Forensic Sciences

School of the Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences and

Department of Chemistry

Description

Stevenson University offers two program options in the study of forensic sciences. One option is a BS/MS program where students can earn a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, or chemistry in four years and a master's degree in forensic sciences in as little as one additional year. For additional information regarding the B.S. degree in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry please see the biochemistry, biotechnology, or chemistry sections of this catalog. The other option is a two-year master's degree program, which is described more fully in the Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog and on the Stevenson website at stevenson.edu.

Forensic sciences is an interdisciplinary and applied course of study which plays a crucial role in the legal justice system. Advances in instrumentation and technology have opened up new approaches to solving crime, and the need for individuals trained in both science and the law is growing. Graduates of our program will be prepared for employment in local, state or federal government crime laboratories, forensics laboratories, DNA testing facilities, industry, and continued study at the doctoral level.

Application Process

Students apply for admission into the BS/MS program during their junior year. Applications are available on September 1 and February 1. Admission to this program is based upon the following criteria:

  • Cumulative and science/math GPA of 3.0 or higher in all course work attempted
  • Grade of "C" or better in all science and mathematics courses
  • Completion of at least 60 credit hours and enrollment in a minimum of an additional 15 credit hours
  • Completion of FSCI 101
  • Completion of Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 211 and 211L) and enrollment in a minimum of one 300 or 400 level science course
  • Submission of a completed MSFS BS/MS Program Application , including three letters of recommendation, prior to October 1 and March 1

Once accepted into the program, the undergraduate student may take up to 18 graduate credits beginning in the spring of his or her junior year.

Students, once accepted into the program, must submit a Graduate Application in the last semester of their undergraduate education. Application must be made prior to September 15 for a planned January start date and prior to February 15 for a planned August start date.

Option in Biochemistry Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in biochemistry and for entry into the biology, chemistry or crime scene investigation track of the forensic sciences master's program. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements:

ART 540Crime Scene Photography

3 credits

SCI 100School of Sciences New Student Seminar

1 credit

BIO 113General Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics

3 credits

BIO 113LGeneral Biology I Laboratory: Cell Biology and Genetics

1 credit

BIO 230Genetics

4 credits

BIOCH 327Biochemistry

3 credits

BIOCH 345LIntegrative Laboratory I

2 credits

BIOCH 427Advanced Biochemistry

3 credits

CHEM 115General Chemistry I

3 credits

CHEM 115LGeneral Chemistry I Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 116General Chemistry II

3 credits

CHEM 116LGeneral Chemistry II Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 210Organic Chemistry I

3 credits

CHEM 210LOrganic Chemistry I Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 211Organic Chemistry II

3 credits

CHEM 211LOrganic Chemistry II Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 213Electronic Literature Searching

1 credit

FSCI 101Survey of Forensic Science

3 credits

FSCI 400Senior Forensic Science Seminar

2 credits

FSCI 655Practicum Rotations

3 credits

MATH 220Calculus I

4 credits

PHIL 415Professional Ethics

3 credits

PHYS 210General Physics I

4 credits

or

PHYS 215General Physics I with Calculus

4 credits

PHYS 211General Physics II

4 credits

or

PHYS 216General Physics II with Calculus

4 credits

Elective courses Group 1

Select two from the following list: (Students interested in the chemistry track must choose CHEM 430; students interested in the biology track must choose BIO 310 or BIO 330)

BIO 310Cell Biology

4 credits

BIO 330Molecular Genetics

4 credits

CHEM 430Physical Chemistry

3 credits

Elective courses Group 2

Select three from the following list:

(One must be CHEM, one must be BIO and at least two of the courses must be at the 300 level or higher; advisors help students choose electives based on the desired graduate track):

BIO 203Microbiology

4 credits

BIO 255Techniques in Molecular Biology

3 credits

BIO 310Cell Biology

4 credits

BIO 330Molecular Genetics

4 credits

BIO 335Immunology

4 credits

BIO 355

BT 430Bioinformatics

3 credits

BIOCH 365Independent Laboratory Research in Biochemistry

3 credits

CHEM 221Inorganic Chemistry

3 credits

CHEM 310Analytical Chemistry

3 credits

CHEM 330Advanced Organic Chemistry

4 credits

CHEM 340Medicinal and Drug Chemistry

3 credits

CHEM 410Instrumental Analysis

4 credits

CHEM 430Physical Chemistry

3 credits

CHEM 431Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics

3 credits

CHEM 432Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics

3 credits

MATH 235

BIO 310, BIO 330, CHEM 430: if not used as a group 1 elective

Option in Biotechnology Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in biotechnology and for entry into the biology track, chemistry track or crime scene investigation track of the forensic sciences master's program. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements:

SCI 100School of Sciences New Student Seminar

1 credit

BIO 113General Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics

3 credits

BIO 113LGeneral Biology I Laboratory: Cell Biology and Genetics

1 credit

BIO 114General Biology II: Structure and Function of Organisms

3 credits

BIO 114LGeneral Biology II Laboratory: Structure and Function of Organisms

1 credit

BIO 115General Biology III: Ecology and Evolution

3 credits

BIO 115LGeneral Biology III Laboratory: Ecology and Evolution

1 credit

BT 201Introduction to Biotechnology

3 credits

BIO 217Principles of Biochemistry

3 credits

BT 205Biosafety and Quality Assurance

2 credits

BT 255Techniques in Molecular Biology

3 credits

BIO 355

CHEM 115General Chemistry I

3 credits

CHEM 115LGeneral Chemistry I Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 116General Chemistry II

3 credits

CHEM 116LGeneral Chemistry II Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 210Organic Chemistry I

3 credits

CHEM 210LOrganic Chemistry I Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 211Organic Chemistry II

3 credits

CHEM 211LOrganic Chemistry II Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 310Analytical Chemistry

3 credits

CHEM 410Instrumental Analysis

4 credits

FSCI 101Survey of Forensic Science

3 credits

FSCI 400Senior Forensic Science Seminar

2 credits

FSCI 655Practicum Rotations

3 credits

MATH 220Calculus I

4 credits

MATH 235

PHIL 415Professional Ethics

3 credits

PHYS 210General Physics I

4 credits

or

PHYS 215General Physics I with Calculus

4 credits

PHYS 211General Physics II

4 credits

or

PHYS 216General Physics II with Calculus

4 credits

Electives:

Any two biology or chemistry courses

Any two biology or chemistry laboratory courses

*At least two elective courses must be at the 300-400-level or higher. One biology/chemistry elective is fulfilled by a forensic sciences track course in the master's program.

Option in Chemistry Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in chemistry and for entry into the chemistry track or crime scene investigation track of the forensic sciences master's program. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements:

ART 540Crime Scene Photography

3 credits

SCI 100School of Sciences New Student Seminar

1 credit

BIO 113General Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics

3 credits

BIO 113LGeneral Biology I Laboratory: Cell Biology and Genetics

1 credit

BIOCH 327Biochemistry

3 credits

BIOCH 345LIntegrative Laboratory I

2 credits

CHEM 115General Chemistry I

3 credits

CHEM 115LGeneral Chemistry I Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 116General Chemistry II

3 credits

CHEM 116LGeneral Chemistry II Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 210Organic Chemistry I

3 credits

CHEM 210LOrganic Chemistry I Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 211Organic Chemistry II

3 credits

CHEM 211LOrganic Chemistry II Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 213Electronic Literature Searching

1 credit

CHEM 221Inorganic Chemistry

3 credits

CHEM 310Analytical Chemistry

3 credits

CHEM 410Instrumental Analysis

4 credits

CHEM 431Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics

3 credits

CHEM 432Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics

3 credits

FSCI 101Survey of Forensic Science

3 credits

FSCI 400Senior Forensic Science Seminar

2 credits

FSCI 655Practicum Rotations

3 credits

MATH 220Calculus I

4 credits

MATH 221Calculus II

4 credits

MATH 136Introduction to Statistics

4 credits

or

MATH 235

PHIL 415Professional Ethics

3 credits

PHYS 215General Physics I with Calculus

4 credits

PHYS 216General Physics II with Calculus

4 credits

PSY 101Introduction to Psychology

3 credits

One CHEM elective selected from the following list:

BIOCH 427Advanced Biochemistry

3 credits

CHEM 330Advanced Organic Chemistry

4 credits

CHEM 340Medicinal and Drug Chemistry

3 credits

CHEM 365Independent Laboratory Research in Chemistry

3 credits

Minor in Forensic Sciences

A minor in forensic sciences is not available.

Other Options

Other Options for Students Interested in Forensic Sciences

Master of Science in Forensic Sciences

Students who wish to enter the master's program in forensic sciences must have a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or other equivalent natural sciences or forensic sciences. Candidates must meet specific course requirements and prerequisites. For further details, please see the Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog or visit the Stevenson website stevenson.edu.

Course Descriptions

See Forensic Science Course Descriptions