Forensic Science Undergraduate Programs: A Comprehensive Curriculum Guide

Introduction

Forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system. Forensic science is the study and application of scientific methods to matters of law. It is an interdisciplinary field that applies scientific principles and techniques to legal issues. A forensic scientist's skill is to use all the information available to determine facts. Issues of law and/or fact that may require forensic science expertise range from questions of the validity of a signature on a will, to a claim of products liability, to questions of whether a corporation is complying with environmental laws. With scientific and technological advances in the field of forensic science and continually increasing caseloads in law enforcement, the need for skilled forensic science technicians is rising.

What is Forensic Science?

Forensic science includes any science that is conducted for use in the legal system. Forensic science is the application of science to matters of the law. During an investigation, evidence is collected at a crime scene (or from a person) and then analyzed in a crime laboratory. Forensic scientists 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. The results can then be presented in court. As crime continues to evolve with technology and society, forensic scientists will be challenged to respond by adapting established technologies and, where necessary, developing new ones.

Curriculum Overview: Building a Foundation

A Bachelor of Science program in forensic science is built on a solid foundation in biology and chemistry and develops 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. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is distinctly designed to train students in forensic techniques as varied as crime scene collection, evidence analysis, and mock courtroom testimony. The forensic science degree program provides students with an education in the use of science, mathematics, and statistics in legal proceedings.

Core Science Courses

All forensic science programs will require a strong foundation in the natural sciences. Typical core science courses include:

General Chemistry: Fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, and chemical reactions.
Organic Chemistry: The study of carbon-containing compounds, their structure, properties, and reactions.
Biology: Basic principles of life, including cell structure and function, genetics, and evolution.
Biochemistry: The chemistry of living organisms, including the structure and function of biomolecules.
Physics: Fundamental principles of matter, energy, and their interactions.

Specialized Forensic Science Courses

In addition to the core science courses, students will take specialized forensic science courses, such as:

Crime Scene Investigation: Techniques for documenting, collecting, and preserving evidence at crime scenes.
Forensic Chemistry: Analysis of non-biological trace evidence found at crime scenes in order to identify unknown materials and match samples to known substances.
Forensic Biology: Scientific methodology and analyses to investigate evidence such as human, animal or plant remains, DNA traces, physical material like clothing fibers, and other material that can be helpful to legal investigations.
Forensic Toxicology: The study of the effects of drugs and poisons on the body.
Criminalistics: Analysis, comparison, identification & interpretation of physical evidence obtained through the use of technology to reconstruct events of crime; uses analytical skill, experience in investigations and trials (expert witnesses).
Trace Evidence Analysis: Examination and identification of hairs, fibers, glass, paint, and other microscopic materials.
Forensic DNA Analysis: Techniques for extracting, analyzing, and interpreting DNA evidence.
Fire and Explosives Examination: Analysis of fire debris and explosives to determine the cause and origin of fires and explosions.

Mathematics and Statistics

A strong foundation in mathematics and statistics is essential for forensic scientists. Common courses include:

College Algebra: Fundamental algebraic concepts and techniques.
Calculus: Differential and integral calculus.
Statistics: Principles of statistical analysis and data interpretation.

Criminal Justice and Law

To understand the legal context of forensic science, students typically take courses in:

Criminal Justice: An overview of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
Criminal Law: Principles of criminal law and procedure.
Evidence Law: Rules governing the admissibility of evidence in court.

General Education Requirements

In addition to the major-specific coursework, students are required to complete general education courses. University Core Curriculum includes:

Communication: Focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively.
American History: Focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States.
Language, Philosophy & Culture: Focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience.
Mathematics: Focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships.
Life & Physical Sciences: Focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method.
Political Science: Focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas.
Social & Behavioral Sciences: Focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human.
Creative Arts: Focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination.

Hands-on Experience: Labs, Internships, and Research

Laboratory Experience

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. 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.

Research Opportunities

Students can conduct research under experts of varying forensic fields, including biology, entomology, and anthropology. 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.

Internships

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.

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.

Degree Options and Specializations

Forensic science programs offer various degree options and specializations to cater to different interests and career goals. Some common options include:

Forensic Biology

This specialization focuses on the application of biological sciences to forensic investigations. Forensic biologists utilize scientific methodology and analyses to investigate evidence such as human, animal or plant remains, DNA traces, physical material like clothing fibers, and other material that can be helpful to legal investigations. Training for forensic biologists, depending on the specialty, includes university courses in biology (including entomology and botany), chemistry, human and animal pathology, biochemistry, and DNA analysis techniques. In order to interact with and advise law enforcement officials, additional courses in the areas of mathematics, physics, and criminal justice are often included in forensic biologist training at the university level.

Forensic Chemistry

This specialization focuses on the application of chemical principles to forensic investigations. Forensic chemists analyze non-biological trace evidence found at crime scenes in order to identify unknown materials and match samples to known substances. A strong background in chemistry and instrumental analysis and a good grounding in criminalistics are vital. Those interested in working with trace evidence, such as glass, hairs, and gunshot residue, should focus on instrumentation skills and take courses in geology, soil chemistry, and materials science. If forensic biology, such as DNA analysis, is preferred, take microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry courses.

Crime Scene Investigation

This specialization focuses on the techniques and procedures for documenting, collecting, and preserving evidence at crime scenes.

Digital Forensics

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, digital forensics is a growing field. This specialization focuses on the recovery and analysis of digital evidence from computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices.

Accelerated and Joint Programs

Some universities offer accelerated programs that allow students 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 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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Career Paths and Opportunities

Graduates of forensic science programs are prepared to work in crime labs and private forensic science labs at the local, state, and federal levels. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2024 and 2034, employment of forensic science technicians will increase 13% --- an average increase much greater than for most occupations. Graduates will be competitive for employment opportunities in forensic quality assurance laboratories, homeland security and investigative services at local, state and national levels. You can enter the field with a bachelor’s degree, and the median pay per year was $67,440 in 2024.

Potential Career Paths

Forensic Science Technician: Analyze evidence in crime labs and provide expert testimony in court.
Crime Scene Investigator: Collect and document evidence at crime scenes.
Forensic Chemist: Analyze chemical evidence, such as drugs, explosives, and trace materials.
Forensic Biologist: Analyze biological evidence, such as DNA, blood, and other bodily fluids.
Forensic Toxicologist: Analyze blood and other bodily fluids to determine the presence of drugs and poisons.
Document Examiner: authorship, authenticity, alterations, and physical features of documents.
Forensic Pathology: A medical specialty focused on determining the cause of death of a victim.
Wildlife Forensics
Computer Forensics

Factors Affecting Career Advancement

May affect pay scales. State-specific licensure. Please note that students entering the option program should be aware that obtaining positions in forensic science is very competitive. Many applicants apply for a single position, and employers will choose only the top students.

Resources and Support

Seton Hill’s award-winning Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) will provide you with the career preparation skills and placement services you need.

External Resources

FBI resources on forensics jobs
International Crime Scene Investigators Association's information
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Society of Forensic Toxicologists
FBI summer internships
Oregon Forensics Labs
Career opportunities for chemistry majors

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