Forensic Science, A.S.
Visit the Forensic Science page for more information on the program and access to advising.
Program Description
The Associate of Science in Forensic Science (ASFS) is designed to provide a preparatory educational path for students who are seeking to continue coursework in a forensic science bachelor degree program. The ASFS enables students to complete general education requirements while meeting the required lower division course work needed for a forensic science bachelors degree. This degree will additionally provide a completion point for students who do not wish to pursue a bachelor's degree, or facilitate transfer to another institution for a bachelor's degree completion elsewhere.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |
| General Education Requirements | 34 Credits | |
| ENGL 1010 | Introduction to Academic Writing | 3 |
| or ENGL 1005 | Foundations of Academic Writing | |
| ENGL 2010 | Intermediate Academic Writing | 3 |
| Complete one of the following: | 5 | |
| Precalculus (5) | ||
| College Algebra and Trigonometry (7) | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 3 | |
| American History (3) | ||
| US Economic History (3) | ||
| US History to 1877 and US History since 1877 (6) | ||
| American Heritage (3) | ||
| American National Government (3) | ||
| Distribution Courses: | ||
| Personal, Professional, and Civic Growth | 3 | |
| BIOL 1610 | College Biology I | 4 |
| CHEM 1210 | Principles of Chemistry I | 4 |
| Fine Arts Distribution | 3 | |
| Photography I (3) (Recommended) | ||
| Humanities Distribution | 3 | |
| Public Speaking (3) (Recommended) | ||
| CJ 1010 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| Discipline Core Requirements | 21 Credits | |
| Forensic Science Foundational Courses: | ||
| CJ 1330 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| CJ 1350 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| CJ 2350 | Laws of Evidence | 3 |
| BIOL 1615 | College Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 1215 | Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 1220 | Principles of Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 1225 | Principles of Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 2010 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 2015 | College Physics I Lab | 1 |
| Program Electives | 6 Credits | |
| Complete 6 credits from one of the following | 6 | |
| For Application to the BS Forensic Investigation Track | ||
| Criminal Investigations (undefined) | ||
| Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (undefined) | ||
| For Application to the BS Forensic Laboratory Track | ||
| Calculus I (undefined) | ||
2 credits from any 1000 or 2000 level course | ||
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of a minimum of 61 or more semester credits.
- Overall grade point average of 2.7 (B-) or above.
- Must have a grade of C or higher in all math, science and criminal justice courses.
- Residency hours: minimum of 16 credit hours through course attendance at UVU.
Graduation Plan
This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 1010 or ENGL 1005 | Introduction to Academic Writing or Foundations of Academic Writing | 3 |
| American Institutions Course | 3 | |
| CJ 1010 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 1350 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| COMM 1020 | Public Speaking (Recommended) | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ENGL 2010 | Intermediate Academic Writing | 3 |
| MATH 1080 | Precalculus | 5 |
| CJ 1330 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| BIOL 1610 | College Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 1615 | College Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Semester 3 | ||
| ART 1050 | Photography I (Recommended) | 3 |
| CHEM 1210 | Principles of Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 1215 | Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| Take one of the following blocks | 6 | |
| For Forensic Science Investigation Emphasis | ||
| Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Criminal Investigations | ||
| For Forensic Science Lab Emphasis | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Two credits of 1000+ electives | ||
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CJ 2350 | Laws of Evidence | 3 |
| CHEM 1220 | Principles of Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 1225 | Principles of Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 2010 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 2015 | College Physics I Lab | 1 |
| Personal, Professional, and Civic Growth | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |
An online graduation plan offers students a flexible yet structured approach to their academic journey. While this sample serves as a general guideline, individual plans may differ based on Math and English placement scores. Meeting with an academic advisor is strongly recommended to customize plans and ensure all graduation requirements are met.
Online course options are available at https://www.uvu.edu/online/courses/index.html, and advising support is available through your assigned advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 1010 or ENGL 1005 |
Introduction to Academic Writing or Foundations of Academic Writing |
3 |
| American Inst. | 3 | |
| CJ 1010 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 1350 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| COMM 1020 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ENGL 2010 | Intermediate Academic Writing | 3 |
| MATH 1050 | College Algebra | 4 |
| MATH 1060 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| BIOL 1610 | College Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 1615 | College Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Semester 3 | ||
| ART 1050 | Photography I | 3 |
| CHEM 1210 | Principles of Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 1215 | Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| Emphasis Area | 6 | |
| Forensic Science Investigation Emphasis | ||
| Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Criminal Investigations | ||
| Forensic Science Lab Emphasis | ||
| Calculus I | ||
GE Elective |
||
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CJ 2350 | Laws of Evidence | 3 |
| CHEM 1220 | Principles of Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 1225 | Principles of Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 2010 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 2015 | College Physics I Lab | 1 |
| Personal, Pro, & Civil Growth | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Explain how forensic science uses scientific and mathematical principles.
- Develop a conceptual foundation of the criminal justice system, rules of evidence, and the legal system.
- Explain the relationship between forensic science and criminal law.
- Situate forensic science applications within criminal investigative procedures.
- Describe how various forensic science disciplines are utilized within criminal investigations.