Forensic Science, B.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The bachelor of science in forensic science is offered with a choice of two emphasis areas, chemistry or biology, to allow the student to major in forensic science and specialize in an area of interest.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES:

1. Students will be able to apply basic scientific principles to address problems encountered by forensic scientists.

2. Students will demonstrate the ability to successfully carry out a wide variety of forensic laboratory examinations and understand the range and limitations of these techniques.

3. Students will demonstrate the ability to perform forensic science analysis or related research in real life situations.

4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of legal procedures, rules of evidence, ethical and professional duties and responsibilities of the forensic scientist.

University Core Curriculum

The completion of 40 credits of University Core Curriculum with the following restrictions is required:

CC 1: ENGL 1112 or ENGL 1113
CC 2: COMM 1130
CC 3:MATH 1117 and MATH 1118 and MATH 2228
CC 3 (Chemistry Concentration only): MATH 2203
CC 4: CHEM 1115 and CHEM 1117
CC 5: UNIV 1141
CC 6: any course approved for competency 6
CC 7: CJST 1100
CC 8: any course approved for competency 8
CC 9: any course approved for competency 9

Required Courses

Students earning the B.S. degree in Forensic Science must complete 122 - 123 credits, including the University Core Curriculum and the following courses:

Chemistry-emphasis students additionally complete the following:

CHEM 3331 - Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 3333 - Lab CHEM 3331
CHEM 3332 - Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 3334 - Lab CHEM 3332
Plus three restricted electives (FORS, BIOL or CHEM) chosen through discussion with advisor
Plus two free electives

Biology-emphasis students additionally complete the following:

BIOL 3306 - Genetics
BIOL 3311 - Molecular Biology
Plus three restricted electives (FORS, BIOL or CHEM) chosen through discussion with advisor
Plus two free electives

Direct Entry BS in Forensic Science/MS in Chemistry

The direct entry combined BS Forensic Science/MS Chemistry degree program is available to qualified forensic science majors during the sophomore year. Five graduate-level chemistry courses are taken during the senior year that count toward the MS in Chemistry. Students graduate with a BS in Forensic Science following their fourth year and in the fifth year students complete the MS Chemistry degree by taking the remainder of the graduate-level courses.

To qualify, students must apply for admission no later than two semesters prior to the anticipated fulfillment of the BS Forensic Science degree requirements typically in the sophomore or junior year, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of application to the accelerated program, and complete a recommendation form signed by the Forensic Science Academic Advisor and the Chemistry Program Coordinator. A minimum grade of B- is required in each of the graduate courses taken during the senior year in order for them to apply to the graduate program. Students must also have an overall GPA of 3.0 in the graduate courses in order to continue into the fifth year. It is highly recommended that interested students discuss the accelerated option with the Chemistry program as early as possible in order to plan an appropriate schedule during years three and four.