Forensic Science Major
The B.S. program in forensic science prepares students for careers as forensic scientists. Potential employers include local, state and federal crime laboratories and law enforcement agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The curriculum is enhanced by internship opportunities with local agencies, including the Tampa FDLE lab and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner. The track also prepares students for graduate programs in forensic science, chemistry and biochemistry and health professional schools.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for a B.S. in forensic science:
FSC 130 | Survey of Forensic Sciences | 3 |
BIO 198 | General Biology I | 3 |
BIO 198L | General Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
BIO 199 | General Biology II | 3 |
BIO 199L | General Biology II Laboratory | 1 |
CHE 152 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
CHE 153L | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
CHE 154 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
CHE 155L | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
CHE 232 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
CHE 233L | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
CHE 234 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHE 235L | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
FSC 230 | Fire Debris and Firearms | 3 |
MAT 201 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
MAT 260 | Calculus I | 4 |
PHY 200 | General Physics I | 4 |
PHY 200L | General Physics I Laboratory | 0 |
PHY 201 | General Physics II | 4 |
PHY 201L | General Physics II Laboratory | 0 |
CHE 310 | Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
CHE 310L | Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | 0 |
CHE 432 | Forensic Chemistry | 3 |
CHE 433L | Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
CHE 434 | Forensic Toxicology | 3 |
CHE 435L | Forensic Toxicology Laboratory | 1 |
CHE 440 | Professional Practice in Forensic Science | 3 |
BIO 200 | Genetics | 4 |
BIO 200L | Genetics Laboratory | 0 |
CRM 102 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 4 |
CRM 307 | Crime Scene Investigation | 4 |
| One of the following two courses: | |
CHE 331 | Forensic DNA Analysis | 3 |
FSC 340 | Microscopic Examination of Firearms Evidence | 3 |
| 7 credits from the following courses: | |
CHE 305 | Applied Physical Chemistry | 3 |
CHE 320 | Biochemistry | 3 |
CHE 320L | Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
BIO 370 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
BIO 370L | Molecular Biology Laboratory | 0 |
FSC 461 | Forensic Science Seminar | 3 |
CHE 463 | Forensic Science Internship | 1-4 |
| Or both of the following courses: | |
CHE 454 | Capstone Chemical Communication | 1 |
CHE 460 | Introduction to Forensic Research | 1-4 |
Total Credit Hours: 86