The Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, established in 2023 at St. Xavier’s Institution, is dedicated to advancing criminological studies and imparting comprehensive knowledge of forensic science. As a Jesuit institution, we are deeply committed to making these fields accessible to all students, particularly those from rural and marginalized communities, thereby breaking the stereotype that criminology and forensic science are exclusive disciplines reserved for the privileged.
Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to offer advanced subjects that delve into the significance of criminological research, the nature of crime, the social and legal dimensions of criminality, interdisciplinary approaches, forensic science applications, and hands-on training with modern techniques in well-equipped laboratories.
The curriculum is developed in close collaboration with the Board of Studies, with input from eminent experts in criminology, victimology, forensic science, psychology, and sociology, including specialists in cybercrime and legal advisors. This curriculum prepares students for diverse career paths, including roles in research institutions, police departments, forensic science, private detective agencies, international and national NGOs, state and central government service commissions, and uniformed services.
The inception of this Department was driven by a visionary mission, endorsed by Rev. Fr. Dr. V. Henry Jerome, former Rector of St. Xavier’s Institution and an esteemed scholar in cybercrime. This vision was further supported by Rev. Fr. Dr. G. Pushparaj, S.J., Secretary, and Rev. Fr. Dr. S. Mariadoss, S.J., former Principal of St. Xavier’s College.
The department is led by Dr. G. Shunmuga Sundaram, Ph.D., the founding Head of the Department, who leads a team of dedicated faculty members. Currently, the team is focused on cutting-edge research in local and regional crimes and the application of forensic science at all levels of research. The department is also planning to establish partnerships with global universities and research centers specializing in victimology, penology, and social studies.
To foster active participation and leadership skills, the department has established the Criminology and Forensic Science Association (CFSA). This student forum empowers students to take on voluntary roles, organize seminars, host guest lectures, and coordinate events, contributing to their personal and professional growth.
The department takes pride in grooming students to present their research at both national and international conferences, and encourages them to organize similar events within our institution.
We actively encourage our students to pursue careers in various police departments, including state and national-level bureaus like the State Police, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and National Investigation Agency (NIA), as well as in state-level organizations, NGOs, and private detective and security agencies.
Looking ahead, the department is planning to sign MoUs with various government and private institutions for teaching forensic science and enhancing laboratory facilities. We are working on establishing postgraduate and research institutes specializing in criminological studies, developing forensic incubation facilities, and offering specialized certificate courses in fingerprint analysis and criminalistics in the near future.