Forensic Degrees Online

Forensic Science Technology (BS)
Application Code: 2023
Degree Received: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Academic Department: Physical and Life Sciences
Description:

The forensic science technology program is a technically rigorous four-year program culminating in a bachelor of science in forensic science. Students in the program will have the choice of focusing on biological applications within forensics, e.g., DNA fingerprinting, genetic analysis and microbiology, or can specialize in the chemical practicalities, notably: physicochemical analysis and identification of drugs, fibers, soils, glass, and other types of physical evidence. Majors will also have the opportunity to broaden and deepen their training by selecting three technical electives and two open electives. All majors in the program will be required to take a core course load that includes extensive preparation in physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry as well as more advanced training in organic chemistry, biochemistry, instrumental methods, criminalistics, law, criminal justice, technical writing, and a senior internship and/or independent research experience.
Entrance Requirements & Recommendations:
Required: Math A & B (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry), Biology, Chemistry, SAT and/or ACT
scores with a recommended combined SAT score of 1000 (critical reading and math) or a composite ACT score of 21.
Physics strongly recommended.
Features & Facilities:

Dedicated laboratories include the complete arsenal of forensic methodologies: GC-MS, FTIR, polarizing and comparison microscopy, HPLC, GC, AAS, UV-VIS, fluorescence spectroscopy, PCR, and genetic analyzers. Hands-on mastery of bioanalytical and instrumental methods is strongly emphasized.
Graduation Requirements:
Completion of courses listed below
Minimum of 121 total credit hours, a minimum of 46 which must be from upper division course work
Completion of either a semester-long internship in a working forensic laboratory setting OR a semester-long directed research/independent study project
Grade of “C” or higher in all chemistry, biology, and forensic science courses
Completion of a “mock trial” capstone experience
Transfer Opportunities:

Depending on their choice of tracks and electives, graduates will also be able to continue their education at a graduate level in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biology, or chemistry.
Career Opportunities:

The graduate of this program will be well prepared for forensic scientist positions in crime laboratories or employment in any laboratory-based enterprise which employs chemical or biological technologies.
Typical Semester Layout: First Semester credits
CHEM 1984 Chemical Principles I 4
BIOL 1104 General Biology I 4
FRSC 1001 Intro to Forensic Tech 1
COMP 1503 Freshman Composition 3
MATH 2124 Stat Methods & Analysis 4
16

Second Semester credits
CHEM 2984 Chemical Principles II 4
BIOL 2204 General Biology II 4
MATH 1084 Calculus I 4
SPCH 1083 Effective Speaking 3
15

Third Semester credits
CHEM 3514 Organic Chemistry I 4
PHYS 1044 College Physics I 4
HIST xxx3 Amer History Elective 3
SPAN xxx3 Foreign Lang Elective 3
HPED xxx1 Stat Methods & Analysis 1
15

Fourth Semester credits
CHEM 4524 Organic Chemistry II 4
PHYS 2044 College Physics II 4
CJUS 1003 Intro to Criminal Justice 3
xxx3 Technical Elective 3
14

Fifth Semester credits
CHEM 5414 Analytical Principles OR
BIOL 5254 Principles of Microbiology 4
CJUS 6003 Law & Criminal Evidence 3
COMP 5703 Technical Writing 3
FNAT xxx3 Fine Arts Elective 3
xxx3 Open Elective 3
16

Sixth Semester credits
CHEM 6854 Physical Chemistry OR
BIOL 6534 Genetics 4
CHEM 6614 Instrumental Analysis 4
PHIL 6053 Philosophy of Science 3
xxx3 Technical Elective 3
14

Seventh Semester credits
FRSC 7104 Criminalistics I 4
CHEM 7784 Biochemistry 4
xxx3 Technical Elective 3
HIST 1113 Western Civilization 3
ANTH 5113 Cross-Cultural Encounters 3
17

Eighth Semester credits
FRSC 8104 Criminalistics II 4
FRSC 8114 Senior Seminar 4
FRSC 8900 Research/Independent Study 3
SOCI 5213 Science, Technology & Society 3
xxx3 Open Elective 3
17

Approved Technical Electives credits
BIOL 1404 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL 2504 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
BIOL 2633 Histotechniques 3
BIOL 4403 Pathophysiology 3
BIOL 5223 Genetic Engineering 3
CISY 3023 Advanced Computer Spreadsheets 3
MATH 2094 Calculus II 4
MEDR 1132 Essentials of Pharmacology 2

One upper level technical or open elective must be taken for sufficient upper level credits.

Forensic Science Minor at USP

Have you ever imagined yourself investigating a crime scene or testing biological evidence such as DNA? What do the terms ballistics and toxicology really mean? Do you have what it takes to become a forensic scientist? Now you have the chance to find out through the minor in Forensic Science offered at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
Why USP?

At USP, you will receive excellent instruction in the sciences, as well as the opportunity to participate in faculty-directed undergraduate research. Courses you will take include forensics analysis, criminology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, as well as elective courses in genetics and microbiology. As a student, you will explore this exciting field of study here at USP, a university dedicated to your academic achievement, your professional development, and first and foremost, the study of science.
Your Future in Forensic Science

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences maintains that the role of the forensic scientist in the civil justice arena is expanding. Forensic scientists are involved in all aspects of criminal cases, using scientific investigation to determine the facts and ultimately lead investigators to the truth. Through this exciting and rewarding career, your love of science can be applied to public health and safety, while also contributing to the good of society.

First and foremost a science, forensic science requires solid education in the sciences, biology, chemistry and mathematics. This instruction prepares an individual for careers in the various branches of forensic science such as criminalistics, pathology, physical anthropology, toxicology, as well as, the behavioral sciences. This rich education also prepares students for wide-ranging careers in public health or the law. According to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the strength of a forensic scientist lies in the quality of the scientific education.
The USP Forensic Science Minor Curriculum
Required of all students
Forensic Analysis
Criminology I
Analytical Chemistry lecture and lab
Structure in Biochemistry
Electives
Toxicology
Genetics
Biochemistry Lab I/II
Microbiology
Clinical Immunology
Criminology II
Biostatistics

Students must take a minimum of 18 credits to complete the Forensic Science Minor, including 14 credits of required courses (not including needed prerequisites) and a minimum of 4 credits of elective courses, at least 2 credits of which may not be required by their major.

Students interested in this Minor should apply early in their academic program.
Important Notes
This Minor is only available to first-year students that entered USP in Fall 2003 or later.
Enrollment in this Minor is limited to the number of seats in the Forensic Analysis laboratory course.

Forensic Science

Forensic Science is the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context. It is best defined as “science in service to the courts.” There are many subfields of Forensic Science including Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Computer Science, Forensic Psychology, etc. The single, unifying paradigm of Forensic Science is the search for truth and the meaning of evidence in both criminal investigations and through courts of law. U of T Mississauga’s Forensic Science BSc program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide the student with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques — while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail. This is accomplish through the requirement of a either a Forensic Science Major program — which must be pursued together with a second science major program in an approved area of study (see below for listings of approved second science majors) OR a Forensic Science Specialist program where students pursue one of the streams of specialization (see below for listings of areas of specializations).

Entry into the Forensic Science programs is limited. Students are urged to read program information in this calendar very carefully.

ALL students contemplating Forensic Science as their intended area of study MUST first complete the required introductory university level courses (see specific FSC program for min. requirements) before they can apply to be considered for admission into the program.

The selection of the second science major is limited. While other majors must be approved by the FSC Faculty Advisor, the following are approved:
Anthropology B.Sc. with emphasis on forensic and biological anthropology
Biology with emphasis on forensic biology and molecular biology
Chemistry with emphasis on forensic chemistry
Computer Science with emphasis on forensic computer science
Psychology with emphasis on forensic psychology

Each of these approved second science majors has basic departmental requirements that must be fulfilled (Students must check individual departmental listings for specific second science major program requirements.) In addition to these basic requirements, there are provisions for a number of options. Students are strongly advised to consult with the Forensic Science program advisor who can provide recommended courses among these options to direct student preparation for a career in their chosen field of interest. Students are also advised to consult with the individual departmental faculty student advisor for recommended guidelines for course selection within their second science major.

In addition to the Forensic Science (Double) Major program, the following Forensic Science Specialist programs are available for more directed study: Forensic Science-Anthropology; Forensic Science-Biology; Forensic Science-Chemistry and Forensic Science-Psychology.

BSc (Honours) Forensic and Analytical Science

Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time

UCAS code F490

You learn the skills needed for crime scene investigation

Forensic science provides important evidence to support the law and help solve crimes.

You study biology, chemistry and analytical science. You also study law and the role of the scientist in the legal system. Case studies teach you how to gather, present and examine evidence.

Analytical science is at the core of forensic science. You learn its role in diagnostics and molecular analysis and study current specialist forensic techniques.

The course has a strong laboratory focus and you develop skills in the latest practical techniques used throughout biosciences. Lab work in our modern and well-equipped facilities makes up 20 per cent of your timetable.

We develop your ability as a scientist as well as building the skills to improve your employability. These include • study skills • effective communication • IT skills • group work • analytical skills.

We offer a fully supported paid work placement in year three, which we strongly recommend. It allows you to develop your skills and makes you more attractive to potential employers. Placements can be taken in the UK, Europe or America and typically pay between £8,000 and £17,000.

Our national and multinational placement partners include • South Yorkshire and Derbyshire police forces • Pfizer Limited • GlaxoSmithKline • AstraZeneca • NHS hospitals • biotechnology companies.

You can then combine all the skills and knowledge you have gained by completing a major in depth research project of your choice. This can be completed at Sheffield Hallam or you may be able to return to your placement organisation.

Teaching methods include laboratory practical classes, seminars, small group tutorials, field work and interactive lectures.

A review of teaching standards by the national Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) rated our courses in this subject area as excellent (22 out of 24). The full report is available on the QAA website at www.qaa.ac.uk

The course is underpinned by extensive research and most of our teaching staff are active in our Biomedical Research Centre (BMRC). This allows us to feed scientific developments directly into the teaching programme.

Forensic Science Program

Seton Hill University offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Forensic Science and a minor in Forensic Science. The forensic science degree will provide students with quality in-depth training in the areas of biology, chemistry, criminalistics, physics, mathematics, political science, sociology, and criminal justice required for entry-level placement in a crime laboratory or related lab. Forensic or crime laboratories deal with the examination and analysis of physical evidence associated with crime scenes, victims, and suspects. The Seton Hill program will emphasize the laboratory training required for the analysis of physical evidence typically performed by forensic scientists in the area of criminalistics.

Strengths of the Seton Hill University program:
Strong emphasis in laboratory training;
Depth of study in the central sciences of biology, chemistry, and physics;
Laboratory internship required;
Geographic location enables students to have direct access to local crime labs for tours, internships, and employment;
Forensic science courses taught by forensic scientists;
Graduates will be prepared for entry-level laboratory jobs;
Graduates will be prepared to attend graduate school in forensic sciences, law, allied health and medicine, and engineering.

Forensic science means using science to address matters of the law. Much depends on the precision and integrity of the forensic scientist since advances in the field have drastically changed how criminal investigations are done—now, physical evidence found at crime scenes routinely leads investigators to the suspect independent of other knowledge.

Graduates will have all of the required coursework to begin actively working in a forensic lab. Employment opportunities are found in medical examiners’ offices and in police and FBI laboratories, many locally here in New York City.

Graduate students who have completed prerequisites are placed in forensic labs in and around New York City (and are eligible elsewhere) for mandatory summer internship experience in solving and dealing with forensic issues.

Prerequisites: students with a BS in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or in other scientific disciplines may enter the Master’s degree program, but must complete some of the undergraduate prerequisite courses in Forensic Science (FOR 251, 252, 351).

FORENSIC SCIENCE MAJOR
Bachelor of Science (NYC)
Prepares students for employment in forensic laboratories and criminal investigation units where demand for competent crime scene investigators is rapidly growing, as well as in biological and chemical research and in the pharmaceutical industry. It also enables students to go on for graduate study in forensic science, biology, chemistry, and biochemistry, and to apply to medical and dental schools.

Students choosing to continue on for the master of science in forensic science must apply for acceptance during the first term of their senior year. Based on eligibility, some students may take their graduate internship during the last semester of their senior year. See the full Dyson core for all listings and requirements.
Credits
UNIVERSITY CORE 60
Foundation Requirements (26-36 credits) includes:

MAT 131 Calculus I (4)
BIO 101, 102 General Biology I, II (8)
COM 200 Public Speaking (3)
ENG 110 Composition (can test out) (4)
ENG 120 Critical Writing (3)
CIS 101 Introduction to Computing (3)
Areas of Knowledge (26 credits)
PHY 111 General Physics I (4)
MAT 234 Statistics (4)
Inquiry and Exploration (8 credits)
PHY 112 General Physics II (4)
CRJ 161 Criminal Investigation (3)
MAJOR COURSES 63

Required Courses (63)
BIO 231 Genetics (4)
BIO 335 Molecular and Cellular Biology (4)
BIO 345 Introduction to Toxicology (3)
BIO 370 Recombinant DNA Techniques (4)
CHE 111, 112 General Chemistry I, II (9)
CHE 221 Analytical Methods and Techniques (4)
CHE 223, 224 Organic Chemistry I, II (10)
CHE 326 Biochemistry (4)
CHE 301A
CHE 302A Physical Chemistry I, II (6)
CHE 331 Instrumental Analysis (4)
FOR 392, 492 Forensic Seminar I, II (2)
FOR 251 Basic Criminalistics (3)
FOR 252 Crime Scene Processing (3)
FOR 351 Forensic Microscopy (3)
OPEN ELECTIVES 7

UNV 101 Freshmen Seminar (1)
LAW, CRJ, OR PSY 396 (3)
Other Electives (3)

Auxiliary Courses

Six (6) credits satisfy the math core and the science core.
Eight (8) credits satisfy Area of Knowledge 5.
Total credits 130

Forensic Science Minor

A minimum of 18 semester hours including the following:
FORS 1390 and FORS 2357
A minimum of 12 additional semester hours of FORS courses.
At least 9 semester hours must be advanced.

The Minor in Forensic Science is intended for those students who have a science background and are interested in pursuing a career in Forensic Science. The forensics field is heavily based in the hard sciences so only students with a hard science background should consider doing this minor degree. Please note that some of the FORS courses have prerequisites so students may end up taking additional hours to fulfill the requirements of this degree. Depending on specific interests or desired career track, it is suggested that students consider a BS major in Biology, Chemistry, Anthropology or Psychology.

OVERVIEW OF THE FORENSIC SCIENCE PROGRAM

Our mission as a forensic science program is to develop professional, ethical graduates whose competence in problem-solving, legal analysis and application, quantitative reasoning, investigation, and scientific laboratory procedures can be applied to immediate employment or advanced study.

The forensic science major includes criminal justice, biology, chemistry, physics, math, and interdisciplinary courses designed to help students achieve the program goals and objectives. Forensic science majors are strongly encouraged to elect additional science courses, and a B.S. degree in forensic science with an emphasis in biotechnology is a commonly chosen degree option.

The forensic science major is housed in the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Geoscience, and students pursuing a forensic science major are assigned an academic advisor from this department and enjoy the facilities of the department. With small class sizes, innovative teaching approaches, and hands-on access to modern, research-quality instrumentation, our department supports students in developing the analytical, problem-solving and teamwork skills necessary to successfully pursue science-based careers.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS MAJORING IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

Students completing a forensic science major will be prepared for application to a variety of professional and graduate schools, including medical school, dental school, physical therapy programs, toxicology, pharmaceutical science, and forensic science graduate programs. Forensic science majors will also be competitive for laboratory positions in the biotechnology, chemical or pharmaceutical industries, or in government agencies. Recent FSU graduates have been accepted at various professional schools and have gained employment as laboratory technicians.

Highly marketable combination degrees include forensic science with chemistry, biology, math, business, foreign languages or psychology. The annual median wage for a Forensic Science Technician is $47,680.00, and the projected need for this career field is expected to increase by 21% until 2016.

Master of Science in Chemistry
The chemistry concentration includes the study of inorganic, analytical, physical, and organic chemistry and biochemistry, with applied emphases in medicinal and materials chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and environmental chemistry. This program requires a research project culminating in an original thesis for each student. The chemistry concentration prepares candidates for entry into the chemistry profession or for Ph.D. work.

Required courses: 28

Chem 519 Chem Lab 7 (3)
Chem 541 Reaction Mech (3)
Chem 621 Adv Analy Chem (3)
Chem 671 Chem Thermodyn (3)
Chem 672 Quantum Chem (3)
Chem 691 Chem Colloq (1)*
Chem 699 Thesis (1-8)

Choose one of the following:

Chem 561 Inorganic Chem I (3 )
Chem 581 Biochemistry 1 (3)

Electives: 6

Choose at least 6 credits in graduate courses from biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, physics, or other appropriate disciplines with approval of a graduate adviser.* Taken for two semesters to equal a total of 2 credit hours.

Program Total: 34