2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Oct 15, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Forensic Science, B.S.


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STEM Designation: This program is STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)-designated by the Department of Homeland Security. For more information, please see https://www.newhaven.edu/admissions/stem-designated-programs.php

As a forensic science major, students will learn to use science and technology to uncover evidence that can "testify" in court and impact criminal or civil cases. Students will sharpen their observational skills and learn how to identify and interpret physical evidence.

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:

Students will ...

1. Perform forensic laboratory examinations.

2. Assess the limitations of forensic techniques.

3. Interpret forensic science analytical data.

4. Critically evaluate forensic situations for ethical and professional responsibilities.

5. Perform crime scene investigation.

University Core Curriculum


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

Chemistry-emphasis students additionally complete the following:


Biology-emphasis students additionally complete the following:


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. 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 direct entry option with the Chemistry program as early as possible in order to plan an appropriate schedule during years three and four.

Direct Entry BS in Forensic Science/MS in Cellular and Molecular Biology


The direct entry combined BS Forensic Science/MS Cellular and Molecular Biology degree program is available to qualified forensic science majors during the sophomore year. Graduate-level cellular and molecular biology courses are taken during the senior year that count toward the MS in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Students graduate with a BS in Forensic Science following their fourth year and in the fifth year students complete the MS Cellular and Molecular Biology 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 Cellular and Molecular Biology 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 direct entry option with the Cellular and Molecular Biology program as early as possible in order to plan an appropriate schedule during years three and four.

Direct Entry BS in Forensic Science/MS in Environmental Science


The direct entry combined BS Forensic Science/MS Environmental Science degree program is available to qualified forensic science majors during the sophomore year. Graduate-level environmental science courses are taken during the senior year that count toward the MS in Environmental Science. Students graduate with a BS in Forensic Science following their fourth year and in the fifth year students complete the MS Environmental Science 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 Environmental Science 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 direct entry option with the Environmental Science program as early as possible in order to plan an appropriate schedule during years three and four.

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