Natural Sciences & Mathematics Programs
FORENSIC SCIENCE
The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary program that blends the sciences with curriculum from criminal justice and psychology and prepares graduates for positions working as crime science or lab technicians, and specialized positions including crime scene investigation, Forensic DNA, Forensic chemistry, trace evidence, firearms examination, questioned document, fingerprints, arson, and drug analysis.
This degree is intended to provide students with a well-rounded, hands-on forensic science education in order to prepare students for entrance into a graduate-level educational program, and/or entry-level professional careers in public and private forensic laboratories, federal, state, or local government/law enforcement, military, homeland security and intelligence agencies.
Features of this program include curriculum that offers hands-on training with crime scene techniques and crime laboratory methodologies, simulated crime scene projects, and courses taught by current and/or former professional practitioners from various agencies and laboratories.
Program Learning Outcome
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science students will be able to:
To introduce students to fundamental concepts, theories, and principles in the physical and biological sciences.
Developing hands-on laboratory and practical research skills, including emphasizing the role of quality assurance and objectivity in scientific data collection and how these relate to the system of professional ethics in science.
A solid, specialized and general science background in chemistry and other sciences appropriate to an applied forensic science degree.
An understanding of the criminal justice system and legal applications of science.
Well-developed analytical and critical thinking skills.
Grade Minimum: Forensic Science majors must earn a minimum grade of C- in all science pre-requisite and requisite courses. Note: For course descriptions outside of Forensic Science please see the respective department listings.
Honors in Forensic Science
To qualify for honors in Forensic Science the following criteria must be met:
Maintain a 3.5 GPA overall + 3.5 GPA in Forensic Science major
Complete application (Recommendation from faculty)
Complete the Science Communications course with B+ or better
Complete Independent Research course with B+ or better
Complete Honors Research + Senior Honors Thesis (4 cr) with a B+ or better
Forensic Science Curriculum | Credits |
|---|---|
PREREQUISITES: | |
BIOL 1055 Introduction to Organisms (includes Laboratory) | 4 |
BIOL 1065 Introduction to Molecules and Cells (includes Laboratory) | 4 |
CHEM 1010, 1110 Introductory Chemistry I, with Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM 1020, 1120 Introductory Chemistry II, with Laboratory | 4 |
| 16 |
REQUIREMENTS FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE MAJOR: | |
FSC 1700 Forensic Photography | 3 |
FSC 2700, 2701 Forensic Science I (includes Laboratory) | 4 |
FSC 2710 Forensic Science II (includes laboratory) | 4 |
FSC 3700 Forensic Science Case Investigations | 3 |
BIOL 2900 or FSC 4010 Independent Research | 1 |
BIOL 2040, 2140 Microbiology for Science majors (includes Laboratory) | 4 |
BIOL 2100 Genetics (includes Laboratory) | 4 |
BIOL 3900 Junior and Senior Seminar | 2 |
BIOL 4000 Research Communication | 1 |
CHEM 2030, 2130 Analytical Chemistry, with Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM 2510, 2610 Organic Chemistry I, with Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM 2520, 2620 Organic Chemistry II, with Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS 2010 Physics I (includes Laboratory) | 4 |
PHYS 2020 Physics II (includes Laboratory) | 4 |
MATH 1150 Statistics I | 3 |
MATH 2130 Calculus I | 3 |
| 52 |
REQUIREMENTS IN RELATED AREAS: | |
CJ 1000 Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
CJ 2018 Ethics and the Criminal Justice System | 3 |
CJ 2030 Criminal Procedure | 3 |
PSY 1030 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
PSY 2310 Psychology of Criminal Behavior | 3 |
| 15 |
Requirements for Forensic Science Minor: | |
BIOL 1065 Introduction to Molecules and Cells (includes Laboratory) | 4 |
or | |
BIOL 1075, 1175 Anatomy & Physiology I, with Laboratory |
|
CHEM 1010, 1110 Introductory Chemistry I, with Laboratory | 4 |
or | |
CHEM 1001, 1002 Chemical Concepts, with Laboratory |
|
CJ 1000 Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
PSY 1030 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
FSC 2700, 2701 Forensic Science I (includes Laboratory) | 4 |
FSC 2710 Forensic Science II (includes laboratory) | 4 |
| 22 |