Forensic Chemistry: Bachelor of Science
Program Description
The B.S. in Forensic Chemistry combines elements of criminal justice and biology with a strong chemistry program. The forensic chemist analyzes and interprets materials collected at crime scenes, accidents, and at sites of terrorist activities.
The degree is offered in response to strong student, state and local government demand for an undergraduate academic program to prepare students for careers in forensic chemistry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006-07 Occupational Outlook Handbook, forensic science technicians will grow much faster than average.
Graduates with a bachelor of science in forensic chemistry work in forensic laboratories for federal, state, or local government agencies or in some cases, work for private investigative laboratories. Some graduates may also go on to pursue a graduate degree.
Degree Requirements
Major Requirements (54 credits)
Chemistry (38 credits)
- CHEM115 General Chemistry I 5
- CHEM116 General Chemistry II 4
- CHEM225 Organic Chemistry I 4
- CHEM226 Organic Chemistry II 4
- CHEM231 Quantitative Analysis 4
- CHEM332 Instrumental Analysis 4
- CHEM353 Introductory Toxicology 3
- CHEM395 Junior Seminar 1
- CHEM or CJUS445 Forensic Science 4
- CHEM451 Intro to Biochemistry 3
- CHEM495 Senior Project 1-3
- CHEM499 Senior Seminar 1
Criminal Justice (16 credits)
- CJUS101 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
- CJUS243 Investigation 3
- CJUS319 Substantive Law 3
- CJUS409 Procedural Law 3
- CJUS444 Criminalistics 4
Support Courses (50 credits)
- BIOL131 General Biology: Cells 4
- BIOL132 General Biology: Organisms 4
- BIOL204 Microbiology 4
- CHEM452 Biochemistry 3
- MATH111 College Algebra 3
- MATH112 Calculus for Business & Life Sciences 4
- MATH207 Principles of Statistical Methods 3
or - BUSN211 Business Statistics 3
- PHYS221 Physics I 4
- PHYS222 Physics II 4
- POLI110 Introduction to American Government and Politics 4
- PSYC101 Introduction to Psychology 4
- PSYC259 Abnormal Psychology 3
- SOCY103 Cultural Diversity 3
- SOCY214 Criminology 3
General Education (not used above) (16 credits)
Free Electives to total 124
Total Credits 124
Bachelor of Arts Degree Notes (if applicable): One year (8 credits) of a modern language other than English. If taken at LSSU, this would be: CHIN151-152, FREN151-152 or 251-252, GRMN141-142 or 241-242, NATV141-142 or 201-202, or SPAN161-162.
One-half year of two different languages will not meet this requirement.
Bachelor of Science Degree Notes (if applicable): At least eight (8) semester credits in addition to courses used for general education requirements from categories of social science, natural science, computer science or mathematics.
These bachelor of science degree requirements can be used for majors or minors, but not general education.
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