Bachelor of Science: Forensic Science with a concentration in forensic biology
VCU
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.
Students will be prepared for graduate study including medical school, or careers in the forensic biology section of forensic laboratories. Students will also be prepared for work in molecular biology laboratories in both the public and private sectors.
- Biological Technician
- Environmental Science and Protection Technician
- Food Science Technician
- Forensic Science Technician
- Histotechnologist and Histologic Technician
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Secondary School Teacher
- Attorney
- Forensic Odontologist
- Medical Examiner
- Psychologist
Telephone: (804) 827-1349
Email: transferinfo@vcu.edu
VCCS Transfer Planning Checklist
Telephone: (804) 828-1222 or (800) 841-3638
Email: ugrad@vcu.edu
Apply Here.
Completion of associate degree
Minimum GPA of 2.5
All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better
- MATH 200 and STAT 314
- 5+ additional science courses
- Yes
- Yes
- 2.0
Bachelor of Science: Forensic Science with a concentration in forensic biology
Richard Bland College of William and Mary (Associate of Science: Life Science)
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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Explore | Year 1 |
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Experience | Year 2 |
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MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Attend RBC Orientation.
- Schedule an appointment with your Learner Mentor to discuss your degree and class plan.
- Register for ESE 101 if you have not taken any college level classes.
- Attend FAFSA Fridays to understand how you will fund your education. These events are available every Friday in October and February.
- Use tutoring to get ahead.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Get involved with student clubs and organizations.
- Volunteer for service learning or community service projects.
- Learn about the transfer admission process for VCU.
- Review VCU's Forensic Science Department website for course requirements and possible connections with faculty and peers.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Attend cultural events at RBC and/or VCU and celebrate diversity.
- Attend VCU's annual Intercultural Festival or another community intercultural event.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Explore possible career opportunities for Forensic Science majors.
- Build a LinkedIn profile.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Assess your preparation for a career by completing a Gap Analysis.
- Familiarize yourself with the career services offered at RBC and VCU and explore career pathways on the VCU Career Services website.
- Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
- Take advantage of free Financial Aid counseling.
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Be prepared for academic challenges by meeting with your Learner Mentor and understanding RBC Student Support available.
- Explore your eligibility for the Two-Year College Transfer Grant.
- Use tutoring to get ahead.
- Explore the VCU Forensic Science department website to become familiar with upcoming course offerings, syllabi and professors.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Visit the VCU campus and attend a transfer admission session.
- Attend a talk or other event sponsored by the VCU Forensic Science Department.
- Volunteer for service learning or community service projects.
- Participate in the STEM Transitions: Transfer Success Program after you’re admitted to VCU.
- Join a professional organization related to forensic science: American Academy of Forensic Science, American Board of Criminalistics.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Learn about short-term, semester and year-long study abroad options.
- Continue learning a foreign language or make a plan for undertaking that study at VCU.
- Attend VCU cultural events, including the monthly Global Café, VCU Diversity Scholars in Research week.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Find out about VCU REAL.
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs at RBC or VCU to explore your interests.
- Plan to complete at least two internships or job experiences before your senior year of college.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Conduct 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.
- Use the cost calculator to estimate your tuition/fees as an upperclassman at VCU.
- Take advantage of free Financial Aid counseling.
Bachelor of Science: Forensic Science with a concentration in forensic biology
Richard Bland College of William and Mary (Associate of Science: Life Science)
Course | Title | Equivalent course | Credits | Requirements |
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ENGL 101 | Rhetoric and Research I Note: students with credit for AP English Language and Composition will only receive credit for UNIV 111 at VCU and should take ENGL 102 to fulfill the VCU composition requirement. | UNIV 111-112 | 3 | General education |
ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Research II | UNIV 200 | 3 | General education |
PHIL 203 | Intro to Ethics | PHIL 201 | 3 | Major |
Fine Arts | Core course in The Language and History of the Fine Arts (select 1): ART 201, 202, 231, MUS 103, 123, THEA 201. | VCU equivalent | 3 | General education |
Human Experience | SOC 201 General Sociology (or PSY 201-202 but both courses must be taken to receive credit for PSYC 101) | VCU equivalent | 3 | General education |
U.S. & World Cultures | Core courses in U.S. and World Cultures (select 1): GEO 103, GOVT 201, 202, HIST 101, 102, 201, 202 | VCU equivalent | 3 | General education |
MATH 251 | Calculus I | MATH 200 | 4 | Major |
MATH 217 | Statistics | STAT 210 | 3 | Major |
BIOL 151 + Lab | Biological Science I + Lab | BIOL/Z 151 | 4 | Major |
BIOL 152 + Lab | Biological Science II + Lab | BIOL/Z 152 | 4 | Major |
CHEM 101 + Lab | General Chemistry I + Lab | CHEM/Z 101 | 4 | Major |
CHEM 102 + Lab | General Chemistry II + Lab | CHEM/Z 102 | 4 | Major |
CHEM 230 | Organic Chemistry I | CHEM/Z 301 | 4 | Major |
CHEM 231 | Organic Chemistry II | CHEM/Z 302 | 4 | Major |
CSCI | Computer proficiency test or CSCI 121 or 202 | VCU equivalent | 0 to 3 | Elective |
Electives | No more than 2 credits of PE may be chosen | VCU equivalent | 8 to 11 | Elective |
Richard Bland credits transferred to VCU | 60 |
Course | Title | Credits | Requirements |
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Foreign language through the 102 level (by course or placement). (This requirement can be fulfilled by means of completion of the 102-level of a language or waived if the student completed up through the third level of a foreign language in high school. Additionally, language waiver and placement testing options are available for native or heritage speakers of a non-english language.) | 0 to 8 | General education | |
PHYS | Select either PHYS 201 or PHYS 207 | 4 to 5 | Major |
PHYS | Select either PHYS 202 or PHYS 208 | 4 to 5 | Major |
BIOL 300 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 3 | Major |
BIOL 310 | Genetics | 3 | Major |
BIOL 476 | Molecular Capstone Laboratory | 2 | Major |
CHEM 403 | Biochemistry I | 3 | Major |
FRSC 300 | Survey of Forensic Science | 3 | Major |
FRSC 309 | Scientific Crime Scene Investigation | 3 | Major |
FRSC 365 | Forensic Microscopy | 3 | Major |
FRSC 375 | Forensic Evidence, Law and Criminal Procedure | 3 | Major |
FRSC 385 | Forensic Serology | 3 | Major |
FRSC 438 | Forensic Molecular Biology | 3 | Major |
FRSZ 438 | Forensic Molecular Biology Laboratory | 2 | Major |
FRSC 490 | Professional Practices in Forensic Science | 3 | Major |
Concentration electives: select 5 credits of 300- to 500-level courses from BIOL/BIOZ, CHEM/CHEZ, or FRSC/FRSZ (see VCU advisor for course options | 5 | Major | |
Open electives | 6 to 13 | Elective | |
Credits completed at VCU | 60 | ||
Bachelor's degree total | 120 |