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 an appropriate major for all SLU 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.

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.

Curriculum Overview

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

There are 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 pathway for those students interested in working in a crime laboratory, in fields such as DNA analysis, drug chemistry, toxicology and trace evidence. This pathway also provides foundations for graduate and professional school. Students in this concentration also can work in fields such as crime scene investigation, fingerprints, firearms and death investigation. 

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

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 connect with a junior/senior forensic science major.

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 internships 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. Students can conduct research in a variety of fields, such as forensic DNA analysis, fingerprint techniques and forensic chemistry, alongside faculty.

Careers

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

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.

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 or HiSET.

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
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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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 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 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 February 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will demonstrate a knowledge base of the discipline 

   a) identify major concepts and their categories of evidence
   b) identify trends in the field of forensic science.
   c) identify the scientific and empirical basis of forensic science investigative and analytic methods

2. Graduates will understand the role of research methods in forensic science

   a) demonstrate an understanding of the chain of custody of artifacts/evidence,
   b) demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate types and instruments of forensic science analysis,
   c) demonstrate the correct interpretation of appropriate forensic science evidence.

3. Graduates will understand the role of critical thinking skills in forensic science

   a) demonstrate the ability to build a pattern from diverse evidence
   b) demonstrate the ability to assemble diverse evidence to form a whole
   c) demonstrate the ability to create a new meaning or structure.

4. Graduates will understand appropriate patterns of career planning and professional development

   a) describe the role of ethical issues inherent in forensic science
   b) compare and contrast basic professional orientations; or, identify assumptions in analyses and arguments
   c) apply ethical standards to examples or situations

Forensic science students must complete a minimum of 76 credits for the major.

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For those students in the Criminalistics Concentration, FRSC 3620 Forensic Chemistry (2 cr) and FRSC 3630 Forensic Biology (2 cr) MUST be taken.  Students in the CSI Concentration can enroll in either section based on prerequisites. 

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 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- and 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

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NOTE: Students can also take two semesters of Gen Bio (I and II) or two semesters of Gen Chem (I and II).

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NOTE:  Students should take PSY 1010 and CCJ 1010 in Year One (fall or spring semester).

Program Notes

FRSC 2600 for Majors is offered in the spring of the first year. Forensic Science Capstone Experience (Internship/Research) may be taken in summer, fall or spring semester. Students must enroll in an internship, capstone, or research prior to graduation.

Criminalistics Concentration

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FRSC 2600 for Majors is offered in the Spring of the first year.

Program Notes

Forensic Science Capstone Experience (Internship/Research) may be taken in the summer, fall or spring semester. Students must enroll in an internship, capstone or research prior to graduation. For a career in DNA analysis: Must have at least 3 credits in each of the following subjects: statistics, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. For a career in drug chemistry or toxicology: Analytical Chemistry with Laboratory is recommended.

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

Forensic Science, B.S. (STLCC 2+SLU)

For additional information about this program, please contact forensics@slu.edu or call 314-977-9754.