BS in Forensic Science
The B.S. in Forensic Science at Loyola University Chicago is fully accredited by FEPAC - The Forensic Education Programs Accreditation Commission. Learn more about FEPAC on their website. The curriculum focuses heavily on natural and physical sciences, which prepares students for a variety of forensic science and related careers. In addition to fulfilling major requirements, students are required to complete the CORE curriculum and other requirements. Please visit the College of Arts & Sciences College Requirements for more information.
Program Content and Sensitive Topics
The Forensic Science Program curriculum, by its very nature, includes sensitive topics such as drug overdose, drug-facilitated sexual assault, sexual violence, domestic violence, postmortem forensic toxicology, homicides, and other violent crime. Our faculty endeavor to handle these topics with the appropriate respect, professionalism, gravity, and discretion. However, students should be aware that these and other topics involving criminal behavior are covered in numerous courses throughout the curriculum. Some courses also include in-depth discussion and case studies.
Degree Requirements
Science and Math Courses – Lecture and Lab
BIOL 101, 111, 102, 112: General Biology I and II and labs
BIOL 282, 283: Genetics and lab
BIOL 335: Introduction to Biostatistics (cross-listed with STAT 335)
BIOL 366L: Biochemistry lab
PHYS 111 / 111L, 112 / 112L: College Physics I and II and labs
MATH 131, 132: Applied Calculus I and II
Old chemistry curriculum (prior to Fall 2022):
CHEM 101, 111, 102, 112: General Chemistry I and II and labs
CHEM 212, 214: Quantitative Analysis with lab
CHEM 223, 225, 224, 226: Organic Chemistry I and II and labs
CHEM 361: Biochemistry (cross-listed with BIOL 366)
-OR-
New chemistry curriculum (starting in Fall 2022):
CHEM 160 / 161: Chemical Structure and Properties and Lab
CHEM 180 / 181: Chemical Reactivity I and Lab
CHEM 240 / 241: Chemical Reactivity II and Lab
CHEM 260: Quantitative Methods in Chemistry
CHEM 272: Analytical Chemistry Lab
CHEM 280: Environmental & Chemical Analysis
CHEM 361: Biochemistry (cross-listed with BIOL 366)
Forensic Science Courses
FRSC 340: Introduction to Forensic Science
FRSC 341: Forensic Science Ethics and Professional Practice
FRSC 342: Expert Witness Testimony and Court Room Demeanor
FRSC 343: Physical Organic Chemistry for the Forensic Sciences
FRSC 350 / 350L: Pattern Evidence I and Lab
FRSC 360W / 360L: Forensic Drug Chemistry I and Lab
FRSC 370 / 370L: Forensic Biology and Lab
Forensic Capstone
Choose one of the following:
FRSC 361 / 361L: Forensic Toxicology I and Lab
FRSC 371: Forensic Molecular Biology with Lab
ANTH 396: Anthropology Internship
*Requires ANTH 326 as a prerequisite
Criminal Justice Course
CJC 101: Criminal Justice in a Global Context
Electives
Students in this program are encouraged, but not required, to select elective courses from the following list:
FRSC 390: Forensic Science Internship
FRSC 394: Forensic Science Research
FRSC 395: Special Topics in Forensic Science (when offered)
ANTH 324: Human Evolution
ANTH 326: Human Osteology
ANTH/BIOL 369: Paleopathology
BIOL 242: Human Structure and Function I
BIOL 243: Human Structure and Function II
BIOL 251: Cell Biology
BIOL 341: Histology Lecture/Lab
BIOL 342: Human Anatomy
BIOL 363: Entomology
BIOL 389: Introduction to Pharmacology
CJC 201: Theories of Criminal Behavior
CJC 202: Criminal Courts
CJC 203: Policing
CJC 322: Criminal Law
CJC 323: Criminal Procedure
CJC 371: Victimology
Updated 04 Oct 2023