Forensic Science (Death Investigations) ,BS
Biology, Doctor, Justice, Laboratory, Medical Examiner, Mortuary, approved for STEM-OPT extension, chemistry, crime, law, premed
Curious about how investigators solve unexplained deaths? Explore the science behind identifying causes of death, analyzing evidence and working with the legal system. Build technical and critical thinking skills that prepare you for careers in forensic science and criminal investigations.
Forensic science is the application of science to the law or legal procedures. The medicolegal death investigation system is responsible for conducting investigations that certify the cause and manner of death in unnatural or unexplained circumstances --- those associated with forensic investigations.
The Bachelor of Science program in forensic science with a concentration in death investigations is built on a solid foundation of anatomy, biology and chemistry, which develops students' basic and upper-level laboratory skills. Students 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 positioned to train students in forensic techniques such as advanced mapping, scene photography, biological evidence analysis and mock courtroom testimony.
Along with completing coursework and developing the scientific skills to succeed in this field, students can gain practical experience in a laboratory setting through research or an internship. Students can conduct research under experts of varying forensic fields, including anthropology, biology, entomology, investigations and data science. Students also may seek to apply for and participate in forensic science internships sponsored by crime labs or medicolegal offices around the country. Students seeking a volunteer or internship position within a crime lab or medicolegal office (as well as job applicants) often are required to undergo an extensive background check that includes a polygraph exam, fingerprinting and drug testing. Applicants can be disqualified for recent or past illicit drug use (including marijuana), felony convictions, drunk driving convictions or other reasons.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period 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 a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First
required math course:
MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences - Math
intensity: Moderate
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
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.
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.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Proficiently apply scientific techniques in a laboratory setting for the purpose of presentation in the legal system.
- Evaluate human remains in a medicolegal context in a laboratory setting.
- Provide expert testimony that is professional, conscientious, and ethical, particularly in regard to death investigations.
Studying abroad enables students in the forensic science program to learn about science and law enforcement in other countries.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in study abroad programs provides students with the heightened cultural competency, and leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. 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.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics assigns most categories of death investigators to the "forensic science technician" category. According to the bureau, the median annual salary for these professionals in 2024 was $67,440. The profession is projected to grow 13% by 2034 --- much faster than the annual average. About 2,600 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Competition for positions is strong, and this concentration gives graduates an advantage in applying for these positions. Graduates of the program are distinctly positioned, given their advanced education and training, to be very competitive job candidates and applicants for graduate and medical school in areas such as medicolegal death investigation, biology, predental forensic odontology, wildlife forensics, cultural resource management and preservation, international relief, forensic work, law and psychology, forensic nursing and related fields. Those who go into the job market take on roles such as autopsy technician, pathologist's assistant and coroner.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
3.7%
|
$70,770
|
|
|
2.7%
|
$99,650
|
|
|
1.2%
|
$98,920
|
|
|
12.8%
|
$72,060
|
|
|
-5.2%
|
$69,460
|
|
|
-0.7%
|
$93,790
|
|
|
14.6%
|
$56,870
|
|
|
8.7%
|
$103,410
|
|
|
7.7%
|
$67,880
|
|
|
4.2%
|
$312,400
|
School of Interdisciplinary Forensics
|
FAB N101
SIFadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
