Forensic Investigations at Washburn

Washburn University's Forensic Investigations Program prepares students for the crime scene field by providing classroom and practical-based learning. Students utilize real-world tools and equipment, as well as laboratory and mock scene environments to analyze, document, and collect physical evidence.
Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary $50,460hybrid
A forensic student examines a mock crime scene.

Why study Forensic Investigations at Washburn?

In Washburn's Forensic Investigations and Forensic Investigation Sciences programs, you will complete specialized coursework designed to prepare you for work as a crime scene investigator. Coursework encompasses classroom-based learning as well as many laboratory courses hosted at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's (KBI) Forensic Science Center (FSC) located on the Washburn University campus. 

Washburn's collaboration with the KBI and other regional forensic agencies means that students are working alongside, and in conjunction with, faculty and staff who currently work and have experience in the criminal investigation field.

Many of the degree-required courses are offered in an online format, and prepare you to graduate with career-ready skills in evidence identification, collection, and preservation that will make you a valued part of an investigations team.

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Admissions scholarships

Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.

Criminal Justice scholarships

The Criminal Justice department offers a variety of scholarships based on academic performance and career pursuits. New and transfer students are eligible. Applications are due early in the spring.

Tuition and fees

Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate and Traditional Online Undergraduate rates.

Financial aid

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

Tuition waivers

If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.

Which Forensic Investigations degree is right for me?

Forensic Investigations

If you're interested in:

  • Detective work or private investigation
  • Working for state-level or federal-level agencies with a focus on forensic work

The FI pathway might be right for you. This program allows you to choose a supporting minor and offers internship opportunities with local, regional, and national-level agencies.

Forensic Investigation Sciences

If you're drawn to:

  • Crime scene work or death investigation
  • Comparative sciences such as fingerprint, footwear, or firearms analysis

The FIS pathway could be your best fit. This program lets you skip the minor requirement and instead take 24 credit hours of natural science courses. It also encourages participation in seminars or independent study research projects, preparing you for graduate degree work and opportunities to publish or present research. You'll also have internships with various agencies and forensic science laboratories.

Common opportunities for both pathways

Both degree pathways offer:

  • Learning about various forensic disciplines like photography, fire investigation and bloodstain pattern analysis
  • Interaction with professional organizations and agencies through internships, educational conferences and memberships
  • A mix of online courses and on-campus classes

Fill out the Undergraduate Admissions Application and enroll to pursue Forensic Investigations. It's common to declare a major in criminal justice at enrollment and then determine your specific interest.

Upper-level students are eligible to apply for internships with a variety of agencies, including:

  • Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI)
  • Topeka Police Department
  • Johnson County Sheriff's Office
  • Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office
  • Shawnee County Sheriff's Office
  • Kansas Fire Marshall’s Office

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Forensic Investigations can be achieved in 4 years with 120 credit hours, including 51 hours of criminal justice required classes and electives.

Graduates go on to work for agencies such as Kansas Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office, Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and may also consider future graduate coursework.
Emma and a professor look at a digital scanner used for investigations

Meet Emma Morrissey

Sophomore Emma Morrissey learned about Washburn from one of her high school teachers in Overland Park. She fell in love with campus and the Criminal Justice program, now her major. Emma is president of the Criminal Justice Association on campus and plans to attend law school after she receives her undergraduate degree.

Jobs & Opportunities

CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook
Data and statistics sourced from BLS.gov.

Average salary

$50,460

(Kansas)

Career opportunities

Crime Scene Investigator/Technician

Forensic Examiner

Evidence Technician

Forensic Investigator

Death Investigator

Job growth

14%

(2019-2029)

Forensics at Washburn

A professor gestures during a digital forensics class

Digital forensics

An anthropology student sifts dirt in the field

Forensic Anthropology

A student holds up a test tube of a sample

Forensic chemistry

A student looks through a microscope

Forensic biology

Other criminal justice degrees

The criminal justice department also offers degrees that will prepare you for a career in law enforcement, corrections, security administration or legal studies.

Forensic club

The club is open to majors and non-majors with an interest in forensic science!
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Become an Ichabod

Apply to Washburn University
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Forensic Tech

You'll get hands-on experience utilizing real-world crime scene technologies.
Read More

GET IN TOUCH WITH Criminal Justice & Legal Studies

Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
Benton Hall, Room 201
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Ph: 785.670.1411
criminal-justice-ls@washburn.edu

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