Villa Maria College has announced the launch of its newest academic program: Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). This innovative program is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in a field that is growing significantly faster than average and offers an average salary that is higher than the national average for all occupations.
The CSI program offers students over 400 hours of hands-on experience and an additional 120+ hours spent in an internship. The curriculum is built on a multidisciplinary foundation that integrates crime scene processing, evidence collection, forensic photography, and digital forensics, legal studies, and more ensuring graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of roles in both public and private sectors.
“We are committed to creating academic programs that respond directly to community needs,” said President Matthew Giordano, Ph.D. The launch of our Crime Scene Investigation program reflects that commitment by equipping students with the hands-on skills, ethical grounding, and real-world experience they need to serve their communities and thrive in a growing field. It’s another way we’re providing opportunities for students to make have a meaningful impact.”
Villa Maria College has invested in cutting-edge laboratory facilities and forensic equipment to support the new program. Inside Felician Hall, CSI students will work in five brand new mock crime scene rooms. Full of hair and fibers, clothing and furniture, blood stains, mannequins, and other trace and impression evidence, students will work in real-world conditions to identify, collect, and analyze. The program also teaches crime scene photography, fingerprinting, blood splatter analysis, firearms, computer crimes, and more.
The program was developed by Mary Ann Hobar, who will also teach its core classes. Hobar brings 45 years of experience in law enforcement and academia to Villa Maria. Throughout her career, Hobar has worked on countless crime scenes, trained law enforcement professionals, and more. She continues to mentor students into successful careers.
“Everything students see on TV, we’ll do for real,” said Hobar. “From photographing a scene and collecting DNA to analyzing bloodstains and lifting fingerprints, our CSI program isn’t just theory. Students will spend over 400 hours practicing real-world crime scene investigation skills. Whether it’s casting footprints, documenting evidence, or conducting interviews, they’re learning exactly what professionals in the field do every day. When they graduate, they’re not just prepared — they’re in demand.”
Villa’s CSI students will also benefit from partnerships with local law enforcement and forensic agencies, and guest lectures from professionals working in the field.
The Crime Scene Investigation major adds to Villa Maria’s growing list of career-focused programs aimed at preparing students for high-demand fields. Enrollment for the Fall 2025 semester is now open.
For more information about the CSI major and admissions, visit www.villa.edu/academics/csi or contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected].
