In the Department of Forensic and Investigative Sciences, research is a key component of our curriculum. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to do research. We try to involve as many students in research as possible.
As an undergraduate, you’ll be required to complete a senior capstone project. This could be:
Learn about the research going on in the department (and beyond) and identify two or three areas that interest you.
Contact two or three faculty members and ask for an appointment to discuss their research and the possibility of an undergrad position on their team. If you don't hear back within a few weeks, send another email or drop by their office.
In your second or third year, you can apply for an internship through the Life-Health Sciences Internship Program. This program encourages career exploration, skills development, and professional growth. Each spring, students give a poster presentation to share the work they’ve done during their internship.
The Forensic Science Club provides opportunities for volunteering, hands-on learning activities, and speaking with professionals in the field. From the group’s annual murder mystery dinner to participating in National Science Day at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum to regular hands-on science activities, you’ll never be bored as a club member.
Learn about more research opportunitiesIf you’re a student in our M.S. program with a thesis option, you should work with a faculty mentor as soon as possible to identify your thesis topic. You’ll test your thesis by conducting research in the lab and in the field, and you can expect your research and writeup to take at least one year of the program.
We recommend collaborative research projects with local forensic science laboratories. If you plan to do thesis research in conjunction with a crime lab, you must first get your thesis director’s approval.