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- About
Forensic Science Fellowship
Connecting the Forensic Community
Advance your expertise with this comprehensive, 10-month professional development program that provides an immersive experience covering the entire forensic process.
The Forensic Science Fellowship integrates forensic pathology, anthropology, odontology, medicolegal death investigation, the legal system and disaster victim identification into one comprehensive educational experience.
- Launching February 2027
- Applications open fall 2026
Built for Working Professionals
Our hybrid educational model combines virtual learning with immersive hands-on instruction. Monthly in-person training is conducted in the Oak Ridge area at the National Forensic Academy and Outdoor Forensic Training Facility.
Participants complete approximately 205 continuing education credit hours through:
- Weekly live, virtual lectures.
- Interactive case discussions.
- Laboratory exercises.
- Outdoor field experiences.
- Interdisciplinary workshops.
- Capstone case integration.
Program Overview
Modern forensic investigations rely on collaboration across multiple disciplines. However, many professionals have few opportunities to learn about other forensic specialties.
The Forensic Science Fellowship bridges these gaps through interdisciplinary curriculum that promotes collaboration, strengthens communication and improves the recognition, preservation, interpretation and presentation of forensic evidence.
Participants gain an understanding of how forensic fields intersect. Working together, they ensure forensic evidence is properly recognized, preserved, interpreted and communicated from the crime scene to the courtroom.
Program Benefits
The fellowship provides a broad understanding of the entire forensic process, as well as when different specialties become involved in an investigation. Participants will:
- Develop working knowledge of multiple forensic disciplines.
- Strengthen interdisciplinary communication and collaboration.
- Learn current evidence-based forensic practices.
- Participate in realistic case-based learning.
- Gain hands-on field and laboratory experience.
- Build a professional network of experts across forensic science.
- Enhance decision-making through interdisciplinary problem solving.
The fellowship for professionals involved in forensic investigations, human identification and medicolegal death investigations, including:
- Forensic pathologists
- Medical examiners
- Deputy medical examiners
- Medicolegal death investigators
- Coroners
- Forensic anthropologists
- Forensic odontologists
- Dentists
- Crime scene investigators
- Prosecutors
- Emergency management professionals
- Disaster victim identification personnel
Curriculum is organized into 10 comprehensive modules that progressively build knowledge. Each module integrates a forensic discipline into a single capstone investigation.
- Foundations and Principles
- Death Scene Investigation
- Forensic Pathology
- Disaster Victim Identification
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Odontology
- Legal Considerations and Expert Witness Testimony
Participants complete approximately 205 continuing education credit hours through a combination of virtual instruction, laboratory training, field exercises and interdisciplinary case-based learning.
Continuing education approval is anticipated through applicable accrediting organizations.
Participants learn how forensic pathology, anthropology, odontology, medicolegal death investigation and the legal system work together throughout an investigation.
The program emphasizes how decisions made by one discipline impact the next. By learning alongside experts from multiple specialties, participants develop the knowledge and collaborative skills needed to strengthen evidence handling, improve investigative outcomes and ensure the integrity of forensic evidence from the crime scene to the courtroom.
Participants learn to:
- Strengthen interdisciplinary communication and teamwork.
- Improve evidence recognition, documentation, recovery and preservation.
- Understand the roles of each forensic discipline.
- Recognize when consultation with another specialty is needed.
- Apply a collaborative approach to accurate, ethical and defensible investigations.
Applications are expected to open in Fall 2026 for the inaugural February 2027 cohort.
Enrollment will be limited to maintain an interactive learning environment and maximize hands-on instruction.
Participants must apply for admission. After review by the selection committee, applicants will be notified of their status. Accepted participants will receive an acceptance packet by email.
Tuition: $20,000
Tuition includes:
- Approximately 205 continuing education credit hours (pending approval)
- Live, virtual instruction by nationally recognized faculty
- Hands-on laboratory training
- Outdoor Forensic Training Facility experiences
- Clandestine grave recovery exercises
- Program materials and participant handbook
- Laboratory supplies and training materials
- Capstone case materials
- Certificate of completion
Tuition does not include:
- Travel
- Lodging for in-person sessions
- Meals
- Personal transportation
- Optional recommended textbooks
Many participants may qualify for professional development funding through their employer, agency, institution or continuing education budget.
Organizations interested in sponsoring employees are encouraged to contact Amy Pham for additional information.