B.S. in Forensic Science
Students pursuing the B.S. in Forensic Science degree gain:
- A broad range of knowledge and skills in chemistry and biology
- An understanding of the criminal justice system and rules of evidence
- Strong writing and speaking skills
- Technical expertise and analytic reasoning abilities
Loyola's strong reputation in the sciences, along with its successful track record in preparing students for the health professions, enables forensic science graduates to begin highly successful careers in this dynamic field.
This major combines coursework from anthropology, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, mathematics and physics.
Degree Requirements
The forensic science major requires 81 credit hours of coursework.
Laboratory Science Courses (minimum of 59 credit hours)
- Anthropology (ANTH) 326. Human Osteology (four credit hours)
- Biology (BIOL) 101, 102. General Biology I and II (six credit hours)
- BIOL 282, 283. Genetics (five credit hours)
- BIOL 366. or Chemistry (CHEM) 361. Biochemistry (three credit hours)
- BIOL 366L. Biochemistry Lab (one credit hour) or CHEM 362. Biochemistry Lab (two credit hours)
- BIOL 391. Forensic Molecular Biology with Lab (five credit hours)
- CHEM 101, 111, 102, 112. General Chemistry I and II with Labs (eight credit hours)
- CHEM 213/215. Quantitative Analysis (four credit hours)
- CHEM 223, 225, 224, 226. Organic Chemistry (eight credit hours)
- CHEM 301. Physical Chemistry (four credit hours)
- CHEM 310., 311. Instrumental Analysis (four credit hours)
- Physics (PHYS) 111, 131, 112. College Physics I and II with Labs (seven credit hours)
Criminal Justice Courses (10 credit hours)
- Criminal Justice (CRMJ) 131. The Criminal Justice System (three credit hours) (Fulfills Core requirement)
- CRMJ 380. Introduction to Forensic Science (three credit hours)
- CRMJ 390. Field Practicum (four credit hours)
Ancillary Courses (12 credit hours)
Students in this program are required to include the following classes in their curriculum:
- Communication (CMUN) 230. Argumentation and Advocacy (three credit hours)
- Mathematics (MATH) 131., 132. Calculus (six credit hours)
- CRMJ/Philosophy (PHIL) 395. Ethical Issues in Forensics (three credit hours) (Fulfills Core requirement)
Electives (10 credit hours)
Students in this program are encouraged to select elective courses from the following list:
- ANTH 324. Human Evolution (three credit hours)
- ANTH/BIOL 359. Paleopathology (three credit hours)
- BIOL 342. Introduction to Human Anatomy (four credit hours)
- BIOL 364. Medical and Veterinary Entomology (four credit hours)
In addition to fulfilling major requirements to earn an undergraduate degree, students are required to complete Loyola's Core Curriculum, which teaches them important skills and values. Students also develop their own interests by taking general electives.
