Forensic Science Overview

General Information
The Forensic Science Department has three major objectives: (1) to provide a strong interdisciplinary forensic science major within a liberal arts framework for those entering forensic-related jobs in industry or the government or preparing for graduate work; (2) to provide cognate backgrounds in chemistry, biology, math and physics others who may require this major; (3) to provide non-science majors with sufficient background to understand advances in technology and an ability to apply scientific knowledge to solve real-life problems.

Specific Information
The Bachelor of Science with a major in forensic science is designed for both students who want a career in forensic laboratories in police departments, district attorney’s offices, regional and state agencies, DEA, ATF, FBI, USPS, SS, CIA and United States Fish and Wildlife Services, medical examiners office, private companies, and for occupations that require a moderate training in chemistry combined with training in one or more other areas.

Career Information
As a forensic science student you will have a wide variety of excellent career opportunities available to you: foren­sic-related jobs with government departments at the federal, state, and local level. Forensic science majors also often pursue advanced work in graduate schools as well as medical school. A forensic science background is also valuable to you if you major in the health sciences (nutrition, clinical chemistry, and industrial hygiene).

Special Elements of the Program

Academic Performance
Only required courses with a grade no lower than a C can be applied to fulfill the Forensic Science major.

Students must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in order to graduate with a BS degree in Forensic Science.

Standardized National Assessment Exam

All students majoring in Forensic Science must participate in a National Assessment Instrument (i.e., MTTC, GRE, MCAT, ACS) prior to graduation (See F below).

Sigma Zeta National Honor Society

Sigma Zeta is a national science and mathematics honor society. It was founded at Shurtleff College, in Alton, Illinois in 1926. Today, more than forty local chapters are active in colleges and universities across the United States. The society encourages and fosters achievement of greater knowledge in the fields of science and mathematics. Outstanding scholastic achievement in the fields is recognized through membership in this society.

Program Offering
The B.S. in Forensic Science program is primarily a day program, some courses are offered in the evening on a rotating schedule. Students should complete an internship in their Junior or Senior year. Students must obtain their own internship. The Department will assist students as much as possible in obtaining this position. Students may take the internship for credit or as a noncredit option.