Program Overview

Forensic Science Program

College of Humanities and Sciences

The Department of Forensic Science offers programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees. The Bachelor of Science is for students who plan a career or graduate study in the forensic sciences. The forensic science program provides students with fundamental learning in forensic laboratory analyses and crime scene investigation, with academic emphasis in biology, chemistry, and criminal justice.

Concentrations

• Forensic Biology
• Forensic Chemistry
• Physical Evidence

Program Description

The program offers three concentrations: forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and physical evidence. Students will select one of the three concentrations prior to the second semester of their sophomore year. The B.S. in Forensic Science supplies students with the necessary skills for professional careers in forensic laboratories, public and private, basic research laboratories, clinical laboratories, and/or to pursue graduate studies.

Career Opportunities

Students will be prepared for graduate study or careers in the chemical analysis of forensic evidence, including areas of drug analysis, toxicology, and trace evidence analysis. Students will also be prepared for work in private analytical laboratories.

Bachelor-Level Job Titles

• Chemical Equipment Operator and Technician
• Chemical Technician
• Fire Investigator
• Food Science Technician
• Pharmacy Technician
• Quality Control Systems Manager
• Secondary School Teacher

Graduate and Professional Level Job Titles

• Chemist
• Forensic Toxicologist
• Medical Examiner
• Psychiatrist

Professional Associations and Resources

• American Academy of Forensic Sciences
• American Chemical Society
• Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
• Society of Forensic Toxicologists

Degree Requirements

The highest level of math required is MATH 201 or higher, and STAT 314. Five or more additional science courses are required. Foreign language requirements apply, and additional tuition/fees are required. The GPA requirement to progress/graduate in the major is 2.0.

Plan of Study

The plan of study includes the following courses:

• Year 1: MATH 200, CHEM/Z 101, CHEM/Z 102, and BIOL/Z 151. Forensic Biology complete BIOL/Z 152.
• Year 2: CHEM/Z 301, CHEM/Z 302, FRSC 300. Forensic Biology complete BIOL 310.
• Year 3: Forensic Biology complete FRSC 385, BIOZ 476, and CHEM 403. Physical Evidence complete CHEM/Z 309, FRSC 309, and 365. Forensic Chemistry complete CHEM/Z 309 and CHEM/Z 303.
• Year 4: Physical Evidence complete FRSC 410, FRSC 412. Forensic Chemistry complete CHEM/Z 409 and FRSC/Z 400. All FRSC concentrations complete FRSC 490.

Research Areas

Students will have opportunities to engage in research and create content for their ePortfolio. They can present their research at conferences or meetings, such as the UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium.