Forensic Sciences

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, biology, 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, biology, 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 Biology Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in biology and for entry into the biology 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:

Elective Courses Group 1

Select three 200-level biology courses (one must be BIO 255).

Elective Courses Group 2

Select two additional biology courses.

Elective Courses Group 3

Select four additional 300- or 400-level biology courses.

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:

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)

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):

Option in Biotechnology Requirements

The Option in Biotechnology has been discontinued effective with the 2015-2016 academic year. This option is available to current biotechnology majors on previous catalog years who have been accepted into the BS/MS program. 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).

Major Requirements:

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:

One CHEM elective selected from the following list:

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