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Forensic Science Undergraduate Preparation

While several universities offer undergraduate degrees in Forensic Science, we advise students interested in pursuing careers in this field to obtain a strong scientific background with a BS in either biology or chemistry before specializing in Forensic Science at the graduate level. At a minimum, the undergraduate degree should include the following:

Table 1: Minimum Undergraduate Coursework
Coursework Equivalent Fresno State Numbers
One Year of General Biology with Laboratory BIOL 1A, 1B
One Year of General Chemistry with Laboratory CHEM 1A, 1B
One Year of General Physics with Laboratory (must include optics) PHYS 2A, 2B or
PHYS 4A+L,4B+L,4C
One Course in Calculus MATH 75
One Course in Statistics MATH 101 or PSYCH 42
One Year of Organic Chemistry with Laboratory CHEM 128A, 128B,
129A, 129B
One Course in Analytical Chemistry with Laboratory CHEM 102 or 105
One Course in Biochemistry CHEM 155 or 150

Students can better prepare themselves for graduate school and the job market by ensuring that they have additional preparation suitable for their area of interest. Of these courses, instrumental analysis is particularly critical for students interested in forensic chemistry and additional coursework in genetics and molecular biology are particularly critical for students interested in forensic DNA and biochemistry.

Table 2: Additional Preparation for Forensic Biochemistry
Coursework Equivalent Fresno State Numbers
Critical - Genetics BIOL 102
Critical - Molecular Biology BIOL 150
Survey Course in Forensic Science CRIM 113
Biochemistry or Molecular Biology Laboratory CHEM 156 or BIOL 104
Population Genetics not currently offered

Table 3: Additional Preparation for Forensic Chemistry
Coursework Equivalent Fresno State Numbers
Critical - Course in Instrumental Analysis CHEM 106 or 125
Survey Course in Forensic Science CRIM 113
Quantum Mechanics CHEM 110A
Thermodynamics CHEM 110B
Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 123
Complete Calculus Sequence MATH 75, 76, 77

Students should also consider seeking opportunities for undergraduate research in forensic science or related discipline.  This experience can enhance learning, help students clarify their interests, and will make them more competitive in job and/or graduate school applications.

We encourage students to contact a forensic science advisor in their area of interest with any additional questions (click here for a faculty list).

Other Forensic Disciplines

The California State University, Fresno Forensic Science Program and the preparation described above focuses on the forensic disciplines traditionally housed in crime laboratories (see glossary for details).  Students interested in pursuing other forensic disciplines such as forensic anthropology or forensic psychology should consult with an advisor regarding suitable preparation for these disciplines.