About the School of Forensic Sciences
Mission
It is the mission of the School of Forensic Sciences to provide an effective learning and research environment for students and practitioners of forensic science.
Vision
- Facilitate education and research experiences that develop students and practitioners as lifelong learners and innovators in this field.
- Collaborate with institutions and individuals engaged in the practice of forensic science to enrich the student learning experience.
- Provide a continuing supply of highly qualified forensic scientists to enhance the overall quality of forensic disciplines.
- Capitalize on new opportunities arising in forensic sciences such as the prevention and early detection of bio-terrorism, research on improvised explosive devices and death scene investigation.
- Exploit emerging technologies to lead in the delivery of forensic science education to students and professionals worldwide.
- Wherever possible pursue and support cross-disciplinary collaborations that strengthen the program and enrich the graduate education process.
Values
The core values of the School of Forensic Sciences include diligence, creative thought, ethical behavior, and quality in the performance of duties. The School will also strive to instill in each student the desire to remain a lifelong learner.
History
In 2009, a partnership between Oklahoma State University and the City of Tulsa resulted the completion of a $43 million facility with office space, classrooms and laboratories at the OSU Center for Health Sciences. The facility serves as home to the Schools of Forensic Sciences and Biomedical Sciences, and the Tulsa Police Department’s Forensic Laboratory.
In 2016, an old fire station was remodeled to become become a crime scene investigation house on campus. The facility is used for student education and practitioner training.
In 2017, the School of Forensic Sciences aquired approximately 300 acres of Oklahoma land being developed as an explosives range and an outdoor laboratory for research on such areas as body decomposition, forensic archeology and forensic entomology.