Forensic Science - Forensic Investigation Emphasis, B.S

Visit the Forensic Science page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

The Forensic Investigation Emphasis within the BS in Forensic Science provides an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for public, state, and federal careers with needed forensic investigation subject matter expertise and analytical skills. This emphasis exposes students to the wide variety of critically important forensic investigation techniques, which are currently practiced within various forensic service providers and law enforcement agencies. Students are exposed to various techniques such as the identification and proper collection of evidence found at crime scenes, accurate crime scene documentation skills, forensic photography, death investigations, fingerprint processing/examinations, impression evidence/examination, bloodstain pattern analysis, crime scene reconstruction, firearms and tool mark evidence/examination. Students acquire skills such as critical thinking, writing, expert testimony, and analysis techniques specifically tailored for forensic investigation fieldwork. This emphasis provides students with the overall professional skills, work ethic, and demeanor required of forensic investigators.

Matriculation Requirements

Admission to the BS program includes the following requirements:

1.  Completion of all general education courses.
2.  Completion of all lower division CJ courses with a C grade or higher.
3.  Completion of MATH 1080 (or MATH 1050 and MATH 1060), BIOL 1610, BIOL 1615, CHEM 1210, CHEM 1215, CHEM 1220, 1225, PHYS 2010, PHYS 2015 with a C grade or higher. 
4.  Overall GPA of 2.7 or higher.
5.  Application for admission to BS Forensic Science program.
6. Two academic letters of recommendation.

Program Requirements

Core Requirements 

¹

COMM 1020 Public Speaking Recommended

²

ART 1050 Photography I Recommended

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 124 or more semester credits; 40 credits of which, must be upper division.
2. A minimum grade of C or higher is required in all Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and FSCI Courses with an overall GPA of 2.7 to graduate. 
3. Residency hours: minimum of 30 credit hours through course attendance at UVU, with at least 10 hours earned in the last 45 hours.
4. Completion of GE and specified departmental requirements.
5. Successful completion of at least one Global/Intercultural course.
6. Successful completion of two Writing Enriched courses.  

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct proper crime scene documentation procedures, which include notes, sketching, photography, crime scene reporting, evidence collection and packaging.
2. Identify physical evidence commonly encountered at crime scenes using various techniques from visual identification, alternate light source, chemical enhancements, and microscopy.
3. Analyze principles of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics as they pertain to forensic science.
4. Scientifically analyze evidence used in criminal investigations through presumptive and confirmatory measures.
5. Evaluate basic to complex crime scenes through reconstruction and analysis techniques.
6. Evaluate proper approaches/techniques for death investigations through trauma analysis, investigative planning, coordination between law enforcement agencies and the medical examiner system.
7. Analyze legal considerations of forensic investigative work, including scientific validity, constitutional law, qualifications, requirements, professional practices and ethical skills needed of the forensic expert.