Criminalistics Minor: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Program Type: Undergraduate

Minor Requirements: View Requirements

Department: Political Science, Criminal Justice & Organizational Leadership

This minor provides students with an understanding of the significant role that science is accorded in the criminal justice system, especially in criminal investigations and criminal trials. This minor is not permitted for criminal justice majors.

Program Contacts

Dr. Alexis Miller
Associate Professor
Criminal Justice Coordinator
859-572-1320
millera11@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Robin Litteral

Pronouns: They/He

Graduating Year: 2020

Education: Psychological Science Major, Criminalistics and Human Services & Addictions minors

Career Plans: After I receive my B.A., I intend to pursue a master’s degree related to mental health counseling and become a mental health therapist. I have yet to decide whether or not I also want to pursue an education in something related to criminal justice (forensic psychology, criminalistics, crime researcher, a position within the FBI or CIA… all and more on the table).

Favorite Class: My favorite class that I have taken in criminalistics has definitely got to be JUS 231: Race, Gender, and Crime with Alex Brennen. It really makes you think.

Accomplishment: One academic accomplishment I have had is still in progress and that is being able to partake in undergraduate research.

Hobbies: Some hobbies I have include: listening to music and podcasts, crocheting, reading, painting with acrylics, and really anything else that allows me to be creative.

Words of encouragement: I am 2 years into this minor and I have yet to have a professor that 1) hasn’t done a phenomenal job with teaching their subject; and 2) hasn’t understood how difficult it is to be a student trying to get an education and learning how to be their very own “grown-up” at the same time. Try not to be too afraid to ask questions or communicate with your professors when life comes up.

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Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

Internships: There are numerous internship opportunities in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati. Students taking this minor have interned with a Private Investigator, learning the behind the scenes of working on a cold case. Other opportunities include working with the United State Postal Inspection Service and local Police Department. Students are encouraged to participate in an internship that helps them learn more about the field.
Career Explorations: Our students explore careers in and out of the classroom. You’ll do everything from hearing from working professionals in various careers to participating in experiential learning through internships and study abroad opportunities. Students with this major choose careers as Forensic Scientist, Criminal Investigator, Evidence Technician, Digital Forensics Engineer, etc.
More options:  Students interested in the Criminalistic minor are encouraged to major in a science related major such as chemistry, biology, anthropology, computer science, psychology, or a health-related major such as neuroscience, social work, health science etc. to compliment your interest in forensic science. Consult with the criminalistic minor advisor for more information on program recommendations.