CSI:MTSU

CSI:MTSU Camp

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CSI:MTSU Camp 2025

Attendees will participate in lab activities and mock criminal investigations in order to learn about forensic science. The camp allows students to explore many unique career possibilities in forensic science by providing a ‘real life’ reason to tackle higher-level math and science courses, develop skills in teamwork, learn to observe and interpret details, and hone critical thinking and presentation skills. The participants work in groups and present their findings to family, friends, and judges on the last afternoon of the camp. 

CSI:MTSU is a DAY camp that is designed for rising 9th through 12th graders. MTSU’s CSI Summer Camp is a four-day long experiential course that teaches basic forensic science principles through lectures, hands-on exercises, and the investigation of a mock crime scene.  The lectures are delivered by working professionals and may include a variety of forensic disciplines, such as DNA testing, fingerprint analysis, blood pattern analysis, anthropology, odontology, forensic psychology, and shoe wear and impression evidence.  The camp culminates in the participants working in teams to process a mock crime scene with the goal of solving the case and then presenting their findings to a panel of “judges.”

In order to make the camp as realistic as possible, the case scenarios employed in the mock crime scenes may touch on a variety of areas and topics, such as homicide, kidnapping, domestic violence, and drug use. 

Please be aware that some individuals may find the depiction of these topics in a mock scenario upsetting and are cautioned in advance. 

The cost of the camp is $275.00 per participant.  This includes all camp activities, labs, lunch, snacks, and a t-shirt.  

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships (some partial) for CSI:MTSU Camp have been made available due to the generosity and support from alumni, donors, and friends of FIRE.

To apply for a scholarship, please email a simple 1-2 paragraph statement to fire@mtsu.edu with the word “Scholarship” on the subject line that includes:

1. Why you are interested in CSI camp
2. Distance the student has to travel to attend camp
3. Grade the student will be attending in the fall
4. The student’s interests and any future career goals they may have at this point
5. Any other information you feel may be pertinent

Scholarship request decisions will usually be made within two weeks of the request, and the applicant will be notified via the email address the request was sent from.

Register For Camp HERE

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Each student is trained in the fundamental processes of collecting evidence including DNA, fingerprints, hair and fibers, simulated blood spatter, and shoe prints. Additionally, they learn how to process the evidence, conduct interviews, and formulate theories while working within a team environment.

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During the last afternoon of the camp, teams make a presentation detailing their theories of the crime and the conclusions that are reached. Team conclusions are critiqued by a panel of judges. Parents are welcome to come to the last camp session.

“This camp was a great opportunity for me to steal a glimpse into various forensic careers and see all the exciting things they do each and every day. I have been considering a job in forensics, and this camp let me step into their shoes for a week and experience it first-hand. I would like to thank you so much for allowing me to attend the CSI camp. It was a rewarding experience that I will never forget.” ~Former Camper

 Questions? Email us at fire@mtsu.edu