At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles and methods to assist criminal and civil investigations and litigation. This major is an inter-college collaboration among academic units and provides students with a strong foundation in the biological, physical, and mathematical sciences. It introduces them to relevant topics in criminalistics, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, crime scene investigation, and appropriate social sciences. Students are educated on the role of forensic scientists in the criminal justice system, the collection and analysis of scientific evidence, and the manner in which evidence is presented in court. Graduates of this major could pursue employment as a scientist in a federal, state, or private forensic laboratory or with insurance companies, homeland security agencies, or the judicial community. Graduates could also choose to pursue advanced degrees, for example, in forensic science, medicine, psychology, anthropology, pathology, odontology, entomology, toxicology, law, or in the general sciences.
What is Forensic Science?
Forensic Science is the application of principles of chemistry, molecular biology, and physics to matters of the law. Forensic scientists develop a deep understanding of and hands-on lab experience in serology, biochemistry, and forensic molecular biology, with particular emphasis on forensic DNA analysis. Forensic scientists also use analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry for the forensic analysis of controlled substances, trace evidence, fire debris, ignitable liquids, and firearms and gunshot residue. In the United States there are more than 4,000 crime scene laboratories administered by the federal, state or local governments or private industry. Our Forensic Science program provides a strong scientific foundation and general criminalistics education to all students, and allows room for students to individualize their education experience towards specific degree and career goals.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are interested in utilizing your scientific knowledge to help solve complex problems concerning civil, criminal, and homeland security issues.
- You like and want to further study several science disciplines.
- You want to understand how evidence is collected at the crime scene, analyzed in the laboratory, and presented in courts of law.
- You want to utilize state-of-the-art instrumentation to analyze materials as part of laboratory exercises.
- You want to pursue a career in forensic science casework, research, or education.
Entrance to Major
In order to be eligible for entrance to the Forensic Science major, a student must have:
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science, a minimum of 124-126 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Requirements for the Major | 97-99 |
18 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GH courses.
Requirements for the Major
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| CHEM 110 | Chemical Principles I  | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | Experimental Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 3 |
| CHEM 113 | Experimental Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 213 | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry | 2 |
| FRNSC 100 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRNSC 210 | Essential Practices of Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRNSC 400 | Courtroom Proceedings and Testimony | 1 |
| FRNSC 410 | A Scientific Approach to Crime Scene Investigation | 2 |
| FRNSC 411 | Criminalistics: Trace and Impression Evidence | 3 |
| FRNSC 413 | Criminalistics: Biology | 3 |
| FRNSC 415W | Laboratory in Crime Scene Investigation | 2 |
| FRNSC 475 | Forensic Science Seminar | 1 |
| FRNSC 485W | Coalescence of Forensic Science Concepts. | 4 |
| MATH 140 | Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| PHIL 132 | Bioethics | 3 |
| STAT 250 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| CRIM 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| or CRIM 113 | Introduction to Law | |
| Select one of the following sequences: | 8 | |
| General Physics: Mechanics and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism | ||
| Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics II | ||
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Select an option | 34-36 | |
Requirements for the Option
Forensic Biology Option (36 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| BMB 251 | Molecular and Cell Biology I | 3 |
| BMB 400 | Molecular Biology of the Gene | 3 |
| BMB 401 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| BMB 442 | Laboratory in Proteins, Nucleic Acids, and Molecular Cloning | 3 |
| FRNSC 421W | Forensic Molecular Biology | 4 |
| MICRB 201 | Introductory Microbiology | 3 |
| MICRB 202 | Introductory Microbiology Laboratory | 2 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| BIOL 222 | Genetics | 3 |
| or BIOL 322 | Genetic Analysis | |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Molecular Evolution | ||
| Advanced Genetics | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| General Biochemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry with Biological Applications | ||
| Molecular and Cellular Toxicology | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 6 credits in consultation with adviser | 6 | |
Forensic Chemistry Option (34 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| BIOL 110 | Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity | 4 |
| BIOL 230W | Biology: Molecules and Cells | 4 |
| CHEM 227 | Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 425W | Chromatography and Electrochemistry | 3 |
| FRNSC 427W | Forensic Chemistry | 4 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Physical Chemistry with Biological Applications | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Transition Metal Chemistry | ||
| Chemical Spectroscopy | ||
| Structural Analysis of Organic Compounds | ||
| Organic and Inorganic Preparations | ||
| Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics | ||
| Physical Chemistry - Quantum Chemistry | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 6 credits in consultation with adviser | 6 | |
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Knowledge Domains
- Arts (GA): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)
- Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Noelle Waggett, M.Ed.
Academic Adviser
235 Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-9572
nrw107@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2022-23 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).
Biology Option: Forensic Science, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 110*#† | 3 | CHEM 112*#† | 3 |
| CHEM 111*#† | 1 | CHEM 113*† | 1 |
| MATH 140*‡#† | 4 | MATH 141*‡† | 4 |
| PSU 16 | 1 | FRNSC 100* | 3 |
| CRIM 100* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 210* | 3 | CHEM 212* | 3 |
| BMB 251* | 3 | CHEM 213* | 2 |
| PHYS 211 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options))*† | 4 | MICRB 201* | 3 |
| FRNSC 210*# | 3 | MICRB 202* | 2 |
| General Education Course | 3 | STAT 250 (consult an academic adviser for alternative options)* | 3 |
| PHYS 212 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 4 | ||
| 16 | 17 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 222 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)* | 3 | BMB 401* | 3 |
| FRNSC 410* | 2 | FRNSC 411* | 3 |
| FRNSC 413† | 3 | FRNSC 415W* | 2 |
| CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 | PHIL 132 (consult an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202C, 202A, 202B, or 202D | 3 |
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | ||
| 14 | 17 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BMB 400* | 3 | FRNSC 485W* | 4 |
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | FRNSC 475* | 1 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | FRNSC 421* | 4 |
| BMB 442* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| FRNSC 400 | 1 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 |
| 16 | 18 | ||
| Total Credits 127 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30H and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Biology Option: Forensic Science, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 110*#† | 3 | CHEM 112*#† | 3 |
| CHEM 111*#† | 1 | CHEM 113*† | 1 |
| MATH 140*‡#† | 4 | MATH 141*‡† | 4 |
| PSU 16 | 1 | FRNSC 100* | 3 |
| CRIM 100* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 210* | 3 | CHEM 212* | 3 |
| BIOL 110* | 3 | CHEM 213* | 2 |
| PHYS 250 (consult with an academic advisor for alternative options)*† | 4 | BIOL 230W* | 4 |
| FRNSC 210*# | 3 | STAT 250 (consult an academic adviser for alternative options)* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | PHYS 251 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 4 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 222 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)* | 3 | BMB 401* | 3 |
| FRNSC 410* | 2 | FRNSC 411* | 3 |
| FRNSC 413† | 3 | FRNSC 415W* | 2 |
| CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 | PHIL 132 (consult an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202C, 202A, 202B, or 202D | 3 |
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | ||
| 14 | 17 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BMB 400* | 3 | FRNSC 485W* | 4 |
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | FRNSC 475* | 1 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | FRNSC 421* | 4 |
| BMB 442* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| FRNSC 400 | 1 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 |
| 16 | 18 | ||
| Total Credits 126 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30H and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Biology Option (MATH 22): Forensic Science, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| MATH 22*‡#† | 3 | CHEM 110*#† | 3 | CHEM 112*#† | 3 |
| MATH 26 | 3 | CHEM 111*#† | 1 | CHEM 113*† | 1 |
| PSU 16 | 1 | MATH 140*‡† | 4 | MATH 141*‡#† | 4 |
| CRIM 100* | 3 | FRNSC 100* | 3 | ||
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ||||
| 16 | 14 | 8 | |||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| CHEM 210* | 3 | CHEM 212* | 3 | ||
| BMB 251* | 3 | CHEM 213* | 2 | ||
| PHYS 211 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 4 | MICRB 201* | 3 | ||
| FRNSC 210*# | 3 | MICRB 202* | 2 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | STAT 250 (consult an academic adviser for alternative options)* | 3 | ||
| PHYS 212 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 4 | ||||
| 16 | 17 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| BIOL 222 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)* | 3 | BMB 401* | 3 | ||
| FRNSC 410* | 2 | FRNSC 411* | 3 | ||
| FRNSC 413† | 3 | FRNSC 415W* | 2 | ||
| CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 | PHIL 132 (consult an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202C, 202A, 202B, or 202D | 3 | ||
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | ||||
| 14 | 17 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| BMB 400* | 3 | FRNSC 485W* | 4 | ||
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | FRNSC 475* | 1 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | FRNSC 421* | 4 | ||
| BMB 442* | 3 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | ||
| FRNSC 400 | 1 | ||||
| 16 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits 133 | |||||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30H and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Chemistry Option: Forensic Science, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 110*#† | 3 | CHEM 112*#† | 3 |
| CHEM 111*#† | 1 | CHEM 113*† | 1 |
| MATH 140*‡#† | 4 | MATH 141*‡† | 4 |
| PSU 16 | 1 | FRNSC 100* | 3 |
| CRIM 100* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 210* | 3 | CHEM 212* | 3 |
| FRNSC 210*# | 3 | CHEM 213* | 2 |
| PHYS 211*† | 4 | STAT 250 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | PHYS 212 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 4 |
| BIOL 110*† | 4 | BIOL 230W* | 4 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 | PHIL 132 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 3 |
| CHEM 227* | 4 | FRNSC 413* | 3 |
| FRNSC 411* | 3 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 |
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| FRNSC 410* | 2 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| General Education Course | 3 | FRNSC 485W* | 4 |
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | FRNSC 475* | 1 |
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| FRNSC 400* | 1 | ENGL 202C, 202A, 202B, or 202D‡ | 3 |
| FRNSC 415W* | 2 | FRNSC 427* | 4 |
| CHEM 425W* | 4 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 126 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30H and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Chemistry Option: Forensic Science, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 110*#† | 3 | CHEM 112*#† | 3 |
| CHEM 111*#† | 1 | CHEM 113*† | 1 |
| MATH 140*‡#† | 4 | MATH 141*‡† | 4 |
| PSU 16 | 1 | FRNSC 100* | 3 |
| CRIM 100* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 210* | 3 | CHEM 212* | 3 |
| FRNSC 210*# | 3 | CHEM 213* | 2 |
| PHYS 250*† | 4 | STAT 250 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | PHYS 251 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 4 |
| BIOL 110*† | 4 | BIOL 230W* | 4 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 | PHIL 132 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 3 |
| CHEM 227* | 4 | FRNSC 413* | 3 |
| FRNSC 411* | 3 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 |
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| FRNSC 410* | 2 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| General Education Course | 3 | FRNSC 485W* | 4 |
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | FRNSC 475* | 1 |
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| FRNSC 400* | 1 | ENGL 202C, 202A, 202B, or 202D‡ | 3 |
| FRNSC 415W* | 2 | FRNSC 427* | 4 |
| CHEM 425W* | 4 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 126 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30H and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Chemistry Option (MATH 22): Forensic Science, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| MATH 22*‡#† | 3 | CHEM 110*#† | 3 | CHEM 112*#† | 3 |
| MATH 26 | 3 | CHEM 111*#† | 1 | CHEM 113*† | 1 |
| PSU 16 | 1 | MATH 140*‡† | 4 | MATH 141*‡#† | 4 |
| CRIM 100* | 3 | FRNSC 100* | 3 | ||
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ||||
| 16 | 14 | 8 | |||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| CHEM 210* | 3 | CHEM 212* | 3 | ||
| FRNSC 210*# | 3 | CHEM 213* | 2 | ||
| PHYS 211*† | 4 | STAT 250 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | PHYS 212 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 4 | ||
| BIOL 110*† | 4 | BIOL 230W* | 4 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 | PHIL 132 (consult with an academic adviser for alternative options)*† | 3 | ||
| CHEM 227* | 4 | FRNSC 413* | 3 | ||
| FRNSC 411* | 3 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | ||
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| FRNSC 410* | 2 | Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | FRNSC 485W* | 4 | ||
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | FRNSC 475* | 1 | ||
| Supporting course (consult with an academic adviser for options)* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| FRNSC 400* | 1 | ENGL 202C, 202A, 202B, or 202D‡ | 3 | ||
| FRNSC 415W* | 2 | FRNSC 427* | 4 | ||
| CHEM 425W* | 4 | ||||
| 16 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits 132 | |||||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30H and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Career Paths
The Forensic Science program provides students with a strong foundation in the natural sciences. In addition, students will be introduced to the criminalistics philosophy through intensive scientific and laboratory problem-solving skills that are necessary for their success in forensic laboratory careers or graduate-level academic settings.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE FORENSIC SCIENCE PROGRAM
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
- Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Organization of Scientific Area Committees
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences
- American Board of Criminalists
- International Association for Identification
- California Association of Criminalists
- American Society of Trace Evidence Examiners
- New Jersey Association of Forensic Scientists
- Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists
Accreditation
Our degree programs in Forensic Science are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). FEPAC promotes academic quality through formal accreditation of forensic science programs. Meeting FEPAC guidelines assures the public that our programs are of the highest quality.
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
329 Whitmore Lab
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-6769
kdm5319@psu.edu