Total number of hours for the program: 124.
Pre-Forensic Science Core Major: Declaration of major in Pre-Forensic Science does not guarantee entry into the Forensic Science Program. Admittance into the program is dependent on completion of program entry requirements. Students should apply to the Forensic Science Program by the end of their sophomore year. For the most up to date information regarding these requirements, please visit the Forensic Science Program website at http://forensicscience.wcu.edu.
Pre-Forensic Science Core Coursework: All students wishing to apply to the Forensic Science Program must have completed a core set of science courses. This coursework includes BIOL 140, 270, CHEM 139, 140 and 241, PHYS 130 and 131, and MATH 153 and 270.
Minimum GPA Requirement: All Forensic Science students must maintain a 2.75 GPA in the major coursework. Students who fail to meet this requirement may be denied entry into the Forensic Science Program. Students are also required to maintain a 2.75 GPA in all major coursework while enrolled as a Forensic Science student.
Statement of Goals: Each student applying for entry into the Forensic Science Program must submit an essay describing his/her career goals in Forensic Science or related area. The essay must be no longer than 2 pages, and should be included with the submitted application packet.
Comprehensive Examination: All students wishing to apply to the Forensic Science Program must register to take the Forensic Science Comprehensive Entrance Examination at the end of their sophomore year (or as soon as the core science coursework has be satisfied). This exam includes material from core science coursework including General Biology I & II, General Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry, Physics I & II, Statistics and Calculus I. A grade of 70% or better on this exam is considered passing. Students not earning a grade of 70% or better may be denied acceptance into the Forensic Science Program. Additional information and registration forms for the comprehensive examination can be found on the Forensic Science Program website.
Other Requirements: Students 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.
When do students apply?: To be considered for admission, students must have satisfied (or be in the process of satisfying) all of the entry requirements stated above. The admission application packet can be found on the Forensic Science Program website. The completed applications must be received no later than April 1st for Fall Admission, and October 1st for Spring Admission. Notifications will be sent to WCU students email accounts in June for Fall Admission and in November for Spring Admission.
Waivers: Students with exceptional academic records may appeal one or more of the entry requirements to the Program Director. At the time the waivers are approved, the student will be admitted into the program. The student should note, however, that this type of waiver does not exempt them from completing the course requirement for degree completion.