Forensic Science Concentration
You love science…technology…and justice. You’re interested in a rewarding and challenging career that is facing unprecedented growth—and affecting the world around you in a positive way. If this sounds like you, consider adding a concentration in forensic science to your bachelor’s degree program here at Cedar Crest College.
Unlike institutions whose programs focus on single aspects of forensic science, Cedar Crest’s concentration in forensic science program follows a “generalist philosophy” that is designed to offer you greater insight into the field of forensic science as a whole. This broader approach means that you will experience a more comprehensive education, which will better prepare you for a wide array of professional careers or for graduate studies in forensic science.
Also, selecting Cedar Crest for your forensic science studies gives you an immediate edge over students attending most other institutions because our College is one of just a handful in the nation that offers fully accredited forensic science programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This accreditation ensures that you will be receiving the highest quality education—a fact that future employers and graduate schools alike hold in high esteem.
Program Requirements
The forensic science concentration can be added to a bachelor’s degree program in one of the following disciplines:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Genetic Engineering
Before being accepted into the forensic science concentration, students in their sophomore year must apply to the director of the forensic science program.
Course Requirements
In addition to the core requirements of the major in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or genetic engineering, the following courses are required for the concentration in forensic science:
- CHE 111 Chemical Principles (4 credits)
- CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis (4 credits)
- CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
- CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CHE 241 Crime Scene Pattern Analysis (4 credits)
- CHE 302 Instrumental Analysis (4 credits)
- CHE 307 Biochemistry I (4 credits)
- CHE 347 Trace Evidence and Microscopy (4 credits)
- CHE 348 Forensic Molecular Biology (4 credits)
- CHE 349 Professional Issues in Forensic Science (3 credits)
- BIO 121 Principles of Biology I (4 credits)
- BIO 122 Principles of Biology II (4 credits)
- BIO 236 Cell and Molecular Biology (4 credits)
- BIO 248 Biostatistics (3 credits)
- BIO 313 Advanced Mendelian and Population Genetics (3 credits)
- MAT 141 Calculus I (3 credits)
- MAT 142 Calculus II (3 credits)
- PHI 200 Ethics (3 credits)
- PHY 101 Introductory College Physics I (4 credits)
- PHY 102 Introductory College Physics II (4 credits)
Students are also required to register for 2 semesters of research. Students can register for CHE 391 and CHE 392 Chemistry Research, or BIO 353 Biology Research (2 semesters). Biology or genetic engineering majors in the concentration who are in the honors program can take the Concentrated Research Creativity Track for the honors program in lieu of 2 semesters of BIO 353. In addition, biology and genetic engineering majors must register for BIO 354 (Thesis and Presentation) during the spring semester of their senior year.
