Arizona State University New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences 88 courses 120 total credits
Forensic science is the study and application of scientific methods to matters of law. The Bachelor of Science program in forensic science is built on a solid foundation in biology and chemistry and develops your basic and upper-level laboratory skills. You complete holistic, rigorous coursework in the natural and mathematical sciences to prepare to enter a competitive workforce. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is distinctly designed to train you in forensic techniques as varied as crime scene collection, evidence analysis and mock courtroom testimony. Along with completing coursework and developing the scientific skills needed to succeed in this field, you can gain practical experience in a laboratory setting through research or an internship. You can conduct research under experts of varying forensic fields, including biology, entomology and anthropology. You also may apply for and participate in forensic science internships sponsored by crime labs around the country. Internships are highly competitive. When seeking a job, internship, or volunteer position within a crime lab, you will be required to undergo an extensive background check that includes a polygraph exam, fingerprinting and drug testing. You can be disqualified for recent or past illicit drug use (including marijuana), felony convictions, drunk driving convictions or other reasons.
| Total Credits | 120 credits |
New College Residency Requirement
A minimum of 12 upper-division credit hours used toward the major requirements must be taken from the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search.
Biology Core
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 181 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIO 182 | General Biology II | 4 |
| LSC 347 | Fundamentals of Genetics | 3 |
| LSC 348 | Fundamentals of Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| Total Biology Core | 12 credits | |
Chemistry Core
ASU Online students in this degree program may need to complete experiments for the Organic Chemistry labs (CHM 237 and CHM 238) and Biochemistry lab (BCH 372) during an intensive, in-person experience on ASU's campuses in Arizona. Please email NCsummerlabs@asu.edu with any questions. These laboratory courses will be offered during summer. This may impact your financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify, and students may receive funds to help cover costs for each semester of enrollment. The amount of financial aid that a student is eligible for varies depending on prior education experience and other individual factors. Learn more about summer financial aid and additional ways to cover summer costs.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BCH 371 | Modern Concepts in Biochemistry | 3 |
| BCH 372 | Modern Concepts in Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| PTX 372 | Modern Biochemical Methods | |
| CHM 113 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHM 116 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHM 233 | General Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 237 | General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHM 234 | General Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM 238 | General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| Total Chemistry Core | 20 credits | |
Forensic Science Core
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FOR 200 | Forensic Science Seminar | 1 |
| FOR 286 | Principles of Forensic Science | 4 |
| FOR 360 | Statistical Applications in Forensic Science | 3 |
| FOR 370 | Fundamentals of Forensic Analysis | 4 |
| FOR 410 | Testimony and Ethics in the Forensic Sciences | 3 |
| Total Forensic Science Core | 15 credits | |
Forensic Science Major Courses
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FOR 425 | Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences | 3 |
| FOR 426 | Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences Lab | 2 |
| Total Forensic Science Major Courses | 5 credits | |
Forensic Science Major Courses - Upper Division Forensic Science Electives:
Choose from this list.
Forensic Science Capstone - Upper Division Forensic Science Capstone:
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| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FOR 388 | STEM Research Fundamentals | |
| FOR 484 | Internship | |
| FOR 490 | Fundamental Skills in Forensic Science | |
| FOR 492 | Honors Directed Study | |
| FOR 496 | Forensic Science Service Learning | |
| FOR 499 | Individualized Instruction | |
| Total | 3 credits | |
New College Proficiency - Global and Civic Engagement
Upper Division Global and Civic Engagement Requirement: satisfied through completion of six credits of upper-division courses with a Global Communities, Societies and Individuals (GCSI) or Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) designation, in addition to the courses used to meet the university general studies requirements; or completion of three credits from an ASU-approved global education program. Adjustment to upper-division and elective hours is required if a lower-division global education course is used. 6 credit hours
Interdisciplinary Requirements
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAT 210 or MAT 251 | Brief Calculus or Calculus for Life Sciences | 3 |
| PHY 111 | General Physics | 3 |
| PHY 113 | General Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHY 112 | General Physics | 3 |
| PHY 114 | General Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| Total Interdisciplinary Requirements | 11 credits | |
Interdisciplinary Requirements - Upper Division Interdisciplinary Forensics Electives:
Choose from this list.
Interdisciplinary Requirements
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRJ 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | |
| PSY 211 | The Criminal Mind | 3 |
| SIF 210 | Sociology of Murder | |
| SOC 210 | Sociology of Murder | |
| Total Interdisciplinary Requirements | 3 credits | |
ASU 101 or College-Specific First-Year Seminar
ASU 101 or college-specific equivalent First-Year Seminar required of all first-year students.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEW 101 or IAS 300 | The ASU New College Experience or Career Strategies and Personal Resilience | 1-3 |
First-Year Composition
All baccalaureate degree students must fulfill university graduation requirements, including a minimum of 120 credit hours, with at least 45 credit hours in upper-division courses. All undergraduate students must complete General Studies requirements. Mathematics Placement Assessment score determines placement in first mathematics course. Students should work with their academic advisor, and consider course prerequisites, in order to complete all degree requirements in four years. For student resources, including academic advising appointment scheduling, forms and policies, internship information, involvement or research opportunities, and more, visit New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences homepage. Students interested in pursuing health-related professional and graduate programs including Pre-Health 101 Workshops and Pre-Health Advising should explore pre-health resources. Students interested in pursuing law-related professional and graduate programs should explore pre-law resources. Career preparation resources are available through Career Services.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | First-Year Composition | |
| ENG 102 | First-Year Composition | |
| ENG 105 | Advanced First-Year Composition | |
| ENG 107 | First-Year Composition | |
| ENG 108 | First-Year Composition | |
| Total First-Year Composition | 6 credits | |
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