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:

BIO 198	General Biology I	4
BIO 198L	General Biology I Laboratory	0
BIO 199	General Biology II	4
BIO 199L	General Biology II Laboratory	0
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
CHE 230	Selected Topics in Forensic Science	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 305	Applied Physical Chemistry	3
CHE 310	Analytical Chemistry	4
CHE 310L	Analytical Chemistry Laboratory	0
CHE 320	Biochemistry	3
CHE 320L	Biochemistry Laboratory	1
CHE 432	Forensic Chemistry I	3
CHE 433L	Forensic Chemistry I Laboratory	1
CHE 434	Forensic Chemistry II	3
CHE 435L	Forensic Chemistry II Laboratory	1
CHE 440	Professional Practice in Forensic Science	3
BIO 200	General Genetics	4
BIO 200L	General Genetics Laboratory	0
BIO 370	Molecular Biology	4
BIO 370L	Molecular Biology Laboratory	0
CRM 102	Introduction to Criminal Justice	4
CRM 200	Law Enforcement	4
CRM 206	Criminal Investigation	4
CRM 307	Crime Scene Investigation	4

One of the following three courses:

CHE 410	Senior Seminar	2
CHE 460	Introduction to Forensic Research	1-4
CHE 463	Forensic Science Internship	1-4

 

One of the following two courses:

CHE 340	Microscopic Examination of Firearms Evidence	3
CHE 498	Special Topics in Forensic Science	3

2 credits of CHE 410, CHE 460, or CHE 463 are required

Total Credit Hours: 94