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

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 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.

*

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

Crime Scene Investigation Concentration

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

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

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