Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Trine University
Key Information
Campus location
Angola, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 33,650 *
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* full-time tuition based on 12-18 credit hours per semester
Scholarships
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Introduction
Decipher evidence with a forensic science degree
The tool markings left at the scene of an intrusion; the hair found at the scene of a kidnapping; the bullet casing left at a homicide — all of this evidence can be used to solve a crime. With technology unknown just a few years ago, forensic science has extraordinary powers to produce evidence that wins court cases. With trace evidence, police and forensic scientists can reopen and prove who committed decades-old crimes.
The Bachelor of Science with a major in a forensic science program at Trine University prepares you for a career in this exciting field.
The experience: State-of-the-art laboratory equipment
Faculty provide excellent classroom and laboratory training, which includes the use of equipment such as an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, high-pressure liquid chromatography equipment, a gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer, and two comparison microscopes — a ballistics microscope and a fiber/hair microscope.
Curriculum
The degree: The science of evidence
The Bachelor of Science with a major in the forensic science curriculum is grounded in the sciences and prepares you for careers directly related to the analysis of trace evidence left at crime scenes. Coursework includes elements of chemistry and biology and covers topics such as crime scenes, evidence expert testimony, and criminal procedures.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science with a major in forensic science major is presented in two concentrations: biology or chemistry - 120 total credit hours. Both concentrations give you a comprehensive background in forensic science as well as a thorough understanding of the sub-discipline of your choice. The average course load is 16-17 hours based on eight semesters.
General Education Requirements – 30 credit hours
- ENG 133 Technical Communication
- OR ENG 143 College Composition
- SP 203 Effective Speaking
- OR COM 163 Interpersonal Communication
- ENG 153 Introduction to Literature
- HUM 203 Humanities Seminar
- PSY 113 Principles of Psychology
- Humanities or Social Sciences Elective - 3 credit hours
- MA 134 Calculus I
- BIO 114 Principles of Biology and Laboratory
- CH 104 General Chemistry I and Laboratory
Forensic Science Core - 50 credit hours
- UE 101 University Experience
- CH 114 General Chemistry II and Laboratory
- CH 204 Organic Chemistry I and Laboratory
- CH 214 Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory
- CH 234 Quantitative Chemical Analysis and Laboratory
- CH 324 Chemical Instrumental Analysis and Laboratory
- CH 434 Biochemistry I and Laboratory
- CRJ 273 Criminal Procedures and Evidence
- FS 203 Principles of Forensic Science I
- FS 223 Principles of Forensic Science II
- FS 343 Criminalistics and Crime Scene Investigation
- FS 351 Criminalistics and Crime Scene Laboratory
- FS 373 Forensic Comparative Science
- FS 422 Expert Testimony in Forensic Science
- MA 253 Statistics
- SCI 412 Senior Research Seminar AND SCI 422 Senior Research Project
- OR SCI 434 Science Internship
Choose one of the following 2 concentrations in addition to the Forensic Science Core.
Students interested in the Pre-Medical track will need to take the appropriate additional course work which would include BIO 124 (for the student in the chemistry concentration), SOC 103, and PHL 313. This would result in earning more than the 120 hours prescribed for the forensic science degree.
Biology Concentration - 40 credit hours
- PH 154 College Physics I and Laboratory
- PH 164 College Physics II and Laboratory
- BIO 154 Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology with Laboratory
- BIO 202 Introduction to Biological Literature and Communication
- BIO 302 Professional Practice in Science
- BIO 324 Microbiology and Laboratory
- BIO 343 Cell Biology
- BIO 374 Forensic Biology and Laboratory
- BIO 414 Genetics and Laboratory
- BIO 443 Pathology
- BIO 454 Molecular Biology and Laboratory
- Unrestrictive Electives - 2 credit hours
Chemistry Concentration - 40 credit hours
- MA 164 Calculus II
- MA 213 Calculus III
- PH 224/224H University Physics I and Laboratory
- PH 234/234H University Physics II and Laboratory
- CH 202 Introduction to Chemical Literature and Communication
- CH 302 Professional Practice in Science
- CH 344 Inorganic Chemistry and Laboratory
- CH 354 Physical Chemistry I and Laboratory
- CH 364 Toxicology and Laboratory
- CH 444 Biochemistry II and Laboratory
- CH 474 Advanced Forensic Chemistry and Laboratory
- Unrestrictive Elective - 1 credit hour
Program Outcome
The result: Specialty careers or graduate school
The Bachelor of Science with a major in forensic science prepares you for multiple careers as well as graduate school. Graduates of the program have become latent print examiners, arson investigators, DNA specialists, and drug chemists. One graduate even studied nuclear forensics.
Career Opportunities
Bachelor of Science with a major in Forensic Science Career Possibilities:
- Crime/arson scene investigator
- Lab technician
- Law enforcement official
- Business
- Law School
Admissions
Facilities
English Language Requirements
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