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Forensic Science, B.S.

Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and analyzing evidence. The forensic science major at Â鶹´«Ã½ 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.Ìý

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 Â鶹´«Ã½.

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

Begin Your Application

Â鶹´«Ã½ 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’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Â鶹´«Ã½ 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.Ìý

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 mustÌýsubmit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Â鶹´«Ã½. 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 Â鶹´«Ã½
    • 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:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Â鶹´«Ã½ 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.

Â鶹´«Ã½ 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.

  1. 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. Ìý
  2. Graduates will be able to recognize the limitations of evidence and the ethical responsibilities linked to decision-making.
  3. Graduates will be able to recognize, explain and apply basic research methods in forensic science, including research design, data analysis and interpretation.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Undergraduate University Core32-35
Major Requirements
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý2600Survey of Forensic Science3
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý2800Professional Issues in Forensic Science3
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3500Forensics and Law3
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý4750Forensic Science Senior Seminar1
³§°Õ´¡°ÕÌý1300Elementary Statistics with Computers3
Choose one of the following: *2
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3620
Forensic Chemistry
´Ç°ùÌý¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3625
Forensic Chemistry for the Investigator
Choose one of the following: *2
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3630
Forensic Biology
´Ç°ùÌý¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3635
Forensic Biology for Investigators
Capstone Experience3
Choose one:
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý4910
Internship
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý4960
Capstone in Forensic Science
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý4970
Independent Research in Forensic Science
Concentration56
Choose one:
General Electives9-12
Total Credits120
*

For those students in the Criminalistics Concentration, ¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3620 Forensic Chemistry (2 cr) and ¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3630 Forensic Biology (2 cr) MUST be taken.Ìý Students in the CSI Concentration can enroll in either section based on prerequisites.Ìý

Ìý

Continuation Standards

Students with a major in forensic science must maintain a 2.00 GPA in their major coursework.

Criminalistics Concentration

Forensic Science courses
FRSCÌý3621Forensic Chemistry Laboratory1
FRSCÌý3631Forensic Biology Laboratory1
Choose 6 credits from courses with a Forensic Science - Criminalistics Elective attribute, such as:6
FRSCÌý3640
Fingerprints
FRSCÌý3660
Forensic Microscopy
FRSCÌý4550
&ÌýFRSCÌý4551
Crime Scene Investigation
and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory
Biology courses
BIOLÌý1240
&ÌýBIOLÌý1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
BIOLÌý1260
&ÌýBIOLÌý1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
4
Chemistry courses
CHEMÌý1110
&ÌýCHEMÌý1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý1120
&ÌýCHEMÌý1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý2410
&ÌýCHEMÌý2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý2420
&ÌýCHEMÌý2425
Organic Chemistry 2
and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
Physics courses
PHYSÌý1310
&ÌýPHYSÌý1320
Physics I
and Physics I Laboratory
4
PHYSÌý1330
&ÌýPHYSÌý1340
Physics II
and Physics II Laboratory
4
Mathematics
MATHÌý1510Calculus I4
BIOL/CHEM Elective courses12
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 Credits56

Crime Scene Investigation Concentration

Forensic Science courses
FRSCÌý3400Digital Forensic Investigation3
FRSCÌý4550
&ÌýFRSCÌý4551
Crime Scene Investigation
and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory
3
FRSCÌý3640Fingerprints 3
FRSCÌý4650
&ÌýFRSCÌý4651
Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction
and Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction Laboratory
3
FRSCÌý3650Forensic Laboratory Techniques for the Investigator1
´Ç°ùÌýFRSCÌý3621 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory
´Ç°ùÌýFRSCÌý3631 Forensic Biology Laboratory
Choose 8 credits from courses with a Forensic Science - Crime Scene Investigation Elective attribute, such as:8
FRSCÌý3150X
True Crime: Forensic and Literary Perspectives
FRSCÌý3660
Forensic Microscopy
FRSCÌý4610
Death Investigation
FRSCÌý4615
Advanced Death Investigation
Anthropology
ANTHÌý3280Forensic Anthropology3
Biology and/or Chemistry courses8
Choose 2 course sequences below for a total of 8 credits:
BIOLÌý1240
&ÌýBIOLÌý1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
BIOLÌý1260
&ÌýBIOLÌý1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
CHEMÌý1110
&ÌýCHEMÌý1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
CHEMÌý1120
&ÌýCHEMÌý1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
Criminal Justice courses
CCJÌý1010Introduction to Criminal Justice3
Choose 9 credits from courses with a Forensic Science CCJ Elective attribute, such as:9
CCJÌý2150
Criminology: Nature of Crime
CCJÌý3350
Understanding Serial Killers
CCJÌý3400
Victimology & Victimization
CCJÌý4050
Criminal Law & Procedure
CCJÌý4150
Criminal Investigations
Psychology, Biology, and/or Chemistry courses12
Choose 12 credits from courses with a Forensic Science BIOL/CHEM Elective attribute or Forensic Science PSY Elective attribute
Total Credits56

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 Â鶹´«Ã½ or an approved study-abroad program.
  • Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

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

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CHEMÌý1110 General Chemistry 1 * 3
CHEMÌý1115 General Chemistry 1 Laboratory * 1
BIOLÌý1240 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution * 3
BIOLÌý1245 Principles of Biology I Laboratory * 1
University Core/General Electives 7
ÌýCredits15
Spring
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý2600 Survey of Forensic Science (satisfies COREÌý3200. Note: This course is also offered during the winter and summer sessions.) 3
PSYÌý1010 General Psychology ** 3
CCJÌý1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice ** 3
University Core/General Electives 6
ÌýCredits15
Year Two
Fall
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý2800 Professional Issues in Forensic Science 3
³§°Õ´¡°ÕÌý1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers 3
CCJ Elective 3
BIOL/CHEM/PSY Elective 3
University Core/General Electives 3
ÌýCredits15
Spring
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3625 Forensic Chemistry for the Investigator 2
BIOL/CHEM/PSY Elective 3
CCJ Elective 3
University Core/General Electives 7
ÌýCredits15
Year Three
Fall
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3635 Forensic Biology for Investigators 2
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3500 Forensics and Law 3
FRSCÌý3400 Digital Forensic Investigation 3
CCJ Elective 3
University Core/General Electives 4
ÌýCredits15
Spring
FRSCÌý3640 Fingerprints 3
University Core/General Electives 6
FRSCÌý3650 Forensic Laboratory Techniques for the Investigator 1
FRSC Elective/CSI Conc. Elective 2
BIOL/CHEM/PSY Elective 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Four
Fall
FRSCÌý4550
&ÌýFRSCÌý4551
Crime Scene Investigation
and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory (Collaborative Inquiry)
3
FRSCÌý4551 Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory 1
FRSC Elective/CSI Conc. Elective 3
Forensics Internship/Capstone/Research 3
University Core/General Electives 5
ÌýCredits15
Spring
FRSCÌý4650 Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction 2
FRSCÌý4651 Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction Laboratory 1
FRSC Elective/CSI Conc. Elective 3
ANTHÌý3280 Forensic Anthropology 3
University Core/General Electives 6
ÌýCredits15
ÌýTotal Credits120
*

NOTE: Students can also take two semesters of Gen Bio (I and II) or two semesters of Gen Chem (I and II).

**

NOTE:Ìý 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

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CHEMÌý1110 General Chemistry 1 3
CHEMÌý1115 General Chemistry 1 Laboratory 1
BIOLÌý1240 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution 3
BIOLÌý1245 Principles of Biology I Laboratory 1
MATHÌý1510 Calculus I 4
University Core/General Electives 3
ÌýCredits15
Spring
CHEMÌý1120 General Chemistry 2 3
CHEMÌý1125 General Chemistry 2 Laboratory 1
BIOLÌý1260 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter 3
BIOLÌý1265 Principles of Biology II Laboratory 1
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý2600 Survey of Forensic Science * 3
University Core/General Electives 4
ÌýCredits15
Year Two
Fall
CHEMÌý2410 Organic Chemistry 1 3
CHEMÌý2415 Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory 1
BIOL/CHEM Science Elective * 3
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý2800 Professional Issues in Forensic Science 3
University Core/General Electives 5
ÌýCredits15
Spring
CHEMÌý2420 Organic Chemistry 2 3
CHEMÌý2425 Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory 1
BIOL/CHEM Science Elective * 3
³§°Õ´¡°ÕÌý1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers 3
University Core/General Electives 5
ÌýCredits15
Year Three
Fall
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3620 Forensic Chemistry 2
FRSCÌý3621 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory 1
PHYSÌý1310 College Physics I 3
PHYSÌý1320 College Physics I Laboratory 1
FRSC 3500Forensics and Law 3
University Core/General Electives 5
ÌýCredits15
Spring
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý3630 Forensic Biology 2
FRSCÌý3621 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory 1
PHYSÌý1330 College Physics II 3
PHYSÌý1340 College Physics II Laboratory 1
University Core/General Electives 8
ÌýCredits15
Year Four
Fall
FRSC ElectiveCriminalistics Conc. Elective 3
BIOL/CHEMScience Elective with Lab * 4
Forensics Internship/Capstone/Research 3
University Core/General Electives 5
ÌýCredits15
Spring
FRSC ElectiveCriminalistics Conc. Elective 3
BIOL/CHEMScience Elective with Lab * 4
¹ó¸é³§°äÌý4750 Forensic Science Senior Seminar 1
University Core/General Electives 7
ÌýCredits15
ÌýTotal Credits120
*

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.Ìý

Forensic Science, B.S. (STLCC 2+SLU)