Skip Navigation Back to Top

Forensic Science Major and Minor

Contact Admission

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

Curry College is pleased to offer students a major and minor in Forensic Science, 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.

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.

The Forensic Science program offers hands-on training with crime scene techniques and crime laboratory methodologies, simulated crime scene projects, and courses taught by current and/or former professional practitioners from various agencies and laboratories.

Course Requirements and Information

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 Forensic Science I (includes Laboratory) 4
FSC 2710 Forensic Science II (includes laboratory) 4
FSC 3700 Forensic Science Case Investigations 3
FSC 4010 Independent Research in Forensic Science I 3
FSC 4010 Independent Research in Forensic Science II 3
BIOL 2015 Microbiology for Science majors
(includes Laboratory)		 4
BIOL 2100 Genetics (includes Laboratory) 4
CHEM 2030, 2130 Analytical Chemistry, with Laboratory 4
CHEM 2510, 2610 Organic Chemistry I, with Laboratory 4
CHEM 2520, 2620 Organic Chemistry II, with Laboratory 4
PHYS 2010 Physics I (includes Laboratory) 4
PHYS 2020 Physics II (includes Laboratory) 4
MATH 1150 Statistics I 3
MATH 2130 Calculus I 3
54

    Requirements in Related Areas:

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

    Requirements for the Forensic Science Minor:

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

    Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science students will:

    1. Possess the fundamental concepts, theories, and principles in the physical and biological sciences;
    2. Have developed 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;
    3. Hold a solid, specialized and general science background in chemistry and other sciences appropriate to an applied forensic science degree;
    4. Have developed a strong understanding of the criminal justice system and legal applications of science; and
    5. Demonstrate and develop analytical and critical thinking skills applicable to the physical sciences and criminal justice systems.
    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
    Students Collaborate in the Curry College Forensic Science Lab

    Forensic Science Lab

    The Mayflower Annex currently serves as the Forensic Science Lab. Curry College’s new Learning Commons, featuring the Science and Research Center, also offers our Forensic Science students and faculty brand new Microbiology, Organic/Inorganic Chemistry, Introductory Chemistry, Physics, and Research Labs.

    Learn More About Our Forensic Science Lab
    A student intern stands in front of a local police station

    5th Year Master's in Criminal Justice

    The 5th Year MACJ program is an "honors" level program for students that are interested in earning both an undergraduate degree in any discipline and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. This program is available to all Curry College students, regardless of which bachelor's degree they are working toward earning.

    Explore the 5th Year MACJ Dual Degree
    An officer speaks to criminal justice students

    Criminal Justice Major/Minor

    Do you love the law? Want to make a difference by standing up for those who need a voice? Then a criminal justice major or minor may be for you.

    Explore Criminal Justice
    A cybersecurity student works on a laptop

    Cybersecurity Minor

    A minor in Cybersecurity complements careers in criminal justice/law enforcement, information technology, and software development as well as several other major fields.

    Explore Cybersecurity
    A student and faculty member collaborate in a law class

    Law and Society Minor

    Students pursuing a minor in Law and Society will be prepared for careers in advocacy, legal research, paralegal studies, and for those who wish to pursue graduate school in law.

    Explore Law and Society

    Explore Related Programs:

    Curry College students present their Undergraduate Scientific Research at the Academic Forum

    Undergraduate Research

    Students participating in the Biology and Biochemistry programs conduct research in collaboration with members of the Science faculty. Students present their research at department capstone events as well as the College’s Academic Forum.

    Research Examples
    A student in the Pre-Health Professions program studies in a science pod

    Pre-Health Professions

    If you are considering pursuing a career as a physician, dentist, veterinarian, physician assistant, or other medical careers requiring an advanced degree, you should consider Curry's Pre-Health Profession Studies Program.

    Pre-Health Professions
    Students in the Exploratory Health Professions program perform an experiment

    Exploratory Health Professions

    The Exploratory Health Professions Program is designed to help students interested in health services fields identify and pursue a major that will lead to internships and employment in the health care industry.

    EHP Program
    A Curry College student receives her Biology Honor Society certificate

    Biology Honor Society

    Tri-Beta is a society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.

    Beta Beta Beta
    Curry College Pre-Health E.L.I.T.E. students at an involvement fair

    Pre-Health E.L.I.T.E.

    Pre-Health E.L.I.T.E. (Enhanced Learning Implemented Through Experience) looks to strengthen the students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical profession or exploring the field further.

    Pre-Health E.L.I.T.E.
    A Curry College Study Abroad student pets an elephant in Thailand

    Study Abroad

    Along with institutional partnerships, you can create your own Study Abroad opportunity, or go global with our own faculty members as part of our Short-term, Faculty-led Courses.

    Study Abroad
    Curry College students laughing in science lab

    First-Year Experience

    Making the transition to college can be a little confusing and lot of fun. Your First-Year Experience at Curry College helps smooth out the bumps and puts you on the path to success.

    First-Year Experience
    A Curry College Honors program student sparks conversation in the classroom

    Honors Program

    Building on the theme of "culture and identity," the Curry College Honors Program prepares students to be "leaders in the profession and in the community."

    Honors Program
    A Curry College faculty member interacts with students in the classroom

    Gen Ed

    At the heart of Curry College's undergraduate curriculum is our General Education (Gen Ed) Program. Gen Ed is based on our belief in the power and potential of the liberal arts.

    General Education

    Take the next step

    We're excited you're considering our outstanding Curry College academic programs and look forward to helping you reach your career goals.

    Contact Admission
    Request Information
    Schedule a Visit
    Apply

    Curry College has altered regular operations due to the ongoing impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). For all internal communications to faculty, staff, and students, please visit Blackboard or the 'COVID-19' tab in the myCurry portal.

    More Information