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Forensic Science – BS

Program Overview:

Forensic science is a blend of the interdisciplinary nature of chemistry, biology, physics and geology to criminal justice and case law. The forensic scientist’s task is to assist the courts in deciding whether physical and/or genetic evidence can be tied to a given individual or phenomenon. Evidence may also help exonerate an innocent person. Focusing on criminal laws, the forensic major will prepare the student with the scientific method peculiar to assess criminal evidence. 

Program Contacts

Department Chair, e-mail link:  Stephanie Bennett, Sociology and Criminal Justice

Program Webpage:           Forensic Science, BS

Program Requirements:

Forensic Science (90 Credits)

Science Courses: (68 credits)

CHM 190/190LGeneral Chemistry I

4

CHM 191/191LGeneral Chemistry II

4

CHM 201/201LOrganic Chemistry 1

4

CHM 202/202LOrganic Chemistry 2

4

CHM 203/203LQuantitative Analysis

4

CHM 301/301LInstrumental Analysis

4

CHM 401/401LPhysical Chemistry 1

4

ESC 190Introductory Geology

4

PHY 190/190LFund of Physics 1

4

PHY 191/191LFund of Physics 2

4

MAT 190Calculus 1

4

MAT 191Calculus 2

4

BIO 190/190LPrinciples of Biology 1

4

BIO 191/191LPrinciples of Biology 2

4

BIO 358/358LGenetics

4

BIO 351/351LCell Biology

4

BIO 307/307LBiochemistry

4

Criminal Justice Courses (22 credits)

CJS 233The Court System

3

CJS 250Law & Theory of Criminal Investigation

3

CJS 252Criminal Evidence

3

CJS 101Introduction to Forensic Science

3

CJS 240Forensic Assays

4

CJS 180Contemporary and Descriptive Topics in Forensic Science

3

SOC 288Social Statistics

3

Internship/Field Experiences/Service:

Internships at The College of Saint Rose are strongly encouraged. Not only do internships assist the student to determine their career goals, it also serves other purposes:

  1. They provide the students with the opportunity to get a “foot in the door” at an agency they wish to be employed
  2. They provide the agency with the opportunity to observe and review the skills, strengths and weaknesses of interns before deciding whether or not to hire them.
  3. They give interns the opportunity to gain valuable hands on experience to gain valuable hands on experience.
  4. Achieve firsthand knowledge of an agency
  5. Meet people working in the field
  6. Make a good impression on future supervisors

Since The College of Saint Rose is located in New York’s Capital, Forensic Science Students have many opportunities for internships of their choice. The intern will be expected to work 12 hours per week in the semester, maintain a weekly log of his or her experiences, and a 10 page research paper to be written related to the internship.

Career Opportunities and Graduate Study:

Careers: this dynamic four-year program leads to a bachelor of science degree and trains students for positions in crime and forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, private industry and medical examiners’ offices, as well as laying the foundation for many other criminal justice careers.

Minor(s):

Complete minors listing

Admissions and Financial Aid Information:

The Undergraduate Admissions Office begins review of Freshman applications each fall in late September for the following Fall. Students are encouraged to submit a complete an application as early as November. The Admissions Team will return a decision on complete applications within just three weeks. The College awards academic scholarships at the same time.

What Makes an Application Complete

  • Online or Paper application (fee waived for online applicants!)
  • Official High School Transcripts
  • Official Transcripts for any College Level Courses
  • SAT or ACT scores  (See Test Optional FAQ's)
  • Letter of Recommendation from a Counselor or Teacher
  • Essay or Graded Paper
  • Applicants may also apply via the Common Application Online.
  • Art applicants are required to complete a portfolio review.

Admissions contact information (telephone number, admissions web pages)

Scholarships and Financial Aid

See Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid section for more information.

The Bottom Line

The total cost of The College of Saint Rose (including tuition, fees, room and board) is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast, and we still award more than $25 million in Saint Rose scholarships, grants and financial aid.

Take a look at our bottom line, and view a cost comparison with a four-year public institution.

More about Financial Aid

Financial Aid is defined as any grant, scholarship, loan, or employment opportunity given with the express purpose of assisting you with education-related expenses to make you education affordable. Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of student need and the availability of funds.

The Admission and Financial Aid teams have designed a Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid to help prospective students and families get to the bottom line and find that The College of Saint Rose is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast--while maintaining powerful academic opportunities.

Find Out More: