The ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´, in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Criminal Justice, is excited to announce the launch of Nevada’s first-ever Forensic Studies Certificate Program. Made possible through a unique partnership with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Division, this innovative program offers students an introduction to the field of forensics, blending liberal arts education in critical thinking, ethics and communication with scientific expertise in biology, chemistry and biochemistry.
“There’s been overwhelming support for this certificate program, driven by the lack of a forensic studies program in Nevada and high student interest," Melissa Jarrell, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, shared. "My colleagues across campus’ support and our partnership with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Division has been vital to its success.”
Forensic Science Division Director Steven Johnson joined in expressing his enthusiasm. “As a Nevada alumnus, I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ to help establish a program of this type," Johnson said. "This partnership allows us to share our knowledge and combined years of experience with students!”
This new program will not only foster a strong partnership with the external community but will also represent interdisciplinary effort across multiple colleges and schools within the University, including the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science, the College of Engineering, the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources and the School of Medicine.
These partners all recognize the growing demand for professionals in the field. According to a recent article by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state and local governments are projected to continue expanding their workforce of forensic science technicians to handle increasing caseloads. This trend is driving the need for skilled technicians to support law enforcement and the legal system ("Forensic Science Technicians," 2025). This Forensic Studies Certificate Program can help students decide if this career path is for them.
“This collaboration allows our analysts to work directly with future law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, attorneys and judges while students gain real-world knowledge on forensics," Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said. "It’s a win-win for both the Sheriff’s Office and the University, and I look forward to it continuing for years to come.”
To learn more about this exciting partnership, join Melissa Jarrell, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, and a distinguished panel of forensic experts from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Division for an engaging discussion on April 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in EJCH 103.
The panel will feature experts such as David Astles, Elise LaRocco, Steven Johnson, Robert M. Thompson and Lisa Smyth-Roam, who will share their knowledge on topics like crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, toxicology, firearms and more. Melissa Jarrell will also offer valuable insights into the new Forensic Studies Certificate Program, now open to all University students. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to hear from industry leaders and learn more about this exciting program!
