Forensic and Investigative Sciences (BS - Science Emphasis), an accredited program by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), is a major offered by the Department of Entomology and is a growing area of interest for students seeking to gain entry into careers that deal with the collection, preservation, processing and use of evidentiary information to solve problems. A life sciences-based education, which develops skills in problem solving and critical thinking, is essential for career opportunities in this field. Forensic and investigative scientists rely upon state-of-the-art scientific discoveries and technologies as tools to seek answers to critical questions in a variety of settings. Molecular, organismal, environmental, and ecological sources of information are often analyzed and interpreted in industrial, regulatory, legal, medical and associated professions. Graduates will be competitive for employment opportunities in quality assurance laboratories, homeland security and investigative services at local, state and national levels. Graduates will also be well prepared for opportunities to enter post-graduate studies or professional schools including medicine, law, and veterinary medicine.

Interactions among plants, animals and microbes occur regularly. These interactions impact public and environmental health and require life science-based forensic and investigative science to improve the quality of life. Homeland security, criminal investigation, environmental quality, agricultural and public health offer careers for students with forensic and investigative skills. Students can also pursue avenues to forensic careers through degree programs in specialty areas such as chemistry, anthropology, physics, computer science and business.

Forensic and investigative sciences also operate at the crossroads of science and the legal profession, and provide opportunities for students to consider pre-law preparation. There are growing demands for attorneys with knowledge and understanding of science and research to address legal issues and cases where the interpretation of science and/or scientific data and analyses are pivotal. Law schools often seek candidates with diverse backgrounds and interests, and they look closely at curricula that stress analytical and problem-solving skills, critical reading abilities, writing skills, oral communication and listening abilities, general research skills, and task organization and management skills. The Forensic and Investigative Sciences program provides students with opportunities to build these essential skills and knowledge areas through a combination of required and elective courses.

Science Emphasis

The Science Emphasis develops skills in problem solving and critical thinking. Forensic and investigative scientists rely upon state‐of‐the‐art scientific discoveries and technologies as tools to seek answers to critical questions in a variety of settings. Molecular, organismal, environmental, and ecological sources of information are often analyzed and interpreted in industrial, regulatory, legal, medical and associated professions. Graduates will be competitive for employment opportunities in quality assurance laboratories, homeland security and investigative services at local, state and national levels. Students will be prepared for opportunities to enter post‐graduate studies or professional schools including medicine, law, and veterinary medicine.

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Students must choose directed electives in consultation with the student's advisor based on career and educational goals and from the current list of approved list published by the department. Select from the following: ANSC 326/FSTC 326, ANTH 225, ANTH 425, ANTH 427; BIOL 213, BIOL 319, BIOL 320, BIOL 351, BIOL 413, BIOL 430, BIOL 454; CHEM 318, CHEM 325, CHEM 326, CHEM 327, CHEM 328, CHEM 362, CHEM 415, CHEM 434; ENTO 403, ENTO 423, ENTO 428, ENTO 429; FIVS 289; FIVS 421, FIVS 489; GENE 412, GENE 420; PHYS 221, PBSI 305, PBSI 306, PBSI 371; SCSC 301, SOCI 304; VIBS 305, VTPB 405, VTPP 425.

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This course fulfills a writing requirement. See Requirement for a Baccalaureate Degree section.

The Forensic and Investigative Sciences program requires students to earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program curriculum.

University Graduation Requirements:

• Foreign Language (two years of the same language in high school OR one year/two semester sequence in college)
• Writing Intensive courses (two courses designated W in major or one W and one C course in major)
• International and Cultural Diversity courses (three credit hours)
• Cultural Discourse course (three credit hours)