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Barry Franklin
Universities with Forensic Entomology Programs
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When most people think about insects like blow flies, flesh flies, maggots, or carcass beetles, they usually find them unpleasant or annoying. However, in the forensic science world, these annoying and tiny creatures can provide powerful clues to help solve crimes.
Forensic entomology is the study of insects as related to legal investigations. It helps investigators learn more about what happened to a person after death.
In this field, professionals look at the different types of insects found on a body and how far along they are in their life cycle. This can help experts figure out whether the body was moved after death, how long someone has been dead, or if there are any signs of mistreatment. These insects follow a predictable pattern, which makes them reliable sources of information in solving criminal cases.
There are NOT an excessive amount of forensic entomology programs available in the U.S. and most students enter the field by completing an entomology degree and then specializing in the forensic sciences or even minoring in forensic entomology if available. The North American Forensic Entomology Association notes that undergraduate and graduate students are crucial to the field and that the organization should continue to find ways to support them.
With a growing interest in crime-related careers, several universities have started to include forensic entomology courses in their forensic science programs. Whether just starting college or looking to go into graduate studies, there are options available for everyone who wishes to explore how insects can help uncover the truth in criminal investigations.
Featured Forensic Entomology Programs
Purdue University’s Department of Entomology, based in Lafayette, Indiana, offers a major in insect biology (formerly called entomology) preparing students for professional careers in several areas such as research, medical entomology, public health, teaching, and environmental avenues. Students in this major will take courses focusing on insect function and structure, ecology, behavior, and diversity and identification, as well as obtain a solid background in science, math, and the humanities.
The department also offers a minor in forensic science that includes courses such as forensic investigation; forensic analysis; forensic testimony and ethics; genetics; general entomology; medical and veterinary entomology; and medico-legal entomology, among others. A total of 20 credits are required for this minor.
- Location: West Lafayette, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Bachelor’s (four years); minor (within a year)
University of California, Davis
The University of California, Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology offers an entomology major, which is a general biological science program designed to help students develop an understanding of fundamental biological concepts by studying insects. Nematology is the study of roundworms for those who are wondering. Students in this major may focus on specific areas of interest such as behavior and ecology; agricultural entomology, insect systematics, and evolution; insect molecular biology, physiology, and toxicology, and medical entomology.
After students have completed their core coursework, they can complete a minor in one of several concentration areas, including forensic entomology. Students in this minor complete 20 credits, taking courses such as forensic investigation; forensic analysis; forensic testimony and ethics; genetics; general entomology; medical and veterinary entomology; and medico-legal entomology, among others.
- Location: Davis, CA
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Bachelor’s (four years); minor (within a year)
Texas A&M University, in College Station, Texas, has a Forensic & Investigative Sciences Program available at the undergraduate level that gives students the option to pursue a FEPAC-accredited science or non-FEPAC accredited pre-law emphasis. The program is offered through the university’s Department of Entomology.
Within the science emphasis, students take classes such as the science of forensic entomology; forensic soil science; and applied forensic entomology. A seminar course, professional internship, directed studies, special topics, and research are also part of the degree and help round out a student’s learning experiences.
Notably, Texas A&M University also offers a bachelor of science program in entomology as well as a master of science program in entomology.
- Location: College Station, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); FEPAC
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
University of Nebraska students can complete a master of science degree in entomology that includes insect education, natural history, and components of forensic and medical entomology. The program is available completely online and gives students the option to complete coursework that is relevant to their career and applicable to their profession. Of the many elective options available in this 30-credit program are classes specifically geared toward the forensic sciences such as insecticide toxicology and forensic entomology.
Sample some of the coursework: insect physiology; management of horticultural insects; entomology and pest management; forensic entomology; medical entomology; forensic insect succession; biological control of insects; insect behavior; and cultural entomology.
Notably, the University of Nebraska also offers an on-campus master of science program in entomology, and a graduate certificate in entomology (available online and on-campus).
- Location: Lincoln, NE
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Loyola University Maryland offers a master of science program in biological forensics that provides training in forensic microbiology, forensic entomology, biological forensics, forensic anthropology, death investigation, veterinary forensics, fingerprints, and DNA analysis.
Made up of 38 to 41 credits, the program includes courses such as criminalistics; crime scene investigation; death investigation; forensic entomology; statistics in forensic science; forensic anthropology; investigations into violent crimes; and forensic pattern evidence.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Rutgers University offers an undergraduate program in entomology designed for those who wish to learn more about insects and their relationship with the environment and humans. The Department of Entomology covers topics ranging from how insects impact public health, and how insects are used in forensic investigations.
To complete this bachelor’s degree, students must complete a minimum of 120 credits. Courses include forensic entomology; decomposition ecology; insect-plant biochemical interactions; insect classification; medical & veterinary entomology; insect structure and function; insect biology; and insect biotechnology.
- Location: New Brunswick, NJ
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Methodology
This list of universities with forensic entomology programs provides a launching point for students interested in gaining more specific skills in the field. It is not meant to be exhaustive, and many additional schools offer a specific forensic entomology class or courses, but few that provide concentrations, minors, or full degrees.
Students who are interested in overseas experiences or studying outside the United States may find additional opportunities for full degrees and graduate-level options. However, in the U.S., choices may be somewhat limited unless they seek research and other educational opportunities.
Before co-founding Sechel Ventures Partners LLC, Barry Franklin was a VP at a Silicon Valley software company. He is an investor and advisor for DataSimply and Impellia. Barry believes that education and lifelong learning are paramount. Barry met his wife at Carnegie Mellon University and they have two beautiful daughters. He also volunteers for various committees at his kids’ high school.