without the additional science emphasis. The job market is shifting towards a more scientific approach in this field. CSIs are now scientists rather than law enforcement officers, so the added focus on science will make students more marketable for crime scene or death investigation jobs.