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 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.

Forensic science is an appropriate major for all 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.

Curriculum Overview

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

SLU has 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, medical school or scientific research across a broad spectrum of industries. Students in this concentration also can work in fields such as crime scene investigation and death investigation. 

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

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.

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 practicums 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. 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 be connected with a junior/senior Forensic Science major.

Careers

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

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 postsecondary 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 $52,260

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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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 2022, 99% of first-time freshmen and 90% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $445 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 information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

  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.

Forensic science students must complete a minimum total of 75 credits for the major.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
FRSC 2600Survey of Forensic Science3
FRSC 2800Professional Issues in Forensic Science3
FRSC 3500Forensics and Law3
FRSC 3620
FRSC 3621
Chemical Forensics
and Chemical Forensics Laboratory
3
FRSC 3630
FRSC 3631
Forensic Biology
and Forensic Biology Laboratory
3
FRSC 4550
FRSC 4551
Crime Scene Investigation
and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory
3
FRSC 4750Forensic Science Senior Seminar1
Capstone Experience *3
Choose one of the following:
Internship
Capstone in Forensic Science
Independent Research in Forensic Science
Concentration53
Choose a Concentration:
General Electives19-22
Total Credits120
*

A second capstone experience can be completed for elective Forensic Science credits. 

Continuation Standards

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

Criminalistics Concentration

Forensic Science courses2
Choose a minimum of 2 credits in courses with a Forensic Science FRSC Elective Attribute such as:
True Crime: Forensic and Literary Perspectives
Digital Forensic Investigation
Fingerprints
Death Investigation
Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction
and Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction 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 courses
MATH 1510Calculus I4
STAT 1300Elementary Statistics with Computers3
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 Credits53

Crime Scene Investigation Concentration

Forensic Science courses
FRSC 3640Fingerprints 3
FRSC 4650
FRSC 4651
Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction
and Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction Laboratory
3
Choose 9 credits from courses with a Forensic Science FRSC Elective attribute such as:9
True Crime: Forensic and Literary Perspectives
Digital Forensic Investigation
Death Investigation
Advanced Death Investigation
Special Topics
Anthropology
ANTH 3280Forensic Anthropology3
Biology and/or Chemistry courses8
Choose 2 course sequences below for a total of 8 credits:
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
Mathematics course
STAT 1300Elementary Statistics with Computers3
Criminal Justice courses
CCJ 1010Introduction to Criminal Justice3
Choose 9 credits from courses with a Forensic Science CCJ Elective attribute such as:9
Criminology: Nature of Crime
Victimology & Victimization
Understanding Serial Killers
Criminal Law & Procedure
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 Credits53

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 and/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-/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
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (Can do two semesters of Gen Bio (I and II) in lieu of Gen Chem)
4
CHEM 1110
CHEM 1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (Can do two semesters of Gen Chem (I and II) in lieu of Gen Bio)
4
CCJ 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
 Credits14-15
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
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication 3
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
General Electives 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
CCJ 2150 Criminology: Nature of Crime 3
STAT 1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers (satisfies CORE 3200) 3
FRSC 2800 Professional Issues in Forensic Science (satisfies CORE 3200) 3
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
 Credits15
Spring
FRSC 3640 Fingerprints 3
FRSC 3620
FRSC 3621
Chemical Forensics
and Chemical Forensics Laboratory
3
PSY/BIOL/CHEM ELECTIVE 3
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
General Electives 6
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
FRSC 3500 Forensics and Law 3
FRSC 3400 Digital Forensic Investigation 3
FRSC 3630
FRSC 3631
Forensic Biology
and Forensic Biology Laboratory
3
CCJ ELECTIVE 3
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 3
 Credits15
Spring
ANTH 3280 Forensic Anthropology 3
FRSC 4610 Death Investigation 2
PSY/BIO/CHEM Elective 3
CCJ Elective 3
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
General Electives 2
 Credits16
Summer
Forensics Internship/Capstone/ResearchStudent must take 1 of the 3 listed prior to graduation 3
 Credits3
Year Four
Fall
FRSC 4550
FRSC 4551
Crime Scene Investigation
and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory (Collaborative Inquiry)
3
FRSC Elective 3
PSY/BIO/CHEM Elective 3
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
General Electives 5
 Credits15
Spring
FRSC 4750 Forensic Science Senior Seminar 1
FRSC 4650
FRSC 4651
Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction
and Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction Laboratory
3
FRSC 3150True Crime and Literature 3
General Electives 6
 Credits13
 Total Credits121-122
Program Notes

Specialized Elective Courses: Look for Forensic Science Elective Attributes under PSY, BIOL, and CHEM courses to see what counts towards the 12 credit hours for electives.

NOTE: If you are interested in studying abroad, meet with your faculty mentor to determine what classes can be taken abroad and if any of the above schedule needs to be rearranged.

Criminalistics Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CHEM 1110
CHEM 1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
MATH 1510 Calculus I (satisfies CORE 3200) 4
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
 Credits15-16
Spring
CHEM 1120
CHEM 1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
BIOL 1260
BIOL 1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
4
FRSC 2600 Survey of Forensic Science (satisfies CORE 3200) 3
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication 3
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
 Credits17
Year Two
Fall
CHEM 2410
CHEM 2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
BIOL/CHEM Science ElectiveSee note below for DNA or Drug chemistry careers 3
FRSC 2800 Professional Issues in Forensic Science (satisfies CORE 3200) 3
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
 Credits16
Spring
CHEM 2420
CHEM 2425
Organic Chemistry 2
and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
BIOL/CHEM Science ElectiveSee note below for DNA or Drug chemistry careers 3
MATH 1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers 3
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
General Elective 3
 Credits13
Year Three
Fall
FRSC 3620
FRSC 3621
Chemical Forensics
and Chemical Forensics Laboratory
3
PHYS 1310
PHYS 1320
College Physics I
and College Physics I Laboratory
4
FRSC 3500 Forensics and Law 3
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 3
 Credits13
Spring
FRSC 3630
FRSC 3631
Forensic Biology
and Forensic Biology Laboratory
3
BIOL/CHEM Science Elective with LabSee note below for DNA or Drug chemistry careers 4
PHYS 1330
PHYS 1340
College Physics II
and College Physics II Laboratory
4
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
 Credits14
Summer
Forensics Internship/Capstone/ResearchStudent must take 1 of the 3 listed prior to graduation 3
 Credits3
Year Four
Fall
FRSC 4550
FRSC 4551
Crime Scene Investigation
and Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory (Collaborative Inquiry )
3
FRSC 4610 Death Investigation (Note: Death investigation is generally offered in the fall and spring semesters ) 2
BIOL/CHEM Science Elective with LabSee note below for DNA or Drug chemistry careers 4
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
General Electives 5
 Credits15
Spring
FRSC Forensic Elective 3
BIOL/CHEM Science ElectiveSee note below for DNA or Drug chemistry careers 3
Forensics Internship/Capstone/ResearchStudent must take 1 of the 3 listed prior to graduation 3
FRSC 4750 Forensic Science Senior Seminar 1
General Electives 5
 Credits15
 Total Credits121-122
Program Notes

Specialized Science Elective Courses: minimum 12 credit hours and must include at least 2 courses with a laboratory.  Look for Forensic Science Elective Attributes under BIOL and CHEM 3000/4000 level courses to see what counts towards the 12 credit hours for science electives and laboratories 

NOTE: If you are interested in studying abroad, meet with your faculty mentor to determine what classes can be taken abroad and if any of the above schedule needs to be rearranged.

NOTE: For career in Forensic DNA analysis: Must have at least 3 credits in each of the following subjects: Statistics, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry

NOTE: For careers in Drug chemistry or toxicology: Recommend taking Analytical Chemistry with Laboratory