Program Overview

---

Forensic Science (Death Investigations), BS

The Bachelor of Science program in forensic science with a concentration in death investigations is built on a solid foundation of anatomy, biology, and chemistry, which develop students' basic and upper-level laboratory skills. Students complete holistic, rigorous coursework in the natural and mathematical sciences to prepare to enter a competitive workforce.

Program Description

Forensic science is the application of science to the law or legal procedures. The medicolegal death investigation system is responsible for conducting investigations that certify the cause and manner of death in unnatural or unexplained circumstances --- those associated with forensic investigations.

At a Glance

• College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
• Location: West Valley or Online, ASU Local
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
• First required math course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences
• Math intensity: Moderate

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Global Opportunities

Studying abroad enables students in the forensic science program to learn about science and law enforcement in other countries.

Career Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics assigns most categories of death investigators to the "forensic science technician" category. According to the bureau, the median annual salary for these professionals in 2021 was $61,930. The profession is projected to grow 14% by 2033 --- much faster than the annual average. About 2,500 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

• Career | Growth | Median salary
  • Anthropologist/Archeologist | 3.7% | $64,910
  • Anthropology Professor | 2.7% | $95,770
  • Biological Scientist (General) | 1.2% | $93,330
  • Crime Scene Investigator | 12.8% | $67,440
  • Field Researcher | -5.2% | $63,380
  • Forensic Specialist | -0.7% | $93,580
  • Forest Ranger | 14.6% | $52,380
  • Medical Scientist | 8.7% | $100,590
  • Medical Social Worker | 7.7% | $68,090
  • Pathologist | 4.2% | Not available

STEM-OPT for International Students on F-1 Visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.