Forensic Science

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2026-2027

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Physical Evidence

Program description

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science prepares students for graduate study or careers in variety of disciplines in forensics and criminalistics, including body fluids and DNA; controlled substances; crime scene investigation and reconstruction; fingerprints, firearms, tool marks, and other impression evidence; medicolegal death investigation; toxicology; and trace evidence. Students are also highly prepared for private analytical laboratories and clinical diagnostic laboratories.

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science prepares students for graduate study or careers in latent print examination, the analysis of impression evidence; firearm and tool mark analyses; and private analytical laboratories; clinical diagnostic laboratories; drug analysis and toxicology; and trace evidence analysis.

Change of major requirements

If interested in changing majors to Forensic Science, students are required to meet with the academic advisor.

Bachelor-level job titles

Autopsy Technician
Biologist
Chemist
Crime Scene Investigator
Forensic Chemist
Forensic DNA Analyst
Forensic Toxicologist
Latent Fingerprint Examiner
Medicolegal Death Investigator
Trace Evidence Examiner

Graduate and professional level job titles

Forensic Pathologist
Research Scientist

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in forensic biology

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in forensic biology, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in forensic chemistry

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in forensic chemistry, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in physical evidence

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in physical evidence, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Plan of study in Bulletin

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in forensic biology

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in forensic biology, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in forensic chemistry

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in forensic chemistry, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in physical evidence

Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in physical evidence, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 200
STAT 210

Science required

5+ additional science courses

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.0+ cumulative GPA, 2.0+ major GPA

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

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

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
All Concentrations: Complete UNIV 111/200, MATH 200, CHEM/Z 101, CHEM/Z 102, BIOL/Z 151, and BIOL/Z 152.
Forensic Chemistry Concentration: complete MATH 201 if possible.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.)
Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community.
Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets and Rams Abroad 101 to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Attend Experiential Learning Opportunities in Forensic Science session.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore What Can I Do With This Major? to learn about career paths, employers, and strategies for building experience related to your field of study.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
Shadow a forensic scientist and begin considering whether government or industry jobs are a good fit for your career goals.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
All Concentrations: Complete CHEM/Z 301, CHEM/Z 302, STAT 210, PHYS/Z 201 or 207 and FRSC 300.
Forensic Biology concentration: complete BIOL 300 and either FRSC 309 or 375.
Forensic Chemistry concentration complete CHEM/Z 309, PHYS/Z 202 or 208, and MATH 201 (if not completed in Year 1).
Physical Evidence concentration complete PHYS/Z 202 or 208 and FRSC 309 or 375.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Register for the VCU Globe Program and begin tracking your global leadership growth!

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
Apply for the Baldacci Scholarships for Experiential Learning.
Review the accelerated BS to MS programs offered, and speak to your academic advisor if you are interested.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Attend a VCU Forensic Science Alumni Panel.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
All concentrations: Complete FRSC 309, FRSC 365, FRSC 375 and at least one FRSC elective.
Forensic Biology concentration: complete BIOL 310, BIOZ 476, FRSC 385 and FRSC/Z 438 or an FRSC elective.
Forensic Chemistry concentration: complete CHEM 314/CHEZ 313 and CHEM/Z 409.
Physical Evidence concentration: complete a Concentration Elective (BIOL/Z, CHEM/Z or select FRSC/Z courses with lab component), FRSC 410 or 412 and an FRSC elective.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Design a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
Update your ePortfolio.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Consider taking FRSC 492 (Independent Study) or FRSC 493 (Internship) for credit.
Attend a Forensic Science Graduate Thesis Defense.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Find VCU Alumni in Forensic Science on LinkedIn and VCU Link to connect with.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
All concentrations: complete FRSC 490 and at least one FRSC elective.
Forensic Biology concentration: complete a Concentration Elective (BIOL/Z, CHEM/Z or select FRSC/Z courses), CHEM 403, FRSC/Z 438.
Forensic Chemistry concentration: complete FRSC 400 and FRSC 445.
Physical Evidence concentration: complete a Concentration Elective (BIOL/Z, CHEM/Z or select FRSC/Z courses), FRSC 410 or 412, FRSC 566 and an FRSC elective.
Take the Program Achievement Test at the end of the semester.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Consider Peace Corps Prep, or scholarship opportunities through the National Scholarship Office.
Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
Make an appointment with Career Services to finalize plans after graduation.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2026-2027

Forensic Science

College of Humanities and Sciences

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner. Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. All Concentrations: Complete UNIV 111/200, MATH 200, CHEM/Z 101, CHEM/Z 102, BIOL/Z 151, and BIOL/Z 152. Forensic Chemistry Concentration: complete MATH 201 if possible.	Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.) Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Consider applying to the Honors College. Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community. Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets and Rams Abroad 101 to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.	Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones. Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services. Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage. Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app. Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Attend Experiential Learning Opportunities in Forensic Science session.	Explore What Can I Do With This Major? to learn about career paths, employers, and strategies for building experience related to your field of study. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor. Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni. Shadow a forensic scientist and begin considering whether government or industry jobs are a good fit for your career goals.
Experience	Year 2	Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. All Concentrations: Complete CHEM/Z 301, CHEM/Z 302, STAT 210, PHYS/Z 201 or 207 and FRSC 300. Forensic Biology concentration: complete BIOL 300 and either FRSC 309 or 375. Forensic Chemistry concentration complete CHEM/Z 309, PHYS/Z 202 or 208, and MATH 201 (if not completed in Year 1). Physical Evidence concentration complete PHYS/Z 202 or 208 and FRSC 309 or 375.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Register for the VCU Globe Program and begin tracking your global leadership growth!	Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work. Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake. Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value. Apply for the Baldacci Scholarships for Experiential Learning. Review the accelerated BS to MS programs offered, and speak to your academic advisor if you are interested.	Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Attend a VCU Forensic Science Alumni Panel.
Experience	Year 3	Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. All concentrations: Complete FRSC 309, FRSC 365, FRSC 375 and at least one FRSC elective. Forensic Biology concentration: complete BIOL 310, BIOZ 476, FRSC 385 and FRSC/Z 438 or an FRSC elective. Forensic Chemistry concentration: complete CHEM 314/CHEZ 313 and CHEM/Z 409. Physical Evidence concentration: complete a Concentration Elective (BIOL/Z, CHEM/Z or select FRSC/Z courses with lab component), FRSC 410 or 412 and an FRSC elective.	Design a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.	Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor. Update your ePortfolio. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Consider taking FRSC 492 (Independent Study) or FRSC 493 (Internship) for credit. Attend a Forensic Science Graduate Thesis Defense.	Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Find VCU Alumni in Forensic Science on LinkedIn and VCU Link to connect with.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree. Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. All concentrations: complete FRSC 490 and at least one FRSC elective. Forensic Biology concentration: complete a Concentration Elective (BIOL/Z, CHEM/Z or select FRSC/Z courses), CHEM 403, FRSC/Z 438. Forensic Chemistry concentration: complete FRSC 400 and FRSC 445. Physical Evidence concentration: complete a Concentration Elective (BIOL/Z, CHEM/Z or select FRSC/Z courses), FRSC 410 or 412, FRSC 566 and an FRSC elective. Take the Program Achievement Test at the end of the semester.	Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization. Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Consider Peace Corps Prep, or scholarship opportunities through the National Scholarship Office. Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.	Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.	Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey. Make an appointment with Career Services to finalize plans after graduation.