Where Science and Law Intersect
Few areas of science have as immediate or profound an application to real life as forensics—typically defined as the use of science to address questions and investigate matters related to crimes and other legal matters. Recently, BMCC and John Jay College of Criminal Justice joined forces to launch a joint program that offers a unique path to a career in forensic science while taking the concept of credit transferability to a new level. When the program makes its debut this fall, it will enable qualified students to pursue an associate in science degree at BMCC and then transfer seamlessly to John Jay, where they can earn a BS degree in Forensic Science. Total credit transferability is assured. A rich and varied profession While TV shows such as Law and Order have popularized the role of forensics, the field is considerably broader, says BMCC science professor Charles Kosky. Forensic scientists work in labs, in the field, and in offices as supervisors and administrators, he says. They can pursue careers in both the private and public sector and in criminal as well as civil cases. Its an incredibly varied field. Some students even move on to other careers; Kosky knows of at least one BMCC graduate who transferred to John Jay and later went on to medical school. The one constant is the need for a thorough grounding in the STEM disciplines—science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The BMCC part of the program will involve a heavy course load in the basic sciences …