Description
The Forensic Science minor provides students with a broad understanding of how science is applied to solve crimes and support the legal system. This program brings together knowledge from biology, chemistry, criminal justice, and other fields to help students learn how to collect, examine, and interpret physical and biological evidence.
Students take core courses that cover the basics of forensic science, along with elective courses that allow them to explore specific areas of interest. They will also learn how forensic evidence is used in court and how scientists work with law enforcement and legal professionals.
The program helps students develop essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and careful analysis—skills that are valuable in many careers. This minor is a good choice for students interested in working in crime labs, law enforcement, legal services, or medical-legal fields.
Admission to the Program
Any undergraduate student can declare this minor.
Program Requirements
Core Courses
The following courses are required:
- CRJ 304 Investigations
- CRJ 371 Survey in Forensic Science
- CRJ 375 Forensic Law
*Reflecting the diversity of specialties included in forensic science investigations, the student must choose elective courses with the approval of the minor advisor.
Electives
Choose any THREE of the following courses:
- ANT 202 Introduction to Archaeology
- ANT 256 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
- ANT 356 Forensic Anthropology Methods
- ANT 364 GIS and Spatial Survey
- ANT 386 Archaeology of Death
- ANT 441 Archaeological Analysis
- ANT 442/542 Archaeological Field Methods
- ANT 452 Ancient Disease and Paleopathology
- ANT 456 Skeleton Keys: Forensic Analysis of Bones
- BIO 281 Elements of Human Biology
- BIO 302 Genetics
- CPS 301 Issues in Criminal and Forensic Computing
- CHM 171 Elements of Forensic Science
- CHM 205 College Chemistry I
- CHM 206 College Chemistry II
- CHM 303 Analytical Chemistry I
- CIS 202 Fundamentals of Information Systems
- CRJ 321 Crime Patterns
- CRJ 323 White Collar Crime
- CRJ 422 Cyber Crime and Digital Forensics
- CRJ 451 International Criminal Justice Systems
- CRJ 474 GIS (Geographic Information System) & Crime Mapping
- CRJ 494 Criminology
- CSC 356 Life in the Digital Age
- PHS 205 Introduction to Physics I
- PHS 210 Introduction to Physics II
- PHS 235 Physics I
- PHS 240 Physics II
- PSH 334 Abnormal Psychology
- PSH 410 Psychology and Law