Forensic Science ,BS
Biology, Crime Lab, Crime Scene Investigator, DNA, Forensic Science, Forensic Scientist, Forensics, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, chemistry, crime analysis, law, prelaw, premed, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
Delve into a world where science meets the justice system, and gain practical experience in solving real-life cases while learning scientific techniques for collecting and analyzing crime scene evidence.
Forensic science is the study and application of scientific methods to matters of law.
The BS degree program in forensic science at ASU is built on a solid foundation in both biology and chemistry, which develop students' basic and upper-level laboratory skills. Students complete holistic, rigorous coursework in the natural and mathematical sciences to adequately prepare for entering a competitive workforce. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is uniquely positioned to train students in forensic techniques ranging from crime scene collection, evidence analysis and mock courtroom testimony.
Along with completing coursework and gaining the necessary scientific skills to succeed in this field, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in a laboratory setting by being involved in research or an internship. Students can conduct research under experts of varying forensic fields, including biology, entomology and anthropology. Students also may seek to apply for and participate in forensic science internships sponsored by crime labs around the country. Internships are highly competitive.
Job applicants and students seeking a volunteer or internship position within a crime lab are required to undergo an extensive background check that includes a polygraph exam, fingerprinting and drug testing. Actions that can disqualify an applicant include recent or past illicit drug use (including marijuana), felony convictions and drunk driving convictions.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
-
Location:
West Valley
or
Online
,
ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
-
First required math course:
MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences -
Math intensity:
Moderate
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Students can learn about science and law enforcement in other countries through study abroad. Being immersed in another culture broadens horizons and develops professional skills such as cross-cultural communication and critical thinking.
With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs allow students to tailor their educational experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Scientific and technological advances in the field of forensic science as well as continually increasing caseloads in law enforcement are projected to increase the number of forensic science technicians needed over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2016 and 2026 employment of forensic science technicians will increase 17%, an average increase much greater than in most occupations.
Graduates of the forensic science program are prepared to enter the workforce in crime labs and private forensic science labs at the local, state and federal levels. Graduates also are prepared for graduate programs in forensic science, law school, medical school and related fields.
Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
3.9%
|
$87,300
|
|
|
4.7%
|
$49,650
|
|
|
3.2%
|
$50,840
|
|
|
6.2%
|
$80,670
|
|
|
4.8%
|
$144,440
|
|
|
12.6%
|
$63,740
|
|
|
4.8%
|
$144,440
|
|
|
5.2%
|
$83,930
|
|
|
9.8%
|
$99,930
|
|
|
4.6%
|
Not available
|
School of Interdisciplinary Forensics
|
FAB N101
sifadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
