forensic science major students in lab

Forensic Science Major

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Enroll in the only four-year bachelor's degree in Forensic Science offered by a public university in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Combining science, criminal justice and the law, forensic science offers some of today’s most fascinating careers. You’ll immerse yourself in the forensic lab and learn to apply science to a range of legal issues.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a forensic science major?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Forensic science is a fast-growing field that offers a variety of career opportunities. In the forensic science program at UND, you'll study everything from biology and chemistry to forensic entomology and criminal procedures, learning how to examine and analyze evidence to assist in criminal investigations.

At UND, you will learn how to integrate knowledge and skills in the examination, analysis, interpretation, report, and testimonial support of physical evidence. Requiring a strong foundation in the sciences, our B.S. with major in Forensic Science is designed as an interdisciplinary program that draws on resources from departments including:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Criminal justice
  • Physics
  • Psychology

Hands-on Forensic Science Major

At UND you will solve cases like real-life investigators with hands-on work using state-of-the-art equipment, modern investigative techniques and sophisticated scientific analysis. You and fellow students in the Forensic Science degree program will spend 80% of your class time in the lab prepping you for real-world field and lab work.

During this time you'll be learning skills and techniques including:

  • Taxonomic and genetic identification of necrophagous insect species
  • Blood spatter experiments
  • Shoe casting
  • Fingerprinting
  • Mock crime scene investigation
  • Moot courtroom testimonies

Our faculty have close relationships with the Crime Lab of North Dakota, North Dakota Attorney General's Office, and North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which ensures the program is designed to teach the latest techniques to prepare you for a job immediately after graduation. And you'll have opportunities to hear from high-profile speakers like special agents in the field and toxicologists to get your questions about working in a forensic science related field answered.

Forensic Science Major Curriculum

You can choose from three sub-plans or complete the traditional forensic science curriculum. The three sub-plan options are:

  1. Forensic Biology
  2. Forensic Chemistry
  3. Criminal investigation

Whichever path you choose, you'll get experience in a forensic laboratory. You'll learn security, chain of custody and forensic report writing.

UND's Forensic Science Major

  • Attend annual meetings of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

  • Join the Forensic Science Club to participate in social gatherings, presentations and demonstrations for local high schools.

  • Broaden your forensic science horizon and engage with American Academy of Forensic Sciences scientists, practitioners and award winners.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized Degree Map software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Learn in a state-of-the-art Forensic Science lab, designed to match real-world professional crime labs.

  • Study at the only four-year bachelor's degree program offered by a public university in Forensic Science in North Dakota and Minnesota.

What can you do with a forensic science major?

13%

Projected job outlook for forensic science technicians through 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

65K

Median annual salary for forensic science technicians, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Forensic Science major serves as a springboard to fulfilling careers at the intersection of justice and science. Whatever area of science interests you, the field of forensic science has a career path for you.

Popular career choices include:

  • DNA analyst
  • Evidence analyst
  • Crime scene technician
  • Crime laboratory analyst
  • Medical examiner

Jobs with a Forensic Science Major

UND forensic science degree holders have gone on to careers in forensic science laboratories, forensic pathology, academia and other fields across the United States, including in:

  • North Dakota
  • Minnesota
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Washington

Forensic Science Major Courses

FS 120. Introduction to the Forensic Sciences. 3 Credits.

Introduction to Forensic Sciences is for those who are curious about the many fields of the forensic sciences but have no previous background in: a) science; and/or b) forensic science. Forensic science is the study and application of science to the process of law and involves the collection, examination, evaluation, and interpretation of evidence. This course will provide the students with a greater understanding of the role of forensic science in society and the criminal justice system. F,S.

CJ 352. Criminal Investigation. 3 Credits.

An overview and examination of basic principles and techniques in the criminal investigations procedures and the rules of the law of evidence in criminal court proceedings. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or Forensic Science major with junior/senior standing. F.

FS 345. Forensic Science Seminar. 3 Credits.

In this course, students will learn to analyze scientific literature, write peer scientific reviews, and prepare scientific presentations for class discussion. Students will be introduced to concepts, technologies, and methodologies that can be applied in forensic laboratories and experimental research. S.

FS 346. Analysis of Forensic Evidence. 3 Credits.

Emphasis on the practical applications of the forensic sciences. Whenever possible and practical, hands-on exercises will reinforce course topics. Prerequisite: FS 345 with a grade of C or better; Forensic Science majors and Criminal Justice majors and minors only or by instructor's consent. F,S.

CJ 341. Criminal Law. 3 Credits.

This course covers the fundamentals and foundations of American criminal jurisprudence with an emphasis on common law definitions of crimes and modern requirements for the criminalization of behavior, statutory laws. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or Forensic Science major; or Legal Studies minor. F,S.

CJ 342. Criminal Procedure. 3 Credits.

This course covers requirements of the American system of criminal procedure, especially regarding the legal requirements of search and seizure, interrogation, right to counsel, and eyewitness identifications. Special attention is given to the relationship between the 4th , 5th , 6th , 8th , and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution and the development of the law of criminal procedure. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or Forensic Science major; or Legal Studies minor. F,S.

UND Forensic Science BS

Best Forensic Science Colleges

Our forensic science program consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

#11 TOP FORENSIC SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Leader in Forensic Science

In high school, the dream of studying forensic science led Nicolette Ras to the program at UND, but the professors and hands-on classes have inspired her to apply for medical school and get a job in the medical examiners office.

Read Nicolette's Story

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