FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About the Forensic Science major
We know that many of you have been frustrated since the student meeting we had on October 6th in terms of not understanding the information we talked about at the meeting, or not being able to attend the meeting and then getting information second or third hand. We want to have the best communication that we can with all of you – both majors and pre-majors. In an effort to ensure this, we have put together an information sheet addressing the most frequently asked questions that we have been getting in the department. We hope that you'll read through this, and if something is still unclear, please feel free to contact a faculty member in the department that you know or the Interim Chair, Sara Alexander. The following information is intended to clarify any misunderstandings you may have about the status of the Forensic Science program at Baylor.
Is Baylor cancelling my Forensic Science degree?
No, Baylor is not canceling your degree. For all current students at Baylor (Freshmen – Seniors), the BS degree in Forensic Science, as outlined in your catalog, is NOT going away. Please know that the University will continue to offer this degree. None of the requirements will change and you will be able to earn the specific degree for which you came to the university.
Is the degree changing?
For current students the degree is not changing. For incoming freshmen next year (Fall of 2007), the current BS degree will be revised. Those revisions are currently going through the review process Baylor has in place for these types of changes. We have proposed a BS degree in Anthropology that includes the option for students to choose one of three concentration areas. One concentration is in Forensic Anthropology and those students will take many of the courses required in the current Forensic Science degree. Students will have the additional options of focusing in Physical Anthropology or Archaeology as well. Current students may choose to change to the new degree but it is not required. It would be your choice.
Why is the department making these changes?
Forensic Science encompasses a huge number of disciplines, and the sheer logistics of offering educational opportunities in all of these rapidly progressing areas is impossible. Most Forensic Science degrees and concentrations are offered through Biology or Chemistry departments and focus specifically on these disciplines. A degree in Forensic Science with coursework in a variety of fields is typically obtained later at the graduate level.
The department has decided to change the name of the major, not the course work. In other words we are going to emphasize and augment what we have always been doing. Given the recommendations made by three nationally recognized authorities in the field who were asked to evaluate our program, it is now clear to us that what we offer is Forensic Anthropology and we are very good at it. Thus, as we are obligated to do, we are taking corrective actions. In other words, we are going to emphasize what we do well.
We are revising the current degree so that it is in alignment with our strengths. The current Anthropology, Forensic Science and Archaeology faculty unanimously recommended the change, in accordance with the consultants' reports. This choice allows the department to develop a strong research program in conjunction with the course curriculum. All of this is in line with Baylor University's 2012 Vision. Having a well-developed research program in one or two areas of the discipline strongly supports Baylor's goal to be a top tier University.
How does this affect my classes?
We will continue to offer the courses listed for the Forensic Science degree. Most of these courses will also become part of the Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology. We are also proposing a Minor in Forensic Science, and these courses will be available through that degree option as well.
Is my degree worth anything?
Of the approximately two hundred undergraduate programs that offer a degree in Forensic Science or a degree with a Forensic Science emphasis, Baylor has a strong program. Your degree provides you with a very good undergraduate introduction to the field of Forensic Science and as such, gives you a solid background for graduate work and some employment opportunities. The most important factors prospective employers or graduate programs are looking for from a recently graduated student is a solid transcript with a high GPA.
We hope we have clarified for you what is happening with the Forensic Science degree. If you would like additional information or want to talk with someone about all of this, please contact someone in the faculty and we'll make sure you speak with the right person.
The Faculty, Department of Anthropology, Forensic Science and Archaeology