Testimonials

Amanda Pennington, M.S.

Forensic DNA Analyst

Amanda Pennington, M.S.

How are you using your degree?

“I am currently working as a Forensic DNA Analyst, so I use my degree every day! I was working while I obtained my degree, which is something else I loved about the program. I was able to complete the courses while working full time.”

MANDA PENNINGTON, M.S.

Has the program helped you in your current job or day-to-day activities?

“Saying this program helped me in my day-to-day activities would actually be an understatement. It provided me with a wealth of knowledge in my field, which I have been able to apply in my laboratory.”

” The University of Florida provided so many opportunities to connect with other students, even online. Even though I wasn’t on campus, I felt like a Gator, through and through!”


Amanda Pennington, M.S.

Forensic Science Online


Joseph Pasternak, M.S.

DNA Supervisor and Technical Leader
State of Montana Forensic Science Division

Joseph Pasternak, M.S.

How did you like the online learning format?

“It really made the whole program for me. You know, I was married with a full-time job and two daughters. There was no time to go to school and report in person. Although there are due dates and we had to do a lot of assignments for each course, it was on my time. I was able to work at my own pace.”

Joseph Pasternak, M.S.

How has the Forensic Science Online Graduate Program impacted your career?

“I dove deeper into a lot of the processes and methods that we did in the lab. I started doing more validations here in the lab. Then when I finished my program, I was fully eligible to become a technical leader and by a stroke of fate my technical leader at the time was offered a director position in the laboratory. I applied for and got promoted to his position. It was life-changing for me to have that opportunity.

“I applied for and got promoted to his position. It was life-changing for me to have that opportunity.”


Joseph Pasternak, M.S.

Forensic Science Online


Brad H. Baugh, Ph.D.

Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator
Washington State University

Brad H. Baugh, Ph.D.

How has your degree affected your career after graduating?

“I have been able to directly apply what I’ve learned to my work with hazardous chemicals, especially when dealing with accidents. At first, I was a bit skeptical about distance learning. I was worried the degree wouldn’t be held in high regard compared to my on-campus degrees. But that concern was put to rest when, after completing the program, I applied for Washington State University’s Affective Neuroscience Ph.D. program. My transcripts were accepted across the board.”

BRAD H. BAUGH, PH.D.

What was your favorite part of the program?

I believe one of the greatest benefits of the UF program is the friends you make. You actually get more comradery with your fellow students and teachers online than you do in an on-campus situation. ”

“I was 68 years old with M.S. degrees in Biology and Developmental Psychology, a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, and bachelor degrees in Nursing, Psychology and Zoology, when I enrolled in the Forensic Toxicology Distance program.”


Brad H. Baugh, Ph.D.

Forensic Science Online


Tate Yeatman, M.S.

Crime Laboratory Director
Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office

Tate Yeatman, M.S.

Why did you select UF to continue your forensic science studies?

“I had been working in the field of forensics for approximately four years and had a desire to continue my education. However, my work obligations, along with raising a young family, prohibited me from pursuing an advanced degree through the traditional route. The University of Florida offered one of the first programs where working professionals could pursue a master’s degree through an online platform.”

Tate Yeatman, M.S.

What was your favorite part of the program?

“My favorite part of the program was the flexibility it offered. The faculty understood that I, like many of the students in the program, [was] trying to balance coursework and [my] career and were always understanding when “life” got in the way of getting an assignment in on time.”

“Stop procrastinating and apply. In the field of forensic science, an advanced degree will not only open doors to a multitude of career opportunities but will also elevate your credibility as an expert in the field.”


Tate Yeatman, M.S.

Forensic Science Online


Nancy Kochis, M.S.

Forensic Science Educator
 LaSalle-Peru High School 

Nancy Kochis, M.S.

What advice do you have for someone interested in taking University of Florida’s online master’s degree in forensic science?

“I definitely advise high school teachers, especially, to take the online master’s degree from the University of Florida. This degree has given me the confidence to teach the subject to my students. Since then I went on through the college to receive a Death Investigation Certificate. I take many classes through various forensic organizations and online. I try to keep abreast of up-to-date topics in the field so that I can bring [them] to my students. I belong to the IAI and the Global Society of Forensic Sciences. I also occasionally attend conferences through the AAFS.”

NANCY KOCHIS, M.S.

Do you have any time management insights that you can share?

“This online program was challenging for me because I not only taught full-time at the high school, but I taught at the junior college at night during this time. I also have three grandchildren that I am very involved with, I belong to several committees at school and I am the sophomore class advisor. However, I was very determined to do well in my courses. I also had great support from my husband. He knew that I was determined to get a degree in forensic science. Having the passion for learning and the forensic sciences also helped me succeed.

“I really believe that public schools should offer more science classes, especially forensic science, even if it is a semester class. I have three full-sized and one year-long forensic science classes.”


Nancy Kochis, M.S.

Forensic Science Online