Description
The Forensic Science major provides students with a rigorous interdisciplinary foundation in criminal justice, biology, chemistry, and forensic science principles, preparing them for careers in forensic science. The program emphasizes laboratory skills required for entry-level forensic science positions and provides the academic foundation necessary for graduate study in forensic science. Additionally, the curriculum includes prerequisite courses that may fulfill admission requirements for certain medical programs leading to a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, thereby supporting students who wish to pursue careers as medical examiners or other healthcare professionals.
Admission to the Program
Any undergraduate student can declare this major.
Program Requirements
General Education Requirements (31 credits)
Major Department Requirements (89 credits)
Forensic Science Requirements (40 credits)
- ANT 256 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
- ANT 356 Forensic Anthropology Methods
- BIO 302 Genetics
- BIO 315 Cell Biology
- BIO 483 Introduction to Bioinformatics
- CHM 301 Chemical Safety
- CHM 305 Organic Chemistry I
- CHM 306 Organic Chemistry II
- CRJ 304 Investigations
- CRJ 371 Survey in Forensic Science
- CRJ 375 Forensic Law
- CRJ 422 Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
- CRJ 499 Independent Study in Criminal Justice OR
- CRJ 490 Internship in Criminal Justice
Forensic Science Electives (4 credits)
- CHM 467 Biochemistry
- CHM 470 Biochemistry Laboratory OR
- CHM 414 Instrumental Methods II
- CHM 416 Instrumental Methods Laboratory
Pre-requisite and Co-requisite Classes (38-45 credits)
Pre-requisites (19-26 credits)
- BIO 201 Biology I
- BIO 202 Biology II
- CHM 205 College Chemistry
- CHM 206 College Chemistry II
- CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
- MTH 111 College Algebra
- MTH 112 Pre-Calculus
Co-requisites (19 credits)
- CHM 303 Analytical Chemistry OR
- CHM 313 Quantitative Chemical Analysis
- MTH 201 Calculus I
- MTH 243 Elementary Statistics
- PHS 205 Introduction to Physics I
- PHS 210 Introduction to Physics II
Electives (0-7 Credits)
Total Credits (120 Credits)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the completion of the program, successful students will be able to
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the science used in crime detection and prosecution/defense.
- Interpret the scientific analysis of evidence.
- Apply the scientific analysis of evidence to relevant case studies.
- Show the bench skills necessary for the basic analysis of evidence.
- Illustrate the biological and chemical knowledge required for a Forensic Science professional.