Forensic Science, B.S.
Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and analyzing evidence. The forensic science major at 新澳门六合彩开奖结果 is an interdisciplinary program that employs the methods, tools and perspectives of biology, chemistry, anthropology, physics, mathematics and medicine to better understand the intersection of law and science.
Forensic science is an appropriate major for all SLU students who want to pursue graduate studies or professional work in any scientific or professional field. Completing the major places students in a position to address the scientific basis of civil and criminal law through further legal studies or research.
Forensic science is well known for its application in civil and criminal law. However, the field is quite broad and has important applications in natural and man-made disasters, accidents, and historical/archaeological evaluations of lifestyles and causes of death.
Curriculum Overview
SLU's forensic science major follows the guidelines for accreditation standards of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
There are two concentrations within the forensic science major for students to choose from: criminalistics or crime scene investigation. Both of these concentrations provide students with the hands-on application of scientific techniques to investigations.
The criminalistics concentration is a science-focused concentration for those students interested in working in a crime laboratory, in fields such as DNA analysis, drug chemistry, trace evidence and toxicology. Students in this concentration also can work in fields such as crime scene investigation, fingerprints, firearms and death investigation.听
The crime scene investigation concentration is an interdisciplinary concentration combining forensic science, criminal justice, psychology, and introductory biology/chemistry courses for students interested in fields such as crime scene investigation, death investigation, fingerprints and firearms. The crime scene investigation concentration also provides paths for law school and graduate school.
The program also hosts the Forensic Science Club, which offers forensic-related activities and exploration and a Forensic Science Honor Society. In addition, the program provides a mentor program for freshmen to connect with a junior/senior forensic science major.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
The department has connections with forensic science laboratories in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Fieldwork internships and/or independent research are required for forensic science majors, which can include working at an operating forensic science lab and performing forensic research projects in those labs or at 新澳门六合彩开奖结果.
Fieldwork internships also allow students to be involved in the laboratories of law enforcement agencies and legal and medical organizations in the area. Students should meet with the department internship director for assistance when applying for local, regional, national and international internship opportunities.
The Forensic Science Laboratory is a 1,000-square-foot teaching and research lab with the latest hardware, software and safety equipment, as well as materials used to apply forensic science techniques. Students can conduct research in a variety of fields, such as forensic DNA analysis, fingerprint techniques and forensic chemistry, alongside faculty.
Careers
Recent graduates who majored in forensic science at SLU work in various professional roles, including DNA analysts, fingerprint examiners, firearms examiners, death/crime scene investigators, drug chemists, forensic toxicologists, chemical/pharmaceutical researchers and others. Alumni have also gone on to top graduate programs in the country in forensic science, pathology, medicine, law, forensic anthropology, veterinary and health service.
A degree in this fascinating and quickly developing scientific field enables students to compete with the most accomplished and well-educated students from prestigious universities on a national and global level. Upon completing the major in forensic science, students will be well-versed in scientific methodology and equipped to apply their understanding of law and science across various industries.
Admission Requirements
新澳门六合彩开奖结果 also accepts the Common Application.
Freshman
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant鈥檚 file.
To be considered for admission to any 新澳门六合彩开奖结果 undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.听
Transfer
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.
Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must听submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).
In reviewing a transfer applicant鈥檚 file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student鈥檚 academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student鈥檚 ability to meet the academic rigors of 新澳门六合彩开奖结果. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.
International Applicants
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at 新澳门六合彩开奖结果
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Tuition
Tuition | Cost Per Year |
---|---|
Undergraduate Tuition | $54,760 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a 新澳门六合彩开奖结果 education:
- Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
新澳门六合彩开奖结果 makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.
- Graduates will be able to identify and explain major concepts and their categories of evidence, patterns of evidence, trends in forensic science, and the scientific basis of investigative and analytical methods. 听
- Graduates will be able to recognize the limitations of evidence and the ethical responsibilities linked to decision-making.
- Graduates will be able to recognize, explain and apply basic research methods in forensic science, including research design, data analysis and interpretation.
- Graduates will be able to engage in skeptical inquiry, think critically and creatively, and use a scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes. Students will also be able to recognize the holistic nature of forensic science, law, society and ethics.
- Graduates will be able to apply the knowledge of ethical issues inherent in the forensic sciences and the skill to be able to contribute to the profession through careful documentation and reporting of evidence, and the recognition and ethical reporting of errors.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate University Core | 32-35 | |
Major Requirements | ||
贵搁厂颁听2600 | Survey of Forensic Science | 3 |
贵搁厂颁听2800 | Professional Issues in Forensic Science | 3 |
贵搁厂颁听3500 | Forensics and Law | 3 |
贵搁厂颁听4750 | Forensic Science Senior Seminar | 1 |
厂罢础罢听1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
Choose one of the following: * | 2 | |
贵搁厂颁听3620 | Forensic Chemistry | |
辞谤听贵搁厂颁听3625 | Forensic Chemistry for the Investigator | |
Choose one of the following: * | 2 | |
贵搁厂颁听3630 | Forensic Biology | |
辞谤听贵搁厂颁听3635 | Forensic Biology for Investigators | |
Capstone Experience | 3 | |
Choose one: | ||
贵搁厂颁听4910 | Internship | |
贵搁厂颁听4960 | Capstone in Forensic Science | |
贵搁厂颁听4970 | Independent Research in Forensic Science | |
Concentration | 56 | |
Choose one: | ||
General Electives | 9-12 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
- *
For those students in the Criminalistics Concentration, 贵搁厂颁听3620 Forensic Chemistry (2 cr) and 贵搁厂颁听3630 Forensic Biology (2 cr) MUST be taken.听 Students in the CSI Concentration can enroll in either section based on prerequisites.听
Continuation Standards
Students with a major in forensic science must maintain a 2.00 GPA in their major coursework.
Criminalistics Concentration
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Forensic Science courses | ||
FRSC听3621 | Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
FRSC听3631 | Forensic Biology Laboratory | 1 |
Choose 6 credits from courses with a Forensic Science - Criminalistics Elective attribute, such as: | 6 | |
FRSC听3640 | Fingerprints | |
FRSC听3660 | Forensic Microscopy | |
FRSC听4550 &听FRSC听4551 | Crime Scene Investigation and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory | |
Biology courses | ||
BIOL听1240 &听BIOL听1245 | General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution and Principles of Biology I Laboratory | 4 |
BIOL听1260 &听BIOL听1265 | General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter and Principles of Biology II Laboratory | 4 |
Chemistry courses | ||
CHEM听1110 &听CHEM听1115 | General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM听1120 &听CHEM听1125 | General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM听2410 &听CHEM听2415 | Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM听2420 &听CHEM听2425 | Organic Chemistry 2 and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
Physics courses | ||
PHYS听1310 &听PHYS听1320 | Physics I and Physics I Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS听1330 &听PHYS听1340 | Physics II and Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
Mathematics | ||
MATH听1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
BIOL/CHEM Elective courses | 12 | |
Choose 12 credits of a science specialization from 3000 or 4000 level BIOL and/or CHEM courses with a Forensic Science BIOL/CHEM Elective attribute, including a minimum of two laboratory courses with a Forensic Science BIOL/CHEM Lab Elective attribute. | ||
Total Credits | 56 |
Crime Scene Investigation Concentration
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Forensic Science courses | ||
FRSC听3400 | Digital Forensic Investigation | 3 |
FRSC听4550 &听FRSC听4551 | Crime Scene Investigation and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory | 3 |
FRSC听3640 | Fingerprints | 3 |
FRSC听4650 &听FRSC听4651 | Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction and Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction Laboratory | 3 |
FRSC听3650 | Forensic Laboratory Techniques for the Investigator | 1 |
辞谤听FRSC听3621 | Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | |
辞谤听FRSC听3631 | Forensic Biology Laboratory | |
Choose 8 credits from courses with a Forensic Science - Crime Scene Investigation Elective attribute, such as: | 8 | |
FRSC听3150X | True Crime: Forensic and Literary Perspectives | |
FRSC听3660 | Forensic Microscopy | |
FRSC听4610 | Death Investigation | |
FRSC听4615 | Advanced Death Investigation | |
Anthropology | ||
ANTH听3280 | Forensic Anthropology | 3 |
Biology and/or Chemistry courses | 8 | |
Choose 2 course sequences below for a total of 8 credits: | ||
BIOL听1240 &听BIOL听1245 | General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution and Principles of Biology I Laboratory | |
BIOL听1260 &听BIOL听1265 | General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter and Principles of Biology II Laboratory | |
CHEM听1110 &听CHEM听1115 | General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | |
CHEM听1120 &听CHEM听1125 | General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory | |
Criminal Justice courses | ||
CCJ听1010 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
Choose 9 credits from courses with a Forensic Science CCJ Elective attribute, such as: | 9 | |
CCJ听2150 | Criminology: Nature of Crime | |
CCJ听3350 | Understanding Serial Killers | |
CCJ听3400 | Victimology & Victimization | |
CCJ听4050 | Criminal Law & Procedure | |
CCJ听4150 | Criminal Investigations | |
Psychology, Biology, and/or Chemistry courses | 12 | |
Choose 12 credits from courses with a Forensic Science BIOL/CHEM Elective attribute or Forensic Science PSY Elective attribute | ||
Total Credits | 56 |
Graduation Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
- Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
- Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
- Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
- Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
- Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
- Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through 新澳门六合彩开奖结果 or an approved study-abroad program.
- Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through 新澳门六合彩开奖结果 or an approved study-abroad program.
- Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment听unless otherwise noted. 听
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Crime Scene Investigation Concentration
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
CHEM听1110 | General Chemistry 1 * | 3 |
CHEM听1115 | General Chemistry 1 Laboratory * | 1 |
BIOL听1240 | General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution * | 3 |
BIOL听1245 | Principles of Biology I Laboratory * | 1 |
University Core/General Electives | 7 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
贵搁厂颁听2600 | Survey of Forensic Science (satisfies CORE听3200. Note: This course is also offered during the winter and summer sessions.) | 3 |
PSY听1010 | General Psychology ** | 3 |
CCJ听1010 | Introduction to Criminal Justice ** | 3 |
University Core/General Electives | 6 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
贵搁厂颁听2800 | Professional Issues in Forensic Science | 3 |
厂罢础罢听1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
CCJ Elective | 3 | |
BIOL/CHEM/PSY Elective | 3 | |
University Core/General Electives | 3 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
贵搁厂颁听3625 | Forensic Chemistry for the Investigator | 2 |
BIOL/CHEM/PSY Elective | 3 | |
CCJ Elective | 3 | |
University Core/General Electives | 7 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
贵搁厂颁听3635 | Forensic Biology for Investigators | 2 |
贵搁厂颁听3500 | Forensics and Law | 3 |
FRSC听3400 | Digital Forensic Investigation | 3 |
CCJ Elective | 3 | |
University Core/General Electives | 4 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
FRSC听3640 | Fingerprints | 3 |
University Core/General Electives | 6 | |
FRSC听3650 | Forensic Laboratory Techniques for the Investigator | 1 |
FRSC Elective/CSI Conc. Elective | 2 | |
BIOL/CHEM/PSY Elective | 3 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
FRSC听4550 &听FRSC听4551 |
Crime Scene Investigation and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory (Collaborative Inquiry) |
3 |
FRSC听4551 | Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory | 1 |
FRSC Elective/CSI Conc. Elective | 3 | |
Forensics Internship/Capstone/Research | 3 | |
University Core/General Electives | 5 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
FRSC听4650 | Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction | 2 |
FRSC听4651 | Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction Laboratory | 1 |
FRSC Elective/CSI Conc. Elective | 3 | |
ANTH听3280 | Forensic Anthropology | 3 |
University Core/General Electives | 6 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
听 | Total Credits | 120 |
- *
NOTE: Students can also take two semesters of Gen Bio (I and II) or two semesters of Gen Chem (I and II).
- **
NOTE:听 Students should take PSY 1010 and CCJ 1010 in Year One (fall or spring semester).
Program Notes
FRSC 2600 for Majors is offered in the spring of the first year. Forensic Science Capstone Experience (Internship/Research) may be taken in summer, fall or spring semester. Students must enroll in an internship, capstone, or research prior to graduation.
Criminalistics Concentration
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
CHEM听1110 | General Chemistry 1 | 3 |
CHEM听1115 | General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 1 |
BIOL听1240 | General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution | 3 |
BIOL听1245 | Principles of Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
MATH听1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
University Core/General Electives | 3 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
CHEM听1120 | General Chemistry 2 | 3 |
CHEM听1125 | General Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 1 |
BIOL听1260 | General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter | 3 |
BIOL听1265 | Principles of Biology II Laboratory | 1 |
贵搁厂颁听2600 | Survey of Forensic Science * | 3 |
University Core/General Electives | 4 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
CHEM听2410 | Organic Chemistry 1 | 3 |
CHEM听2415 | Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 1 |
BIOL/CHEM Science Elective * | 3 | |
贵搁厂颁听2800 | Professional Issues in Forensic Science | 3 |
University Core/General Electives | 5 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
CHEM听2420 | Organic Chemistry 2 | 3 |
CHEM听2425 | Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 1 |
BIOL/CHEM Science Elective * | 3 | |
厂罢础罢听1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
University Core/General Electives | 5 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
贵搁厂颁听3620 | Forensic Chemistry | 2 |
FRSC听3621 | Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
PHYS听1310 | College Physics I | 3 |
PHYS听1320 | College Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
FRSC 3500 | Forensics and Law | 3 |
University Core/General Electives | 5 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
贵搁厂颁听3630 | Forensic Biology | 2 |
FRSC听3621 | Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
PHYS听1330 | College Physics II | 3 |
PHYS听1340 | College Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
University Core/General Electives | 8 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
FRSC Elective | Criminalistics Conc. Elective | 3 |
BIOL/CHEM | Science Elective with Lab * | 4 |
Forensics Internship/Capstone/Research | 3 | |
University Core/General Electives | 5 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
Spring | ||
FRSC Elective | Criminalistics Conc. Elective | 3 |
BIOL/CHEM | Science Elective with Lab * | 4 |
贵搁厂颁听4750 | Forensic Science Senior Seminar | 1 |
University Core/General Electives | 7 | |
听 | Credits | 15 |
听 | Total Credits | 120 |
- *
FRSC 2600 for Majors is offered in the Spring of the first year.
Program Notes
Forensic Science Capstone Experience (Internship/Research) may be taken in the summer, fall or spring semester. Students must enroll in an internship, capstone or research prior to graduation. For a career in DNA analysis: Must have at least 3 credits in each of the following subjects: statistics, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. For a career in drug chemistry or toxicology: Analytical Chemistry with Laboratory is recommended.
2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.听