The
University of Florida's (UF) online
forensic science distance education
Distance education, also known as distance learning, is the education of students who may not always be physically present at a school, or where the learner and the teacher are separated in both time and distance. Traditionally, this usually in ...
programs cater to working professionals and students who have completed their Bachelor of Science degrees.
The program offers six areas of concentration, each as a
certificate and/or
master's degree
A master's degree (from Latin ) is an academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice. . The faculty involved in these programs represent the fields of forensic science,
toxicology
Toxicology is a scientific discipline, overlapping with biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine, that involves the study of the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms and the practice of diagnosing and treating expos ...
,
DNA & serology, drug chemistry, environmental forensics, death investigation, and veterinary forensics.
Each course within UF's program is conducted online and is made up of specific topic modules. Most modules contain course notes supplemented with images, animations, and case studies. Students are provided constant access to course modules, which are released over the duration of the UF semester.
Degree and certificate programs currently offered
UF currently offers four
Master of Science
A Master of Science ( la, Magisterii Scientiae; abbreviated MS, M.S., MSc, M.Sc., SM, S.M., ScM or Sc.M.) is a master's degree in the field of science awarded by universities in many countries or a person holding such a degree. In contrast ...
(MS) programs, and six
graduate certificate
A graduate certificate is an educational credential representing completion of specialized training at the college or university level. A graduate certificate can be awarded by universities upon completion of certain coursework indicating masteri ...
s in forensic science.
Degree programs
*
MS in Forensic Toxicology
*
MS in Drug Chemistry
*
MS in Forensic DNA & Serology
*
MS in Forensic Science (with core courses and electives)
Certificate programs
*
Environmental Forensics
*
Forensic Death Investigation
*
Forensic Toxicology
Forensic toxicology is the use of toxicology and disciplines such as analytical chemistry, pharmacology and clinical chemistry to aid medical or legal investigation of death, poisoning, and drug use. The primary concern for forensic toxicology ...
*
Drug Chemistry
*
Forensic DNA & Serology
*
Veterinary Forensic Sciences
Certificate programs
Environmental Forensics
The graduate certificate in environmental forensics is offered by the UF College of Pharmacy. It offers courses in collaboration with the
University of Canberra
The University of Canberra (UC) is a public research university with its main campus located in Bruce, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. The campus is within walking distance of Westfield Belconnen, and from Canberra's Civic Centre. UC ...
in Australia. The certificate is designed to give the environment law enforcement officer a background in the principles of contaminant analysis and transport in the environment with the ultimate aim of determining liability for pollution.
Forensic Death Investigation
The graduate certificate in death investigation is provided by the UF College of Pharmacy. This certificate provides courses in collaboration with UF's
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences department of anthropology and the
University of Edinburgh College of Medicine. It focuses on the investigation of crime and death using forensic pathology, anthropology, and DNA analysis. Modules in sexual offenses, drug health, forensic odontology, and wounds are also featured.
Forensic Toxicology, Drug Chemistry, and Forensic DNA & Serology
These graduate certificates are similar to the master's program concentrations offered by the university and are typically 15 credits of graduate coursework that can then be transferred toward the MS degree. These certificates provide students with foundations in various aspects of forensic science.
Veterinary Forensic Sciences
The University of Florida's Maples Center for Forensic Medicine offers a graduate certificate in veterinary forensic sciences. This program consists of five courses at the MS level with a focus on the application of forensic science and medicine to veterinary medical sciences. This program is in partnership with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). It is the only program of its type in the United States. The program is unique for its application of forensic science and medicine to veterinary medicine and animal related crimes including animal cruelty cases.
Wildlife Forensic Sciences
The University of Florida's Maples Center for Forensic Medicine offers a graduate certificate in wildlife forensic sciences. This program consists of three courses at the MS level with a focus on the application of forensic science and medicine to wildlife crime. It is the only program of its type in the United States. The program is unique for its application of forensic science and medicine to crime against wildlife including illegal trafficking and poaching.
Rankings and Recognitions
* The UF online forensic science program has over 700 graduates and students from 33 different countries who are either enrolled or have completed their master's degree.
* Program director Dr. Ian Tebbett, Ph.D., was awarded the Irving Award by ADEC in 2011 and the 2010 Outstanding Leadership Award by the U.S. Distance Learning Association.
About the University of Florida
* The
University of Florida
The University of Florida (Florida or UF) is a public land-grant research university in Gainesville, Florida. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida, traces its origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its ...
is the fourth largest academic institution in the US. It is accredited by both the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is an educational accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This agency accredits over 13,000 public and priv ...
(SACS) and the
Association of American Universities
The Association of American Universities (AAU) is an organization of American research universities devoted to maintaining a strong system of academic research and education. Founded in 1900, it consists of 63 universities in the United States ...
(AAU).
* UF enrolls more than 6,500 distance students and has more than 330,000 alumni throughout the world.
[University of Florida]
Facts and Rankings
Retrieved July 3, 2012.
See also
*
University of Florida clinical toxicology distance education program
*
University of Florida pharmaceutical chemistry distance education program
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:University Of Florida: Forensic Science Distance Education Programs
University of Florida
Distance education institutions based in the United States
1999 establishments in Florida