BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

Forensic Science is the area of natural sciences that relies on applying scientific methods and various laboratory techniques to investigate a crime. Forensic science professionals process and analyze various types of biological and chemical specimens in the lab to solve crimes by providing relevant scientific information on the evidence recovered from a crime scene.

The Department of Natural Sciences and Math offers a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program in Forensic Science. The program provides in-depth exposure to and undergraduate mastery of fundamental principles in the natural sciences and their application to forensic casework and the judicial system. The degree curriculum includes coursework in chemical and biological sciences, laws and rules of evidence, and advanced training in Forensic Biology, specifically Forensic DNA analysis methods and interpretation. This background promotes a stronger, more precise relationship between the crime scene, the forensic lab analysis, and courtroom proceedings.

MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT

The mission of the Forensic Science program is to provide students with a quality liberal arts education and specialized professional training in forensic DNA analysis. The Forensic Science program introduces students to modern forensic tests and applications. It provides cutting-edge molecular biology training for identification purposes, including PCR DNA amplification, DNA fingerprinting, and DNA profiling following established forensic DNA laboratory protocols. The program prepares students for careers that value strengthening communities through services, such as forensic biologists, forensic chemists, DNA analysts, and various other STEM and health professions, including medical examiners, forensic pathologists, toxicologists, etc.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

A Forensic Science student will be able to:

• Define and explain major concepts in Biology and Forensic Sciences.

• Use scientific instrumentation, proper analytical techniques, and procedures appropriately.

• Demonstrate competency in the collection and evaluation of biological evidence.

• Communicate knowledge in oral and written form, including interpreting data generated for legal proceedings.

• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical standards in scientific activities, specifically in the forensic science profession.

• Conduct scientific experiments following the appropriate scientific method.

• Analyze and interpret scientific data and literature.

CAREER OUTLOOK

A BS in Forensic Science provides a wide variety of careers and opportunities, including:

• Health Professions, including medicine, dentistry, PA, and veterinary medicine.

• Graduate School opportunities in Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Pathology, Forensic Anthropology, Toxicology, and many more.

• Research Assistant/ Entry-Level Laboratory Technician in research labs in medical schools, crime labs in police departments, and many other law-enforcement agencies, including the FBI.

The BS in Forensic Science program requires 84 credits of major-related coursework and 39 credits of general education and college electives. All natural science courses with a lab in the program are four credits. Students are required to take both lecture and lab courses concurrently in the same semester.