Academics
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
The major in forensic science is designed to provide academic and professional training for students seeking to work in forensic science laboratories as either researchers or administrators, or who are planning to pursue careers as research scientists, teachers or medical professionals. The major draws primarily from chemistry (organic, analytical and physical) with courses in biology, physics and law. An internship is required. Students may specialize in one of three tracks: criminalistics, molecular biology, or toxicology. (Prerequisites & Requirements, Admissions Information.)
Contact Info:
Advisor: Sandra Swenson, 212.237.8820, sswenson@jjay.cuny.edu
Forensic Science Major Coordinator: Jennifer Rosati, 212.393.6868, jrosati@jjay.cuny.edu
Bachelor of Science in Toxicology
The major in toxicology is an interdisciplinary science that addresses the adverse effects of substances on living organisms caused by chemical, physical or biological agents. The field includes exposure assessment, hazard identification, dose-response analysis, risk characterization and risk management. Toxicologists have the critical responsibility of understanding the effect of exposure to harmful substances found in food, the environment, medicines, licit and illicit drugs and other sources, as well as that of publicizing information of relevance to the public. Through research and education, toxicologists can improve the health and safety of humans and other living organisms and protect the environment in which we live. (Prerequisites & Requirements, admissions information)
Contact Info:
Toxicology Major Coordinator: Shu-Yuan Cheng, 646.557.4637, shcheng@jjay.cuny.edu
Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology
The Cell and Molecular Biology major is an in-depth exploration of the underlying chemistry and molecular biology in living cells. The cell is the basic unit of living things and so it is impossible to understand life without understanding cells. The major begins with the foundational science courses common to any degree in the chemical or life sciences: chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, calculus, and physics, with required laboratory work throughout. Then, students take a required core of more advanced courses: cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. While completing the biology core, students select five elective courses that suit their interests and future career goals such as microbiology, human physiology, forensic pathology, and the list continues to grow each year. Finally, the major includes an advanced capstone experience which brings all of these courses together in the study of a specific research area in the biomedical sciences. Students in this major are well-prepared for a variety of careers and graduate programs including PhD programs in the life sciences, medical school, and related professional degrees. (Prerequisites & Requirements, admissions information)
Contact Info:
Cell and Molecular Biology Major Coordinators: Jason Rauceo, 646.557.4893, jrauceo@jjay.cuny.edu; Nathan Lents, 646.557.4504, nlents@jjay.cuny.edu
Master of Science in Forensic Science
The program in forensic science is designed to provide advanced education for scientists, administrators, directors and other professionals currently employed in crime laboratories, medical examiners’ offices and in such related areas as public safety, arson investigation and environmental protection. The program also prepares people who are interested in entering such careers. Drawing from the areas of chemistry biology, physics and the law, the program involves the mastery of techniques for the laboratory and the courts. The master’s program offers specializations in criminalistics, molecular biology or forensic toxicology. A thesis is required. Check the current requirements to apply for this program.
Contact Info:
Program Director: Marta Concheiro-Guisan, 212.237.8492, mconcheiro-guisan@jjay.cuny.edu
Doctoral Program in Criminal Justice
The forensic science concentration is a special subprogram of the Doctoral program in Criminal Justice of the Graduate Center of the City University of New York at John Jay College. The subprogram draws upon a broad range of resources both at John jay and the Graduate Center. This program allows students interested in forensic science to take courses in criminalistics, spectroscopy, toxicology, serology, and genetic-marker identification.
Contact Info:
Director: Thomas Kubic, 212.237.8891, tkubic@jjay.cuny.edu