Forensics can apply to different branches of science.
The study of forensic science refers to the study of collecting, identifying and analyzing physical evidence obtained from criminal investigations. Forensic science can take the form of many different subjects, such as biology, fingerprinting, ballistics and many more areas that require expert knowledge. There are several schools that feature forensic programs, although most bachelor's programs feature courses that can be taken toward a minor. To continue into the field of forensic science, students should enroll in forensic graduate programs.
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University features a forensic science program as an interdisciplinary minor for Bachelor of Science students. Students are taught about the scientific and methodological issues with crime investigation and law. Students have about 15 credit-hour courses ranging from physical and biological sciences to social and behavioral sciences, and must obtain a grade greater than a D for the courses to count toward a minor.
Oaklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University features several forensic graduate programs for students to choose from. There is the Master of Science in forensic sciences, a master's option in forensic sciences administration, a graduate certificate in the study of forensic examination of questioned documents and many more. In order to be considered, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or greater, as well as an undergraduate degree in behavioral, biological, medical or physical sciences or another forensic-related discipline. Students must obtain a score of at least 1000 in their combined Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score for the verbal and quantitative sections.
Florida International University
Florida International University offers a forensic science certificate that goes hand in hand with a bachelor's degree, usually in chemistry or biology. However, the university also offers a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with a concentration on forensic science. Students take courses such as biology, chemistry and toxicology with a focus on the forensic aspect. Students with the core courses may complete the university's certificate program, once they've taken and completed 18 credits from the forensic core courses.
California State University, Los Angeles
California State University of Los Angeles features a Bachelor of Science program in criminal justice. The criminal justice program trains students on the behavioral, natural and social science perspectives of criminal law, data analysis, theory and research methodology. Students can minor in forensic science to learn about crime scene reconstruction, legal integrity of scientific evidence and giving expert testimony. Forensic areas include biology, chemistry, microscopy, crime scene management and courtroom interpretation of evidence. Students must complete 32 units for their minor requirement when they enroll in the program and get accepted into the Bachelor of Science department.
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