Forensic Science (Death Investigations) ,BS
Biology, Doctor, Justice, Laboratory, Medical Examiner, Mortuary, approved for STEM-OPT extension, chemistry, crime, law, premed
When a death is suspicious or unexplained, when a John or Jane Doe is discovered, who will provide the answers? Gain practical experience and develop critical thinking and technical skills at the intersection of science, medicine and the judicial system by learning scientific techniques for investigating death.
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 develop 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 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 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
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.
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.
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 2021 was $61,930. The profession is projected to grow 14% by 2033 --- much faster than the annual average. About 2,500 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
4.2%
|
$63,940
|
|
|
4.0%
|
$85,000
|
|
|
3.9%
|
$87,300
|
|
|
12.6%
|
$63,740
|
|
|
-3.8%
|
$60,410
|
|
|
1.5%
|
$86,280
|
|
|
14.8%
|
$48,110
|
|
|
9.8%
|
$99,930
|
|
|
9.6%
|
$60,280
|
|
|
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.
