Forensic Science - Forensic Laboratory Emphasis, B.S.

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

Program Description

The Forensic Laboratory Emphasis within the BS in Forensic Science provides students with a comprehensive science-based undergraduate education, which enables students to enter into a forensic science career. This emphasis provides the necessary technical and theoretical knowledge, skills, and abilities of modern forensic techniques. Students employ the theoretical and practical principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics in order to perform forensic science work commonly conducted within a crime laboratory. Science-based study and application of these principles expose students to a stimulating academic environment conducive to scholarly inquiry. Students gain the knowledge and ability for research-based projects and for potential improvement of the forensic community. Throughout this program, students utilize effective written and oral communication skills required of forensic experts, as well as demonstrate work ethic, professional demeanor, reliability, and proper interpersonal skills.

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. Demonstrate theoretical knowledge, skills, and abilities of modern forensic techniques.
2. Analyze principles of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics as they pertain to the forensic science applications commonly conducted within a crime laboratory.
3. Evaluate evidence commonly found at crime scenes.
4. Scientifically analyze evidence used in criminal investigations through presumptive and confirmatory measures.
5. Evaluate scientific results of the analysis of physical evidence and correlate their importance to criminal investigations.
6. Analyze legal considerations of forensic science, including scientific validity, constitutional law, qualifications, requirements, professional practices, and ethical skills needed of the forensic expert.