Forensic Studies

Contact Information

Program Directors

Brenda Young, Natural Sciences Department

Denise Emer, Psychological Sciences Department

Forensic Studies is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for careers and graduate work in forensic science, forensic psychology, and criminal justice. A minor in Forensic Studies requires a minimum of 17 credits of specialized coursework from the natural sciences, government, and psychology. Students should select particular courses suited to their career plans in consultation with their advisor. Specialization in Forensic Science is offered with the B.S. in Natural Science for those students who would like to pursue graduate study or employment in the scientific application of forensics.

Forensic science course listings appear in the Natural Sciences section of the Catalog. Program details are available from the Natural Sciences and Psychological Sciences departments, or from the Office of the Registrar.

Requirements for the Minor: (17 credits)

  • FOR101 Introduction to Forensic Science (3)
  • PSY306 Forensic Psychology (3)

  • SELECT ONE

    • CHE112/L Introduction to Forensic Chemistry lecture/lab (3/1)
    • PHY125/L Forensic Physics lecture/ lab (4/0)
    • BIO316/L Anatomy & Physiology lecture/lab (3/1)*
    • BCH 440 Molecular Biology lecture/lab (3/1)

  • SELECT A MINIMUM OF 7 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING:

    • BIO316/L Anatomy & Physiology lecture/lab (3/1)*
    • PSC230 U.S. Judicial Process (3)
    • PSC305 American Constitutional Law (3)
    • PSY214 Psychology of Adolescence (3)
    • PSY219 The Psychology of Mental Illness (3)
    • PSY314 Biological Bases of Behavior (3)
    • PSY380 Drugs and Behavior (3)
    • SOC209 Social Problems (3)
    • SOC/SW217 Alcoholism, Substance Abuse & Other Addictions (3)
    • ENS303 Environmental Toxicology (3)
    • BIO103  Human Biology (3)
    • Additional sciences from CHE112, PHY125, BIO316, or BCH 440 (3-4)

* Students may substitute either BIO330/L General Anatomy Lecture and Lab, or BIO340/L General Physiology  Lecture and  Lab

N.B.: Some of the courses included in this minor may have prerequisites. Consult the Schedules of Courses Offerings and/or the College Catalog for such information.

Recommended Courses

In addition to completing of the 17 required credits, students are encouraged to complete the following:

  • SELECT ONE

    • CMP311 Advanced English Composition (3)
    • CMP315 Advanced Composition for Health Professionals (3)

  • SELECT ONE

    • MTH104 Survey of Statistics (3)
    • NSC310 Biostatistics (3)
    • PSY333 Statistics for Psychology and Social Sciences (3)
    • FOR101 Introduction to Forensic Science (3)
    • PSC117 Criminal Justice: Law and Procedures (3)
    • PSY103 Introduction to Psychological Science (3)