Fresno State will be offering a new forensic behavioral sciences degree program in the fall, which is believed to be the only such program in the country, according to a university news release.

The criminology department developed the program’s curriculum in recent years with the objective of it eventually becoming a standalone major to further distinguish it from the other departments, which include law enforcement, corrections and victimology, the release stated.

“It consists of coursework that will better assist our students to meet the requirements for entrance to graduate and professional programs in forensic-based fields,” Dr. Candice Skrapec, criminology professor and coordinator of the forensic behavioral sciences major, said in the release. “Including forensic psychology, forensic anthropology, forensic social work, forensic nursing, criminology and criminal justice.”

According to the release, there are almost 500 students who are currently involved in the forensic behavioral sciences option in the criminology program, making it the second-most popular choice among criminology students.

“We look forward to serving our department and adding to its reputation as being a leader in criminology,” Skrapec said in the release. “Most of all, we look forward to helping our students realize their full potential as future forensic behavioral sciences professionals.”