Forensic evidence is a critical component of any criminal investigation, particularly in determining guilt or innocence in a court of law. The demand for forensic technicians and specialists is expected to increase by 20 percent during the next several years.
The Becker College Forensic Science major requires a keen eye for detail, a strong background in science, and a professional interest in partnering with law enforcement agencies to fight crime. Designed specifically for students who are interested in the technical aspects of evidence gathering and analysis, the forensic science major focuses on the basic and advanced sciences required for examining and processing crime scene data and evidence.
This program will provide students with specific preparation and a solid foundation for continued advanced studies, leading to a successful career in an entry-level forensics position; develop skills and attitudes that will enable them to become proficient in the scientific and technical aspects of forensics; and develop and enhance each student’s general education and broader based criminal justice basis of knowledge.
Those who graduate from this program will be prepared for a career as a crime scene technician, initiating criminal investigations by following the protocols for gathering evidence, taking pictures, recording measurements, and securing an area for further investigation. Other career opportunities include: positions in crime scene investigation divisions, bureaus of criminal identification, evidence recovery units, and crime laboratories, as well as in the private sector. The Becker College forensic science degree also prepares students for advanced study at the graduate level.
For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science: Criminalistics concentration, call 877.523.2537 or email admissions@becker.edu.
Criminalistics Concentration
Freshman Courses
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Course Name | Number | Credits |
---|---|---|
Statistics | MATH2200 | 3 |
Theories of Crime | JUST1300 | 3 |
Introduction to Forensics | FORE2001 | 4 |
Biology II | BIOL1002 | 4 |
Credits Total: 30
Sophomore Courses
Fall Semester
Course Name | Number | Credits |
---|---|---|
Introduction to Psychology | PSYC1001 | 3 |
Chemistry I | CHEM1001 | 4 |
Writing About Literature | ENGL1003 | 3 |
Collection and Preservation of Evidence | FORE2002 | 4 |
Spring Semester
Course Name | Number | Credits |
---|---|---|
American Government | GOVT1108 | 3 |
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
|
Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset | CORE3100 | 3 |
Chemistry II | CHEM1002 | 4 |
Forensic Psychology | FORE2400 | 3 |
Credits Total: 30
Junior Courses
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Course Name | Number | Credits |
---|---|---|
Introduction to Sociology | SOCI1001 | 3 |
Forensic Science Internship OR FORE OR JUST Elective | FORE3900 | 3 |
Open Elective | 3 |
|
Organic Chemistry I | CHEM2100 | 4 |
FORE OR JUST Elective | 3 |
Credits Total: 32
Senior Courses
Fall Semester
Course Name | Number | Credits |
---|---|---|
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
|
Data Analysis | SOCI4001 | 3 |
Social Psychology OR | PSYC2105 | 3 |
Abnormal Psychology | PSYC3400 | |
Science Elective | 3 |
|
Ethics and Professionalism in Criminal Justice | JUST4505 | 3 |
Spring Semester
Course Name | Number | Credits |
---|---|---|
Forensic Science Capstone | FORE4901 | 3 |
American Constitutional Law | GOVT4100 | 3 |
General Education Elective | 3 |
|
FORE OR JUST Elective | 3 |
|
Open Elective | 3 |
Credits Total: 30