University of Central Missouri, BS, Forensic Chemistry
1. Form NP
NEW PROGRAM PROPOSAL FORM
Sponsoring Institution(s): University of Central Missouri – Warrensburg
Program Title: Forensic Chemistry
Degree/Certificate: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
Options: None
Delivery Site(s): University of Central Missouri
CIP Classification: 260202
Implementation Date: Fall 2007
Expected Date of First Graduation: May 2011
AUTHORIZATION
Dr. George Wilson Provost 660-543-4116543-4116
Dr. Wayne Stalick Department Chair (660) 543 – 8727
2. Need
A. Student Demand
While the Department of Chemistry and Physics has not done a formal survey to determine student interest in earning a B.S. in Forensic Chemistry, the success of forensic chemistry programs at peer institutions has proven that this is an attractive and viable field of study. Discussions with our majors over the past several years have revealed that some of them would be very interested in this degree; several students who are currently in the minor program have also expressed interest. However, we expect primarily that students in the program will be new to the University.
i. Student Enrollment Projections – Form SE
Year |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Full-Time |
5 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
Part-Time |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
TOTAL |
5 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
B. Market Demand
The area of forensic chemistry is one the fastest growing disciplines of chemistry. This is made evident by programs such as STEM and other federal initiatives. This proposal will capitalize on the increasing number of forensic chemists needed to occupy positions at government agencies such as the FBI, CIA, ATF, DEA, and DOE, and it provides additional human resources for Homeland Security. There is a great deal of concern at the federal level with the small number of physical scientists coming from the United States. It is paramount to strengthen physical science departments. This program will enable the Department of Chemistry and Physics to recruit more students and synergistically enhance all facets of all its programs to better meet the needs of the nation.
C. Societal Demand
The proposed B.S. Degree in Forensic Chemistry will be designed to meet the needs of students seeking employment in forensic chemistry labs. There are an increasing number of such labs at the local, state, and federal level.
D. Methodology
The belief that there is demand for a B.S. in Forensic Chemistry was confirmed by a review of employment-outlook sources and Labor Department data.
3. Duplication and Collaboration
Despite the rapid growth around the country in forensic chemistry programs, such as at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Eastern Kentucky University, and the University of North Texas, there are few such programs in this region. We researched Missouri universities and our primary competitors in adjoining states for similar programs. We could find only 4 of 18 chemistry departments that offered some level of forensic chemistry option. (This does not include the numerous smaller schools that may offer a chemistry degree but are very limited in options and would therefore not have a forensic option.) We believe the program will create a rich recruitment niche for UCM.
The results of our survey are listed below.
Avila Univ. - none listed
Drury Univ. - none listed
Missouri Southern Univ. - none listed
Missouri State Univ. - no option or major
Missouri Western State Univ. - degree in Natural Science/Chemistry, can do emphasis in Forensic Science
Northwest Missouri Univ. - none listed
St. Louis Univ. – B.A. in Chemistry with optional certificate in Forensic Science
Southeast Missouri State Univ. – Bachelor’s degree with Forensic Science option and Master of Natural Science with Forensic Chemistry option
Truman Univ.- none listed
Univ. of Missouri-Columbia - none listed
Univ. of Missouri-Kansas City - none listed
Univ. of Missouri-St. Louis - none listed
Washington Univ. - none listed
Emporia State Univ. - none listed
Pittsburg State Univ. - none listed
Washburn Univ. – B.S. in Forensic Chemical Science
Western Kentucky Univ. - none listed
Univ. of Northern Iowa - none listed
4. Program Structure
FORM PS
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
A. Total credits required for graduation: 124 minimum
B. Residency requirements, if any: standard UCM requirements
C. General education: Total credits: 48 (Major requirements satisfy 10 credits of general education)
Courses (specific courses OR distribution area and credits):
Written Communication - 6
Oral Communication - 3
Mathematical Reasoning - 3 (satisfied by major)
Life and Physical Science - 7 (satisfied by major)
Technology - 2-3
Social and Behavioral Science - 9
Humanities and Fine Arts - 9
Cultural Interaction - 3
Personal Interaction - 3
Integrative Studies - 3
D. Major requirements: Total credits: 75-79
General Chemistry I - 5
General Chemistry II - 5
Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry - 4
Quantitative Analysis - 3
Organic Chemistry I - 4
Organic Chemistry II - 4
Intermediate Biochemistry - 3
Instrumental Analysis - 4
Elements of Physical Chemistry - 4
Calculus & Analytical Geometry I - 5
Calculus & Analytical Geometry II - 5
Biology II - 4
Human Biology 3, or
Anatomy and Physiology I 4 - 3-4
Forensic Science - 4
Intro. to Criminal Justice - 3
Criminal Evidence - 3
Electives from the following - 8-10
College Physics I; - 4
College Physics II - 4
or
University Physics I - 5
University Physics II - 5
Elective(s) from the following - 4-5
Modern Organic Analysis& - 4
Advanced Biochemistry - 3
Biochemistry Laboratory - 2
Physical Chemistry I - 4
Physical Chemistry II - 4
Research in Chemistry - 3-4
E. Free elective credits - 7-11
F. Requirements for thesis, internship or other capstone experience: None, but research and or co-op experience is highly recommended.
G. Any unique features such as interdepartmental cooperation: Students earning this degree will take 11-12 credit hours of biology and 6 hours of criminal justice. This program has the full approval of all departments.
5. Financial Projections FORM FP (Deleted)
6. Program Characteristics and Performance Goals
FORM PG
PROGRAM CHARACTERISTICS AND PERFORMANCE GOALS
Institution Name University of Central Missouri
Program Name Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry
Date March 22, 2007
Student Preparation
- No special preparation or qualifications are necessary.
Faculty Characteristics
- Current Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Criminal Justice faculty are qualified to teach in this program. No new faculty would need to be hired.
- All courses in the degree program will be taught by full-time faculty whenever possible. It is estimated that 90-95% of the credit hours would be taught by full-time faculty.
- The faculty of University of Central Missouri are expected to be excellent teachers and engage in scholarly activities that include undergraduates. Students in this program have the opportunity to engage in research under the guidance of the chemistry faculty. The chemistry faculty and students present their research findings at local and national meetings. Faculty are expected to continue improving their teaching by keeping up to date on material and/or pedagogy.
Enrollment Projections
- By the end of five years, it is estimated that 25 students (from the freshmen to senior level) will be enrolled in this program.
- Due to the nature of the program, it is expected that 90-100% of students enrolled will be full-time.
Student and Program Outcomes
- After three/five years of implementation, it is expected that the program will have awarded five/ten degrees. It is estimated that the program will typically award 5 degrees per year.
- Students will acquire the knowledge and many laboratory techniques required for employment in forensic/analytical laboratories. Students will acquire the knowledge required for acceptance into graduate schools.
- Students will not achieve licensing, certification, or registration from this program.
- The Department of Chemistry and Physics has started several initiatives to assess student and program outcomes. The department is developing an interactive website to obtain alumni information with respect to job placement and satisfaction and program satisfaction. Graduates have an exit interview with the department chair. The department has started to keep records of graduate placement in employment and graduate and professional schools. Currently, the MFAT (Major Field Assessment Test) is taken by most graduating seniors and it will be a requirement for a capstone course that is being developed. Information obtained from these initiatives will be used to address program weaknesses.
- It is expected that 90-100 % of graduates will either be employed in forensic/ analytical laboratories, or attend graduate or professional schools. The exact placement will depend upon student ability and interest. The department has started to keep records of placement of graduates.
Program Accreditation
No special accreditation is required for the Forensics Chemistry program.
Alumni and Employer Survey
The Department of Chemistry and Physics is currently developing questionnaires and an on-line survey to assess alumni satisfaction. Graduating students will be given an exit interview with the department chair. Alumni will be asked to fill in the on-line survey two and five years after graduation.
Institutional Characteristics
The Department of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Central Missouri has the ability to offer a B.S. degree in Forensic Chemistry. During the last five years the department has obtained the necessary faculty expertise and laboratory equipment to support this program. This program has the support from chairs of the departments that offer courses required for the program. Existing departmental programs are geared toward students who plan to attend graduate school, or to work in industry or teach in secondary schools. The Forensic Chemistry program will specifically prepare students to enter the growing field of forensic science.
