Forensic Science Undergraduate Degree: A Comprehensive Guide

Forensic science is the application of scientific principles and methods to assist criminal and civil investigations and litigation. A forensic scientist may develop a deep understanding of and hands-on lab experience in serology, biochemistry, and forensic molecular biology, with particular emphasis on forensic DNA analysis. A forensic scientist might also use analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry for the forensic analysis of controlled substances, trace evidence, fire debris, ignitable liquids, and firearms and gunshot residue. This interdisciplinary field requires a strong foundation in various scientific disciplines, and a bachelor's degree is often the first step towards a fulfilling career. This article provides a detailed overview of the requirements and pathways for obtaining a forensic science undergraduate degree.

The Growing Demand for Forensic Science Professionals

There’s excellent news for the future of this profession. Scientific and technological advances in the field of forensic science and continually increasing caseloads in law enforcement are projected to increase the number of forensic science technicians needed over the next decade. The BLS (2024) projects that openings for forensic science technicians will swell 14 percent between 2023 and 2033, which is almost four times the growth rate anticipated for all occupations (4 percent). Graduates of the forensic science program are prepared to work in crime labs and private forensic science labs at the local, state and federal levels. According to Indeed.com, in March 2025, there were hundreds of job postings for these professionals in the United States, including openings at the State of Rhode Island, the Bexar County TX, the County of Los Angele, the Department of State Police MA, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the State of Ohio, and the Montana Department of Justice. The good news is that there’s no shortage of opportunities for qualified forensic science technicians who have the right training under their belts.

Salary Expectations in Forensic Science

Forensic science technicians enjoy good wages nationwide. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024), the median pay per year was $67,920 (BLS May 2024). Payscale includes how various skills affect earnings. As mentioned above, salary prospects tend to differ according to region and may affect pay scales.

High School Preparation

To set themselves up for success, aspiring forensic scientists are advised to graduate from high school, ideally with high marks in biology, chemistry, physiology, statistics, and mathematics. For example, the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) provides a weeklong summer internship to secondary students in forensic science with hands-on training through forensic simulations, supervised laboratory work, and lectures from experienced professionals. The summer sessions occur at American University and Columbia University, giving students hands-on opportunities to solve simulated crimes and interact with legal experts.

Associate Degrees in Forensic Science

Some associate degree programs are available for prospective entry-level forensic science technicians. Admissions requirements for two-year programs in this field generally call for a high school diploma; a competitive GPA; a personal statement; and TOEFL test scores (for non-native speakers of English). Miami Dade College (MDC) offers an associate in science degree in crime scene technology, preparing students for employment in criminalistics with a specialty in forensic science or crime scene investigation.

Bachelor's Degree: The Foundation for a Forensic Science Career

While there are many ways to become a forensic scientist, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, or a related field is highly recommended. O*NET Online (2025) confirms this, saying that most forensic scientists have a bachelor’s degree. Not only can a four-year degree enhance employment prospects and earning potential, but it can also open doors to careers in related fields, particularly laboratory work. In addition to general education, bachelor’s programs for forensic scientists include courses in criminalistics, forensic biology, organic chemistry, and more.

Core Coursework and Curriculum

Students must complete the core courses, select one concentration, and complete Mason Core and Elective Credits. All major coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.30. No more than three courses with a grade of 'D' (1.00) may be applied to the major. Students are advised to be aware of any prerequisites that may be required for each course in the curriculum. Students are only permitted three attempts for all major courses; following a third unsuccessful attempt the student will no longer be able to pursue the major.

Here's a typical breakdown of core courses:

Forensic Science Core Courses: Survey of Forensic Science, Introduction to Criminalistics, Forensic Trace Analysis (Mason Core).
Criminal Justice: Introduction to Criminal Justice (Mason Core).
Natural Science Core Courses: Cell Structure and Function, Biostatistics for Biology Majors, or Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core), General Genetics, General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core), General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core), Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I, Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Lab II, Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) or Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A and Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B (Mason Core), College Physics I (Mason Core) and College Physics I Lab (Mason Core), College Physics II (Mason Core) and College Physics II Lab (Mason Core).

General Education Requirements

Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, including the Mason Core. FRSC 302 Forensic Trace Analysis (Mason Core) will satisfy the writing intensive requirement. Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and electives. Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.

Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy.

VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)

Here's a breakdown of typical general education requirements:

Foundation Requirements: Written Communication (lower-level), Oral Communication, Quantitative Reasoning, Information Technology and Computing.
Exploration Requirements: Arts, Global Contexts, Global History, Literature, Natural Science, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Just Societies (optional).
Integration Requirements: Written Communication (upper-level), Writing Intensive, Mason Apex.

Program Examples

University of Tampa (UT): Provides a FEPAC-recognized bachelor of science (BS) program in forensic science. Students in this program receive training in forensic chemistry, crime scene investigation, forensic biology, forensic toxicology, fire debris analysis, and forensic firearms examinations. UT provides a rigorous mix of laboratory experience and classes such as forensic chemistry; molecular biology; genetics; organic chemistry; forensic toxicology; introduction to criminal justice; biochemistry; and introduction to forensic research.
Arizona State University: Offers an online bachelor of science degree in forensic science, teaching students about interpreting evidence and solving crimes using the latest technology. They will gain hands-on experience and learn professional forensic science techniques investigating crimes.
Seton Hill University: The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree covers various fields within forensic science including field and laboratory applications. As a forensic science major, you will use the knowledge you are gaining in the classroom and the laboratory to examine and analyze mock crime scenes constructed by your professors. Because laboratory courses are small, you will do more than just watch experiments - you will perform them yourself, using the same sophisticated facilities and equipment that your professors use and that is used in a real crime lab. Many of the labs in your forensic science courses will be set up as cases. You will learn how to maintain a chain of custody, analyze simulated casework evidence and write a crime lab report. Seton Hill's Forensic Science Program uses a state-of-the-art genetic analyzer to allow you to learn the basics of DNA analysis. researching simulated casework samples to determine whether environmental conditions, amount of DNA present, the surface that the stain is deposited on, etc.

Pre-Forensic Science Programs

Pre-Forensic Science Core Major: Declaration of major in Pre-Forensic Science does not guarantee entry into the Forensic Science Program. Admittance into the program is dependent on completion of program entry requirements. Students should apply to the Forensic Science Program by the end of their sophomore year.
Minimum GPA Requirement: All Forensic Science students must maintain a 2.75 GPA in the major coursework. Students who fail to meet this requirement may be denied entry into the Forensic Science Program.
Statement of Goals: Each student applying for entry into the Forensic Science Program must submit an essay describing his/her career goals in Forensic Science or related area.
Comprehensive Examination: All students wishing to apply to the Forensic Science Program must register to take the Forensic Science Comprehensive Entrance Examination at the end of their sophomore year (or as soon as the core science coursework has be satisfied). This exam includes material from core science coursework including General Biology I & II, General Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry, Physics I & II, Statistics and Calculus I. A grade of 70% or better on this exam is considered passing. Students not earning a grade of 70% or better may be denied acceptance into the Forensic Science Program.

Application Deadlines and Waivers

When do students apply?: To be considered for admission, students must have satisfied (or be in the process of satisfying) all of the entry requirements stated above. The completed applications must be received no later than April 1st for Fall Admission, and October 1st for Spring Admission.
Waivers: Students with exceptional academic records may appeal one or more of the entry requirements to the Program Director. At the time the waivers are approved, the student will be admitted into the program.

Hands-on learning

During an investigation, evidence is collected at a crime scene (or from a person) and then analyzed in a crime laboratory. The results can then be presented in court. As an upperclassman, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in ongoing research, both here on campus and through research internships at universities and institutions across the country.

Accelerated and Joint Degree Programs

Accelerated Programs: Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree. Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.
Concurrent Degrees: Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint Programs: Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Programs

This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain both the Forensic Science, BS and the Forensic Science, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 144 credit accelerated program, students will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into their careers or into a doctoral program in the field or in a related discipline. Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits and can enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits. This flexibility makes it possible for students to complete a bachelor's and a master's in an accelerated timeframe.

Application Requirements for Accelerated Programs

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog. Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here. Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in choosing the appropriate graduate courses and help prepare the student for graduate studies. Application requirements for this accelerated master's program include one letter of recommendation from a Forensic Science Program faculty member. Additionally, a detailed goal statement is required to include why you are interested in the MS in forensic science degree, career goals and professional aspirations, and proposed area of interest of your final Research Project. The GRE and a resume are not required for admission into this program. Successful applicants will have an overall GPA of at least 3.00.

Accelerated Option Requirements

After the completion of 75 undergraduate credits, students may complete 3 to 12 credits of graduate coursework that can apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition to applying to graduate from the undergraduate program, students in the accelerated program must submit a bachelor's/accelerated master's transition form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) to the College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester. Students shall enroll for courses in the master's program in the fall or spring semester immediately following conferral of the bachelor's degree. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework and should consult with their faculty advisor to coordinate their academic goals.

Accelerated master's students may also take up to 6 graduate credits as reserve graduate credits. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the master's degree by up to 6 credits. With 12 graduate credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve graduate credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18.

Direct Entry Programs

Direct Entry BS in Forensic Science/MS in Chemistry: The direct entry combined BS Forensic Science/MS Chemistry degree program is available to qualified forensic science majors during the sophomore year. Graduate-level chemistry courses are taken during the senior year that count toward the MS in Chemistry. Students graduate with a BS in Forensic Science following their fourth year and in the fifth year students complete the MS Chemistry degree by taking the remainder of the graduate-level courses. To qualify, students must apply for admission no later than two semesters prior to the anticipated fulfillment of the BS Forensic Science degree requirements typically in the sophomore or junior year, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of application to the accelerated program, and complete a recommendation form signed by the Forensic Science Academic Advisor and the Chemistry Program Coordinator. A minimum grade of B- is required in each of the graduate courses taken during the senior year in order for them to apply to the graduate program. Students must also have an overall GPA of 3.0 in the graduate courses in order to continue into the fifth year. It is highly recommended that interested students discuss the direct entry option with the Chemistry program as early as possible in order to plan an appropriate schedule during years three and four.
Direct Entry BS in Forensic Science/MS in Cellular and Molecular Biology: The direct entry combined BS Forensic Science/MS Cellular and Molecular Biology degree program is available to qualified forensic science majors during the sophomore year. Graduate-level cellular and molecular biology courses are taken during the senior year that count toward the MS in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Students graduate with a BS in Forensic Science following their fourth year and in the fifth year students complete the MS Cellular and Molecular Biology degree by taking the remainder of the graduate-level courses. To qualify, students must apply for admission no later than two semesters prior to the anticipated fulfillment of the BS Forensic Science degree requirements typically in the sophomore or junior year, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of application to the accelerated program, and complete a recommendation form signed by the Forensic Science Academic Advisor and the Cellular and Molecular Biology Program Coordinator. A minimum grade of B- is required in each of the graduate courses taken during the senior year in order for them to apply to the graduate program. Students must also have an overall GPA of 3.0 in the graduate courses in order to continue into the fifth year. It is highly recommended that interested students discuss the direct entry option with the Cellular and Molecular Biology program as early as possible in order to plan an appropriate schedule during years three and four.
Direct Entry BS in Forensic Science/MS in Environmental Science: The direct entry combined BS Forensic Science/MS Environmental Science degree program is available to qualified forensic science majors during the sophomore year. Graduate-level environmental science courses are taken during the senior year that count toward the MS in Environmental Science. Students graduate with a BS in Forensic Science following their fourth year and in the fifth year students complete the MS Environmental Science degree by taking the remainder of the graduate-level courses. To qualify, students must apply for admission no later than two semesters prior to the anticipated fulfillment of the BS Forensic Science degree requirements typically in the sophomore or junior year, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of application to the accelerated program, and complete a recommendation form signed by the Forensic Science Academic Advisor and the Environmental Science Program Coordinator. A minimum grade of B- is required in each of the graduate courses taken during the senior year in order for them to apply to the graduate program. Students must also have an overall GPA of 3.0 in the graduate courses in order to continue into the fifth year.

Specializations and Concentrations

Forensic science is a broad field, and many undergraduate programs offer specializations or concentrations to allow students to focus on a specific area of interest. Some common concentrations include:

Forensic Biology: Focuses on the analysis of biological evidence, such as DNA, blood, and other bodily fluids.
- Forensic Biology Analysis Concentration Applicants: In order to obtain a career as a DNA Analyst, the student should have undergraduate coursework in Statistics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry.
Forensic Chemistry: Emphasizes the chemical analysis of evidence, such as drugs, explosives, and trace materials.
Crime Scene Investigation: Focuses on the collection and documentation of evidence at crime scenes.
Digital Forensics: Deals with the recovery and analysis of digital evidence from computers and other electronic devices.

Professional Certification

Although professional certification may not be required for employment, it can enhance a job candidate’s resume or salary prospects. While requirements for these certifications vary, they typically involve possessing at least a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to forensics; proof of job experience; letter(s) of recommendation; submitting an application fee; and successfully passing a test. For example, the American Board of Forensic Toxicology’s (ABFT) five-year “specialist” certification calls for official transcripts; a recent passport-style photograph; three professional references; proof of three years of experience; an application fee; and passing a comprehensive exam. By contrast, the International Association for Identification (IAI) offers more targeted certifications that reflect specific competencies such as footwear identification; forensic art expertise; bloodstain pattern analysis; and ten-print fingerprint certification.

Graduate Studies

While a master’s degree may be optional for many positions, pursuing a master’s or doctoral program in forensic science is an enticing option for mid-career forensic scientists seeking to upgrade their knowledge and credentials.

Boston University (BU): School of Medicine hosts a FEPAC-accredited master of science (MS) in biomedical forensic sciences, one of the premier graduate programs of its kind in the country. In addition to supervised research and mock-court experiences, students must pass challenging coursework in criminal law & ethics; crime scene investigation; forensic biology; forensic chemistry; and trace evidence analysis, among others.
Marshall University Forensic Science Graduate Program: Is a prestigious institution that offers a master of science in forensic science degree, which is accredited by FEPAC. The program entails a five-semester core curriculum with both thesis and non-thesis options, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education in forensic science. Applications are accepted every spring for a fall semester start. Applicants to this program must have a bachelor’s degree in forensic or natural science, computer science, computer or electrical engineering, information technology, or equivalent and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Stevenson University’s: Online master of forensic science is ideal for working professionals who wish to learn about the technology, pertinent law, and instrumentation used for collecting evidence for presentation in a court of law. Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree in a natural science field, official college transcripts from all previous academic work, a GPA of 3.0, and a personal statement.
University of Florida (UF): Offers four distinct 15-credit, online graduate certificates in forensic science: death investigation, toxicology, drug chemistry, and DNA & serology. The graduate certificate in death investigation is offered in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh College of Medicine. The toxicology graduate certificate is offered by the Department of Physiological Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Finally, the drug chemistry certificate is offered by the College of Pharmacy.

Global Experience

Studying abroad enables students in the forensic science program to learn about science and law enforcement in other countries. With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency, and leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field.

Skill Development

Along with completing coursework and developing the scientific skills needed to succeed in this field, students can gain practical experience in a laboratory setting through research or an internship. Students can conduct research under experts of varying forensic fields, including biology, entomology and anthropology. Students also may apply for and participate in forensic science internships sponsored by crime labs around the country. Internships are highly competitive. Job applicants and students who are seeking a volunteer or internship position within a crime lab are required to undergo an extensive background check that includes a polygraph exam, fingerprinting and drug testing.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of forensic science programs can find employment in a variety of settings, including:

Crime laboratories at the local, state, and federal levels
Private forensic science laboratories
Medical and diagnostic laboratories
Police departments
Government agencies
Hospitals

State-Specific Licensure

In most cases, there are no legal requirements for certification or licensure for forensic scientists. However, Indiana has explicitly developed a Crime Scene Certification Committee to certify crime scene investigators.

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