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Forensic Science Major and Minor

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A student pursuing a Forensic Science degree major mocks up a criminal profile on the computer

Forensic Science is a broad, interdisciplinary field in which the natural sciences are used to analyze, examine, evaluate and assess physical evidence in matters of the law.

Learn to interpret and reconstruct crime scenes as you prepare for a key role in our criminal justice system. Study in our new, state-of-the-art labs and become a forensic science technician – a career expected to grow 17% by 2026.

The major/minor in Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary program that blends the sciences with curriculum from criminal justice and psychology and prepares graduates for positions working as crime science or lab technicians, and specialized positions including crime scene investigation, Forensic DNA, Forensic chemistry, trace evidence, firearms examination, questioned document, fingerprints, arson, and drug analysis.

This degree is intended to provide you with a well-rounded, hands-on forensic science education in order to prepare you for entrance into a graduate-level educational program, and/or entry-level professional careers in public and private forensic laboratories, federal, state, or local government/law enforcement, military, homeland security and intelligence agencies.

High-tech Learning in Brand New Labs

  • Fingerprint and blood spatter ballistics analysis technology
  • Forensic Science Lab and training center with simulated crime scenes
  • Learning Commons Science and Research Center labs
  • State-of-the-art equipment and renowned faculty

Watch: Behind the Scenes with Student Forensic Investigators

With a strong science foundation, independent research, and course work that consists of crime scene scenario reconstruction and simulated forensic lab activities, you’ll be prepared to work in a variety of local, state, and federal agency settings.

This degree program is designed to meet the accreditation standards of the FEPAC.

Courses You'll Love

Forensic Science I & II With Labs
Forensic Photography
Forensic Science Case Investigations
Independent Research Projects in Forensic Science

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The Path to Your Dream Career

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 17% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. State and local governments are expected to hire additional forensic science technicians to process their high caseloads. Additionally, scientific and technological advances are expected to increase the availability, reliability, and usefulness of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials. As a result, forensic science technicians will be able to provide even greater value than before, and more forensic science technicians will be needed to provide timely forensics information to law enforcement agencies and courts.

Just a few of the many career options include:

  • Crime Lab Criminalist
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Forensic Science Technician
  • Law Enforcement with Specialized Training
  • Medicolegal Death Investigator
  • Autopsy Technician

Employment and internship sites include:

  • Hospital and healthcare settings and private research
  • Local, state, and federal crime labs
  • Police and sheriff’s departments
  • Private investigation agencies

Internships

With the opportunity to pursue an internship, Curry students have the chance to fill their e-portfolio with a variety of incredible experiences. With Boston just 7 miles away, you’re at the center of opportunity at Curry. Internship sites for Forensic Science students have included local crime labs, the Boston Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, local hospitals and criminal justice agencies, as well as out of state agencies.

Research

All Forensic Science students complete two Independent Research studies, where they work one on one with a professor, conducting research on a topic that reflects their passion. This impressive body of work helps set students apart in the workforce and can also enhance graduate school applications for students wishing to pursue a master’s degree.

Grade Minimum: Forensic Science majors must earn a minimum grade of C- in all science pre-requisite and requisite courses.

Prerequisites:

BIOL 1055 Introduction to Organisms
(includes Laboratory)		 4
BIOL 1065 Introduction to Molecules and Cells
(includes Laboratory)		 4
CHEM 1010, 1110 Introductory Chemistry I
with Laboratory		 4
CHEM 1020, 1120 Introductory Chemistry II
with Laboratory		 4
16

Requirements for the Forensic Science major:

FSC 1700 Forensic Photography 3
FSC 2700/2701 Forensic Science I (includes Lab) 4
FSC 2710 Forensic Science II (includes Lab) 4
FSC 3700 Forensic Science Case Investigations 3
BIOL 2900 or
FSC 4010		 Independent Research 1
BIOL 2040/2041 Microbiology for Science Majors
(includes Lab)		 4
BIOL 2100 Genetics (includes Lab) 4
BIOL 3900 Junior and Senior Seminar 2
BIOL 4000 Research Communication 1
CHEM 2030/2130 Analytical Chemistry w/ Lab 4
CHEM 2510/2610 Organic Chemistry I w/ Lab 4
CHEM 2520/2620 Organic Chemistry II w/ Lab 4
PHYS 2010 Physics I (includes Lab) 4
PHYS 2020 Physics II (includes Lab) 4
MATH 1150 Statistics I 3
MATH 2130 Calculus I 3
52

    Requirements in Related Areas:

    CJ 1000 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
    CJ 2018 Ethics and the Criminal Justice System 3
    CJ 2030 Criminal Procedure 3
    PSY 1030 Introduction to Psychology 3
    PSY 2310 Psychology of Criminal Behavior 3
    15

    To qualify for honors in Curry science-related majors, the following criteria must be met:

    • Maintain a 3.5 GPA overall + 3.5 GPA in major
    • Complete application
    • Complete the Science Communications course with B+ or better
    • Complete Independent Research course with B+ or better
    • Complete Honors Research + Senior Honors Thesis (4 cr) with a B+ or better.

    Requirements for the Forensic Science Minor:

    BIOL 1065 Introduction to Molecules and Cells
    (includes Lab)    		 4
    OR
    BIOL 1075/1175 Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab 4
    CHEM 1010/1110 Introductory Chemistry I w/ Lab 4
    OR
    CHEM 1001/1002 Chemical Concepts w/ Lab 4
    CJ 1000 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
    PSY 1030 Introduction to Psychology 3
    FSC 2700/2701 Forensic Science I (includes Lab) 4
    FSC 2710 Forensic Science II (includes Lab) 4
    22

    Students in the Forensic Science program will:

    • Be introduced to fundamental concepts, theories, and principles in the physical and biological sciences.
    • Develop hands-on laboratory and practical research skills, including emphasizing the role of quality assurance and objectivity in scientific data collection and how these relate to the system of professional ethics in science.
    • Receive a solid, specialized and general science background in chemistry and other sciences appropriate to an applied forensic science degree.
    • Gain an understanding of the criminal justice system and legal applications of science.
    • Learn well-developed analytical and critical thinking skills.
    Forensic Science Professor Jim Jabbour collaborates with a Curry College student in the lab

    Meet Professor Jim Jabbour

    Professor James (Jim) Jabbour joined the Department of Science and Mathematics in fall 2018. Professor Jabbour specializes in reconstruction and interpretation of crime scene evidence, blood spatter recognition, and interview and interrogation practices. He is an Education Commissioner with the American College of Forensic Examiners and has participated in television episodes for Discovery Channel, Snapped, and Global Media Comm.

    Read More

    Ismae Bailey ’21 to become newest Death Detective in Las Vegas

    Ismae Bailey, a senior with a double major in Forensic Science and Biology, has worked diligently to achieve her dream of becoming a forensic pathologist. Between a full schedule of academics, student government, and community service work, Ismae returns home to Las Vegas every summer and winter break to shadow the Coroner at the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.

    Ismae Bailey ’21
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    A student intern stands in front of a local police station

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