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Forensic Science, B.S.

Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and analyzing evidence. The forensic science major at Saint Louis University is an interdisciplinary program that employs the methods, tools and perspectives of biology, chemistry, anthropology, physics, mathematics and medicine to better understand the intersection of law and science.

Forensic science is an appropriate major for all SLU students who want to pursue graduate studies or professional work in any scientific or professional field. Completing the major places students in a position to address the scientific basis of civil and criminal law through further legal studies or research.

Forensic science is well known for its application in civil and criminal law. However, the field is quite broad and has important applications in natural and man-made disasters, accidents, and historical/archaeological evaluations of lifestyles and causes of death.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's forensic science major follows the guidelines for accreditation standards of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).

There are two concentrations within the forensic science major for students to choose from: criminalistics or crime scene investigation. Both of these concentrations provide students with the hands-on application of scientific techniques to investigations.

The criminalistics concentration is a science-focused concentration for those students interested in working in a crime laboratory, in fields such as DNA analysis, drug chemistry, trace evidence and toxicology. Students in this concentration also can work in fields such as crime scene investigation, fingerprints, firearms and death investigation. 

The crime scene investigation concentration is an interdisciplinary concentration combining forensic science, criminal justice, psychology, and introductory biology/chemistry courses for students interested in fields such as crime scene investigation, death investigation, fingerprints and firearms. The crime scene investigation concentration also provides paths for law school and graduate school.

The program also hosts the Forensic Science Club, which offers forensic-related activities and exploration and a Forensic Science Honor Society. In addition, the program provides a mentor program for freshmen to connect with a junior/senior forensic science major.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The department has connections with forensic science laboratories in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Fieldwork internships and/or independent research are required for forensic science majors, which can include working at an operating forensic science lab and performing forensic research projects in those labs or at Saint Louis University.

Fieldwork internships also allow students to be involved in the laboratories of law enforcement agencies and legal and medical organizations in the area. Students should meet with the department internship director for assistance when applying for local, regional, national and international internship opportunities.

The Forensic Science Laboratory is a 1,000-square-foot teaching and research lab with the latest hardware, software and safety equipment, as well as materials used to apply forensic science techniques. Students can conduct research in a variety of fields, such as forensic DNA analysis, fingerprint techniques and forensic chemistry, alongside faculty.

Careers

Recent graduates who majored in forensic science at SLU work in various professional roles, including DNA analysts, fingerprint examiners, firearms examiners, death/crime scene investigators, drug chemists, forensic toxicologists, chemical/pharmaceutical researchers and others. Alumni have also gone on to top graduate programs in the country in forensic science, pathology, medicine, law, forensic anthropology, veterinary and health service.

A degree in this fascinating and quickly developing scientific field enables students to compete with the most accomplished and well-educated students from prestigious universities on a national and global level. Upon completing the major in forensic science, students will be well-versed in scientific methodology and equipped to apply their understanding of law and science across various industries.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

  1. Graduates will be able to identify and explain major concepts and their categories of evidence, patterns of evidence, trends in forensic science, and the scientific basis of investigative and analytical methods.  
  2. Graduates will be able to recognize the limitations of evidence and the ethical responsibilities linked to decision-making.
  3. Graduates will be able to recognize, explain and apply basic research methods in forensic science, including research design, data analysis and interpretation.
  4. Graduates will be able to engage in skeptical inquiry, think critically and creatively, and use a scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes. Students will also be able to recognize the holistic nature of forensic science, law, society and ethics.
  5. Graduates will be able to apply the knowledge of ethical issues inherent in the forensic sciences and the skill to be able to contribute to the profession through careful documentation and reporting of evidence, and the recognition and ethical reporting of errors.
Undergraduate University Core32-35
Major Requirements
FRSC 2600Survey of Forensic Science3
FRSC 2800Professional Issues in Forensic Science3
FRSC 3500Forensics and Law3
FRSC 4750Forensic Science Senior Seminar1
STAT 1300Elementary Statistics with Computers3
Choose one of the following: *2
FRSC 3620
Forensic Chemistry
or FRSC 3625
Forensic Chemistry for the Investigator
Choose one of the following: *2
FRSC 3630
Forensic Biology
or FRSC 3635
Forensic Biology for Investigators
Capstone Experience3
Choose one:
FRSC 4910
Internship
FRSC 4960
Capstone in Forensic Science
FRSC 4970
Independent Research in Forensic Science
Concentration56
Choose one:
General Electives9-12
Total Credits120
*

For those students in the Criminalistics Concentration, FRSC 3620 Forensic Chemistry (2 cr) and FRSC 3630 Forensic Biology (2 cr) MUST be taken.  Students in the CSI Concentration can enroll in either section based on prerequisites. 

 

Continuation Standards

Students with a major in forensic science must maintain a 2.00 GPA in their major coursework.

Criminalistics Concentration

Forensic Science courses
FRSC 3621Forensic Chemistry Laboratory1
FRSC 3631Forensic Biology Laboratory1
Choose 6 credits from courses with a Forensic Science - Criminalistics Elective attribute, such as:6
FRSC 3640
Fingerprints
FRSC 3660
Forensic Microscopy
FRSC 4550
FRSC 4551
Crime Scene Investigation
and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory
Biology courses
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
BIOL 1260
BIOL 1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
4
Chemistry courses
CHEM 1110
CHEM 1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEM 1120
CHEM 1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
CHEM 2410
CHEM 2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEM 2420
CHEM 2425
Organic Chemistry 2
and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
Physics courses
PHYS 1310
PHYS 1320
Physics I
and Physics I Laboratory
4
PHYS 1330
PHYS 1340
Physics II
and Physics II Laboratory
4
Mathematics
MATH 1510Calculus I4
BIOL/CHEM Elective courses12
Choose 12 credits of a science specialization from 3000 or 4000 level BIOL and/or CHEM courses with a Forensic Science BIOL/CHEM Elective attribute, including a minimum of two laboratory courses with a Forensic Science BIOL/CHEM Lab Elective attribute.
Total Credits56

Crime Scene Investigation Concentration

Forensic Science courses
FRSC 3400Digital Forensic Investigation3
FRSC 4550
FRSC 4551
Crime Scene Investigation
and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory
3
FRSC 3640Fingerprints 3
FRSC 4650
FRSC 4651
Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction
and Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction Laboratory
3
FRSC 3650Forensic Laboratory Techniques for the Investigator1
or FRSC 3621 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory
or FRSC 3631 Forensic Biology Laboratory
Choose 8 credits from courses with a Forensic Science - Crime Scene Investigation Elective attribute, such as:8
FRSC 3150X
True Crime: Forensic and Literary Perspectives
FRSC 3660
Forensic Microscopy
FRSC 4610
Death Investigation
FRSC 4615
Advanced Death Investigation
Anthropology
ANTH 3280Forensic Anthropology3
Biology and/or Chemistry courses8
Choose 2 course sequences below for a total of 8 credits:
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
BIOL 1260
BIOL 1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
CHEM 1110
CHEM 1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
CHEM 1120
CHEM 1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
Criminal Justice courses
CCJ 1010Introduction to Criminal Justice3
Choose 9 credits from courses with a Forensic Science CCJ Elective attribute, such as:9
CCJ 2150
Criminology: Nature of Crime
CCJ 3350
Understanding Serial Killers
CCJ 3400
Victimology & Victimization
CCJ 4050
Criminal Law & Procedure
CCJ 4150
Criminal Investigations
Psychology, Biology, and/or Chemistry courses12
Choose 12 credits from courses with a Forensic Science BIOL/CHEM Elective attribute or Forensic Science PSY Elective attribute
Total Credits56

Graduation Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
  • Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
  • Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
  • Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
  • Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
  • Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
  • Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
  • Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
  • Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Crime Scene Investigation Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CHEM 1110 General Chemistry 1 * 3
CHEM 1115 General Chemistry 1 Laboratory * 1
BIOL 1240 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution * 3
BIOL 1245 Principles of Biology I Laboratory * 1
University Core/General Electives 7
 Credits15
Spring
FRSC 2600 Survey of Forensic Science (satisfies CORE 3200. Note: This course is also offered during the winter and summer sessions.) 3
PSY 1010 General Psychology ** 3
CCJ 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice ** 3
University Core/General Electives 6
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
FRSC 2800 Professional Issues in Forensic Science 3
STAT 1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers 3
CCJ Elective 3
BIOL/CHEM/PSY Elective 3
University Core/General Electives 3
 Credits15
Spring
FRSC 3625 Forensic Chemistry for the Investigator 2
BIOL/CHEM/PSY Elective 3
CCJ Elective 3
University Core/General Electives 7
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
FRSC 3635 Forensic Biology for Investigators 2
FRSC 3500 Forensics and Law 3
FRSC 3400 Digital Forensic Investigation 3
CCJ Elective 3
University Core/General Electives 4
 Credits15
Spring
FRSC 3640 Fingerprints 3
University Core/General Electives 6
FRSC 3650 Forensic Laboratory Techniques for the Investigator 1
FRSC Elective/CSI Conc. Elective 2
BIOL/CHEM/PSY Elective 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
FRSC 4550
FRSC 4551
Crime Scene Investigation
and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory (Collaborative Inquiry)
3
FRSC 4551 Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory 1
FRSC Elective/CSI Conc. Elective 3
Forensics Internship/Capstone/Research 3
University Core/General Electives 5
 Credits15
Spring
FRSC 4650 Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction 2
FRSC 4651 Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction Laboratory 1
FRSC Elective/CSI Conc. Elective 3
ANTH 3280 Forensic Anthropology 3
University Core/General Electives 6
 Credits15
 Total Credits120
*

NOTE: Students can also take two semesters of Gen Bio (I and II) or two semesters of Gen Chem (I and II).

**

NOTE:  Students should take PSY 1010 and CCJ 1010 in Year One (fall or spring semester).

Program Notes

FRSC 2600 for Majors is offered in the spring of the first year. Forensic Science Capstone Experience (Internship/Research) may be taken in summer, fall or spring semester. Students must enroll in an internship, capstone, or research prior to graduation.

Criminalistics Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CHEM 1110 General Chemistry 1 3
CHEM 1115 General Chemistry 1 Laboratory 1
BIOL 1240 General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution 3
BIOL 1245 Principles of Biology I Laboratory 1
MATH 1510 Calculus I 4
University Core/General Electives 3
 Credits15
Spring
CHEM 1120 General Chemistry 2 3
CHEM 1125 General Chemistry 2 Laboratory 1
BIOL 1260 General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter 3
BIOL 1265 Principles of Biology II Laboratory 1
FRSC 2600 Survey of Forensic Science * 3
University Core/General Electives 4
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
CHEM 2410 Organic Chemistry 1 3
CHEM 2415 Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory 1
BIOL/CHEM Science Elective * 3
FRSC 2800 Professional Issues in Forensic Science 3
University Core/General Electives 5
 Credits15
Spring
CHEM 2420 Organic Chemistry 2 3
CHEM 2425 Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory 1
BIOL/CHEM Science Elective * 3
STAT 1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers 3
University Core/General Electives 5
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
FRSC 3620 Forensic Chemistry 2
FRSC 3621 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory 1
PHYS 1310 College Physics I 3
PHYS 1320 College Physics I Laboratory 1
FRSC 3500Forensics and Law 3
University Core/General Electives 5
 Credits15
Spring
FRSC 3630 Forensic Biology 2
FRSC 3621 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory 1
PHYS 1330 College Physics II 3
PHYS 1340 College Physics II Laboratory 1
University Core/General Electives 8
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
FRSC ElectiveCriminalistics Conc. Elective 3
BIOL/CHEMScience Elective with Lab * 4
Forensics Internship/Capstone/Research 3
University Core/General Electives 5
 Credits15
Spring
FRSC ElectiveCriminalistics Conc. Elective 3
BIOL/CHEMScience Elective with Lab * 4
FRSC 4750 Forensic Science Senior Seminar 1
University Core/General Electives 7
 Credits15
 Total Credits120
*

FRSC 2600 for Majors is offered in the Spring of the first year.

Program Notes

Forensic Science Capstone Experience (Internship/Research) may be taken in the summer, fall or spring semester. Students must enroll in an internship, capstone or research prior to graduation. For a career in DNA analysis: Must have at least 3 credits in each of the following subjects: statistics, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. For a career in drug chemistry or toxicology: Analytical Chemistry with Laboratory is recommended.

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

Forensic Science, B.S. (STLCC 2+SLU)