Program Overview

Introduction to the Undergraduate Forensic Science Program

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Forensic Science, designed to provide students with a high-quality and well-rounded experience. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete for positions in forensic science or pursue further education at the graduate level.

What is Forensic Science?

Forensic science is the application of science to the law. Forensic scientists analyze and classify physical evidence related to criminal investigations, and the forensic science community seeks highly trained professionals who possess the required skills. Forensic scientists play an integral role in the judiciary system as advocates for the evidence, and some serve as specialists in an area of expertise, such as toxicology, ignitable liquids, explosives, and fingerprints.

Forensic Science in the Department of Chemistry at UCF

The UCF Forensic Science Program welcomes undergraduate majors in either the forensic chemistry or the forensic biochemistry track. The baccalaureate degree program, started in 1974, has common entry, general education, science, and forensic discipline subjects, differing only in the upper-level classes. The forensic chemistry track emphasizes the application of modern chromatographic, spectroscopic, and micro-analytical techniques to problems in forensic science. The forensic biochemistry track has a strong biochemistry-DNA focus to serve the needs of supervisory personnel in DNA sections of crime laboratories.

Mission Statement

The mission of the UCF Forensic Science B.S. Program is to provide a high-quality and well-rounded experience for its students that will allow them to compete for positions in forensic science and/or to prepare them for education at the graduate level.

Programs, Goals, and Objectives

The program has two tracks: Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Biochemistry. The objectives of the Forensic Science B.S. programs are to graduate students who:

• Are competent in the theory, operation, and data interpretation for instruments used in forensic laboratories
• Have an in-depth understanding of Chemistry and the ability to apply this information to the field of forensics
• Are able to plan, conduct, and evaluate scientific investigations
• Demonstrate proficiency in scientific writing
• Effectively present scientific information
• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and legal issues essential to the field of forensic science
• Have engaged in high-impact practices and integrative experiences that support lifelong learning

Forensic Science, B.S. Chemistry Track Requirements

This track is designed to allow students the flexibility to prepare for multiple careers in forensics through the selection of restricted elective courses. Students should be advised that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment.

Forensic Science, B.S. Biochemistry Track Requirements

This track is designed to align students with specific courses necessary for the examination of DNA and other biochemical evidence. Students should be advised that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment.

Student Achievement

The UCF Forensic Science baccalaureate program began in 1974 with the first degree awarded in 1977. Since the program began, 831 B.S. degrees have been awarded. Over the past three years, graduates have reported employment in various fields, including crime labs, graduate or professional programs, laboratories other than forensic science related, crime scene, military or law enforcement, and other employment.

Employment and Graduate School Placement

Graduates of the program have been successful in securing employment in their field, with many going on to work in crime labs, attend graduate or professional programs, or find employment in related fields.

Number of Graduates

The number of graduates from the program has been steadily increasing, with 32 graduates in 2022-2023, 38 graduates in 2023-2024, and 66 graduates in 2024-2025.

Recent Forensic Science Internships and Capstone Projects

Students in the program have participated in internships and capstone projects with various organizations, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, District of Columbia Department of Forensic Science, and DNA Labs International. Capstone research projects have included topics such as the isolation of sperm fraction in sexual assault evidence, method development for the analysis of mixed-DNA samples, and the investigation of the effects of damage sustained by a hair due to bleach and hair dye.

Undergraduate Forensic Science Advising

The College of Sciences Advising Services provides academic assistance to undergraduate students within the College of Sciences. The Forensic Science Undergraduate Coordinator, Dr. Tamra Legron-Rodriguez, is available to advise students on major-specific questions, class scheduling, course content questions, internships, independent studies, and career information.