Universities.com scored the University of New Haven as the No. 1 forensic science school in the country, grading their career preparation as an “A+.”

The first-place ranking also included “A” level grades for students and culture, facilities and activities and groups, making the overall “excellent” threshold.

The Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences offers a total of six forensic science degree programs, including an undergraduate degree with an option of a chemistry or biology concentration and masters degrees in forensic science and forensic technology. The program is also accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission.

In addition to the college itself, named after the forensic science pillar, Henry C. Lee, the campus also hosts the Henry C. Lee Institute, also known as Gehring Hall. At the bottom level of this building, there is a forensic technology lab including high-technological equipment such as the SICAR footwear impression system and the Integrated-Ballistics Identification System. On the top floor is Lee’s office, where–although retired–he conducts business and hosts an annual Advanced Homicide Investigation Symposium, the 44th being hosted on Dec. 11.

Although a pillar of the college, Lee is not the only field-experienced individual that students reap the benefits of. Michael Niedziejko, senior forensic science student, said one of the reasons he is generally pleased with the quality of his education is because of this faculty expertise.

“The faculty within the department allows for a more realistic expectation of a potential future career in a field related to forensic science,” he said.

Another factor to his satisfaction includes the plentiful resources and experiential learning. He specifically attributed his success to the Center for Learning Resources.

“The forensic science program has done well to provide a unique education that I don’t think I could get at another institution,” said Niedziejko.

With all of this in mind, Niedziejko said he has a good idea of what he wants to do with his career, and exactly what it might look like in the real world, thanks to the hands-on experience, particularly in upper-level courses.