Professional Testimonials

We know our Master of Science in Forensic Science program is one of the best in the country, but we don’t want you to just take our word for it. See what professionals in the field think about our program.

Cedar Crest College sets benchmarks in creating the leaders of tomorrow

“I have been involved in the forensic sciences since 1974. I have met many forensic scientists over those many years and been exposed to academic programs which teach the basics of forensic science. In fact, I was privileged to have served as an adjunct instructor teaching forensic science for four years following my retirement as the laboratory director of a forensic science laboratory on the federal level. I feel as though I have the knowledge and experience to express an opinion about the forensic science program at Cedar Crest College.

The first requirement for credibility in any forensic science academic program is that those in charge must have had significant experience in real-world forensic science laboratories prior to setting foot into the classroom. The second requirement is that these same leaders in the classroom must have been leaders in their laboratories. The third requirement is that the program must be grounded in the real world of forensic science as it actually exists, while at the same time providing students the opportunities to expand upon and enhance the scientific methods required to address the needs of the sciences in the coming decades. The faculty must instill in the students the recognition that “good enough” today will not be “good enough” when the time comes to work in a forensic science laboratory. Theoretical research is commendable; however, research which is focused on addressing the specifics in sometimes controversial forensic science disciplines is what separates commendable programs from those which will provide tomorrow’s leaders in forensic science.

Professors Larry Quarino and Thomas Brettell have established a program at Cedar Crest College that sets benchmarks for separating good forensic science programs from those that will lead the way in providing the leaders of tomorrow in our laboratories. I have spoken on many occasions with the students and faculty at Cedar Crest. I am convinced that the Cedar Crest mind-set of “doing it right” and “doing it better” exists because Larry and Tom have incorporated these requirements for looking past the “world of what is” to the “world of what should be” into their forensic science presentation in classroom. More importantly, after attending technical presentations of Cedar Crest students at national and regional forensic science symposia, I am convinced that the students who have had the courage to stand in front of audiences with more experience and spoken about their research, have also adopted this mindset. I am honored to call these two gentlemen my friends because their approaches to the enhancement of forensic science are genuine and grounded in reality.”

Joseph P. Bono
Past- President
American Academy of Forensic Sciences

Best prepared students

“The graduate students at Cedar Crest College are top notch. As an internship coordinator in a forensic laboratory, I deal with students from many different colleges and universities. The Cedar Crest students are, in my opinion, some of the most knowledgeable and best prepared students that I have dealt with.”

Ted R. Schwartz, MS, FABC
Past-President
Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists