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Forensic Science Minor

Preparation for Graduate Study, Basic Law Enforcement Training and More

Forensic Science Minors go on to:

The minor is excellent preparation for graduate school and specialized study.

Many minors go on BLET and become law enforcement officers.

Document crime scenes by taking photographs and measurements, identify and collect evidence and maintain the chain of custody.

Analyze evidence collected from crime scenes, suspects and victims.

Forensic pathologists specialize in performing postmortems for medical and legal purposes.

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Learn To

Describe and explain the various forensic science specializations and the techniques and methods used in crime scene evidence collection and analysis

Assess and process crime scenes and death scenes

Collect forensic evidence

Forensic Science Minor Program Overview

Learn specialized skills

In the forensic science program, you will apply methods and techniques derived from myriad scientific disciplines to cases of legal and medico-legal concern, particularly involving the collection, preservation and evaluation of physical evidence at crime scenes.

The minor in forensic science is interdisciplinary in that it comprises courses from a wide variety of departments across campus.

The selected courses each offer a perspective, foundation-level knowledge, or a specific focus area that is relevant to developing the honed analytic and critical thinking skills characteristic of practitioners of the different forensic science specializations.

FSC 211 and 212 embody multiple fields of specialization and provide you with the opportunity to explore which area of forensic science you have an affinity with so that your career path can be more clearly defined.

Students choosing the forensic science minor find that the elective courses prepare them well for further education and training in a graduate program or professional school, basic law enforcement training or for an entry-level position in a job-setting related to their major combined with the forensic science minor.

Opening Doors to Your Future

The minor will prepare you for further specialized forensic science education and research at the graduate level, such as for a Master of Forensic Science degree or a master’s or doctoral degree in your area of interest (i.e., biology, chemistry, etc.) or a professional school:

  • medical school for those students interested in becoming a forensic pathologist,
  • dental school for the forensic odontologist, or
  • law school for individuals wishing to pursue a career as a trial attorney.
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Sample Courses in Forensic Science

Table shows sample courses for this program
FSC 211 Fundamentals of Forensic Science
FSC 212 Forensic Science Methods
FSC 213 Forensic Skeletal Identification
ANT/ANTL 326 Human Osteology
CRM 255 Criminology
PSY 275 Forensic Psychology
CHM 365 Biochemistry I
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Minor in Forensic Science?

Some 400-level courses focusing on forensic science, such as Directed Independent Study, seminars, or honors work, may substitute for elective courses if approved by the coordinator.

Students must have at least a “C” (2.00) average in all courses counted for the minor. Many courses listed above have prerequisites and or co-requisites, which do not count for the minor but may satisfy University Studies requirements or other major requirements.

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