Forensic Science, B.S.

Liberal Studies, 42 hours

Major requirements, 78 hours as follows:

Core Science Courses: (38 hours)

• BIOL 140 - Principles of Biology I Credits: (4)
• BIOL 141 - Principles of Biology II Credits: (4)
• BIOL 240 - Introduction to Genetics Credits: (4)
• CHEM 139 - General Chemistry I Credits: (4)
• CHEM 140 - Advanced General Chemistry Credits: (4)
• CHEM 241 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: (3)
• MATH 153 - Calculus I Credits: (4)
• MATH 270 - Statistical Methods I Credits: (3)
• PHYS 130 - Introductory Physics I Credits: (4)
• PHYS 131 - Introductory Physics II Credits: (4)

Additional Natural Science and Forensic Science Courses: (21 Hours)

• CJ 250 - The Criminal Justice System Credits: (3)
• CJ 323 - Crime Scene Investigations Credits: (3)
• CHEM 232 - Quantitative Analysis Credits: (3)
• CHEM 242 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: (3)
• CHEM 272 - Organic Chemistry Lab Credits: (2)
• FS 380 - Research in Forensic Science Credits: (3, R15)

• or

• FS 389 - Cooperative Education in Forensic Science Credits: (3)
• BIOL 422 - Forensic Biology Credits: (4)

• or

• CHEM 465 - Forensic Chemistry Credits: (3)

One concentration selected from Biology or Chemistry

Recommended Electives:

7-16 hours (depending on the number of major courses that also count in Liberal Studies Requirements.)

• ANTH 364 - Human Osteology Credits: (3)
• ANTH 400 - Advanced Topics in Human Osteology Credits: (3)
• ANTH 401 - Osteopathology Credits: (3)
• PSY 370 - Psychology and Law Credits: (3)
• PSY 470 - Abnormal Psychology Credits: (3)

Additional Requirements:

Students must take at least 32 hours at the junior-senior level at WCU to satisfy general university degree requirements.

• Students applying to the Forensic Science Program will be expected to pass a comprehensive examination in the areas of general chemistry, general biology, general physics and mathematics through calculus with a score of 70% or better. This exam may be attempted as early as the second semester of the students’ freshman year. The student must also maintain a mimimum G.P.A. of 2.75 in the major courses. Additionally, an essay must be submitted that describes career goals in forensic science or a related area. Finally, the student must sign a memorandum which states that they have been advised of the implications of having a criminal record of any kind, and of the potential to be subjected to a criminal background check should they be accepted into an internship position.
   
• Visit the department’s website at http://www.wcu.edu/4429.asp to view the 8 semester curriculum guide.