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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2018-2019

Forensic Science

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):
Physical evidence
Program description

The Department of Forensic Science offers programs leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Bachelor of Science is for students who plan a career or graduate study in the forensic sciences. The forensic science program provides students with fundamental learning in forensic laboratory analyses and crime scene investigation, with academic emphasis in biology, chemistry and criminal justice. The program offers three concentrations: forensic biology, forensic chemistry and physical evidence. Students will select one of the three concentrations prior to the second semester of their sophomore year. The B.S. in Forensic Science supplies students with the necessary skills for professional careers in forensic laboratories, public and private, basic research laboratories, clinical laboratories, and/or to pursue graduate studies. Students also will be prepared to pursue advanced degrees in the physical sciences, biological sciences, forensic science, law, allied health and medicine, to name a few. The forensic biology concentration requires an additional 33 credits in biology, forensic science and elective credits beyond the core requirements and is well-suited for students interested in graduate study or careers in the forensic biology section of forensic laboratories. Students also will be prepared for work in molecular biology laboratories in both the public and private sectors. Students completing the forensic biology concentration will be eligible for a minor in chemistry. Additionally, students who complete BIOL 317 or BIOL 318 will be eligible for a minor in biology.

Career opportunities
This concentration prepares students for graduate study or careers in latent print examination, the analysis of impression evidence, as well as firearm and tool mark analyses. Students will also be prepared for work in private analytical laboratories.
Bachelor-level job titles
  • Chemical Technician
  • Chemist
  • Criminal Investigators and Special Agent
  • Fire Investigator
  • Forensic Science Technician
  • Police Identification and Records Officer
  • Police Patrol Officer
  • Secondary School Teacher
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 200
  • STAT 314
Science required
  • 5+ additional science courses
Foreign language requirements
  • Yes
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.0

Contact information

Department name:
Department of Forensic Science
Building/room location:
Grace E. Harris Hall - South 1015 Floyd Avenue, Room 2015
Phone:
(804) 828-8420
Email:
fos@vcu.edu
http://forensicscience.vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
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Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Complete MATH 200, CHEM/Z 101, CHEM/Z 102, and BIOL/Z 151. Forensic Biology complete BIOL/Z 152.
  • Attend all supplemental instruction sessions.
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. 
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
  • Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
  • Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations on campus.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers/ job titles in your field of study.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Attend a Pre-Professional Health Interest Workshop, if you are considering a professional health program (medicine, pharmacy, etc.). 
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility). 

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses and your plan to complete the Forensic core and collateral coursework.
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
  • Complete CHEM/Z 301, CHEM/Z 302, FRSC 300.. Forensic Biology complete BIOL 310.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
  • Meet with your faculty mentor to discuss your interests and opportunities to align with those.
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Join a cultural organization.
  • Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
  • Forensic Biology complete FRSC 385, BIOZ 476 and CHEM 403. Physical Evidence complete CHEM/Z 309, FRSC 309 and 365. Forensic Chemistry complete CHEM/Z 309 and CHEM/Z 303.
  • Conduct independent undergraduate research. Consider attending a scientific meeting and presenting a poster with your research advisor.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Create and complete a science related community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete internships, shadowing experiences and informational interviews.
  • Apply for summer research funding: UROP.
  • Attend a Forensic Science Graduate Thesis Defense.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Talk to your advisers and faculty about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least one year in advance of application deadlines. Complete admissions exams the summer before your senior year (GRE, MCAT, DAT, etc.).

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Physical Evidence complete FRSC 410, FRSC 412. Forensic Chemistry complete CHEM/Z 409 and FRSC/Z 400.
  • All FRSC concentrations complete FRSC 490.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other discipline- specific conference.
  • Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2018-2019

Forensic Science

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):
Forensic Biology | Physical evidence | Forensic Chemistry
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Complete MATH 200, CHEM/Z 101, CHEM/Z 102, and BIOL/Z 151. Forensic Biology complete BIOL/Z 152.
  • Attend all supplemental instruction sessions.
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. 
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
  • Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
  • Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations on campus.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers/ job titles in your field of study.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Attend a Pre-Professional Health Interest Workshop, if you are considering a professional health program (medicine, pharmacy, etc.). 
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility). 
Experience Year 2
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses and your plan to complete the Forensic core and collateral coursework.
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
  • Complete CHEM/Z 301, CHEM/Z 302, FRSC 300.. Forensic Biology complete BIOL 310.
  • Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
  • Meet with your faculty mentor to discuss your interests and opportunities to align with those.
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break.
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Join a cultural organization.
  • Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Year 3
  • See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
  • Forensic Biology complete FRSC 385, BIOZ 476 and CHEM 403. Physical Evidence complete CHEM/Z 309, FRSC 309 and 365. Forensic Chemistry complete CHEM/Z 309 and CHEM/Z 303.
  • Conduct independent undergraduate research. Consider attending a scientific meeting and presenting a poster with your research advisor.
  • Create and complete a science related community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.
  • Complete internships, shadowing experiences and informational interviews.
  • Apply for summer research funding: UROP.
  • Attend a Forensic Science Graduate Thesis Defense.
  • Talk to your advisers and faculty about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least one year in advance of application deadlines. Complete admissions exams the summer before your senior year (GRE, MCAT, DAT, etc.).
Excel Year 4
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Physical Evidence complete FRSC 410, FRSC 412. Forensic Chemistry complete CHEM/Z 409 and FRSC/Z 400.
  • All FRSC concentrations complete FRSC 490.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other discipline- specific conference.
  • Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.
  • Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.