LSCO Launches New Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Programs for Fall 2025
July 22, 2025
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is thrilled to introduce the Forensic Science Program to the Criminal Justice Program in fall 2025. This new program will offer a Forensic Science Certificate as well as a Criminal and Forensic Science Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
In addition to these two new options, the Criminal Justice Program offers a Criminal Justice Associate of Science degree, Criminal Justice Certificate, and a Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Certificate. The Forensic Science Program was developed to meet the needs of students looking to explore unique aspects of the criminal justice system.
Criminal Justice Program Director, Hallie Gates, has been eager to provide this opportunity at LSCO since she saw an interest in forensics from her past dual enrolled students. “I taught high school dual credit courses a few years ago, and all my students loved forensics. That’s when the interest started for me,” Gates said. “Then, when I got to LSCO two years ago, I began to hear about a professor who taught forensics here before COVID-19. Many students, faculty and staff recounted how much they loved it. When I’m hearing about this from so many different angles, I knew it was something I needed to pursue.”
The Forensic Science Program will feature new, specialized courses like criminalistics, cybercrime, and death investigation. Each of these classes promotes hands-on learning and provide opportunities for students to apply knowledge directly in the classroom.
Career opportunities for forensic science majors are expansive across the criminal justice system. Graduates can perform a variety of duties that can be utilized in police departments, federal agencies, and forensic facilities. A few common career paths include Crime Scene Technician, Forensic Technician, Crime Scene Investigators and Evidence Room Specialists.
The Forensic Science Certificate is a stackable credential, leading into the Criminal and Forensic Science AAS. This program consists of two semesters totaling 24 credit hours. This includes one work-based learning experience completed during a student’s second semester.
The Criminal and Forensic Science AAS consists of four semesters with a total of 60 credit hours upon completion. This program also includes one work-based learning experience.
Meet the newest members of the team:
Meet Matthew Frederick, soon-to-be adjunct instructor in the Forensic Science Program.
Frederick currently serves as a Lieutenant at West Orange Police Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Political Science from Lamar University, an Executive Master of Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M University, and a Doctor of Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University, accompanied by 15 licenses and certifications. He has accumulated over 30 years of work experience including time at Orange County Ambulance Service, Vinton Police Department and West Orange Police Department. He is heavily involved in the community, volunteering his time as an Orange County Youth Soccer Board Member, Spindletop Youth Soccer Association Board Member, and serving on the Little Cypress- Mauriceville CISD School Board.
“I’m beyond excited about this new program,” Frederick said. “From the investigation side to the police side, this is right in my wheelhouse and I’m excited to teach the next generation.”
Meet Antonio Mitchell, the Forensic Science Program’s other soon-to-be adjunct instructor.
Mitchell is a Firefighter at the Port Arthur Fire Department. He has an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Lamar Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management from West Texas A&M University, and Master of Public Administration from Sam Houston State University, along with a multitude of certifications. Mitchell has 20 years of experience as a first responder and firefighter and approximately 15 years focusing on the law enforcement side of the fire department. He is involved in a local fraternity spanning across the Golden Triangle, where he helps feed the homeless, raise funds for scholarships, and network with others in the area. He enjoys serving those around him with his fraternity chapter.
“I am very excited to begin teaching here,” Mitchell said. “I want to provide hands-on learning opportunities to my students as well as using my connections in the community to help them network locally.”