Forensic Science, BS, Four-Year Plan

Four-Year Plan for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Sample Plan for New Students

This is a sample and not the only way to complete this plan. Number of credits are in parentheses. Some classes have prerequisites.

Important Major Information

  • Minimum Credits to Graduate: 180
  • Credits in Major: 120
  • Minimum Major GPA: 2.0 
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Four-Year Plan For New Students

Year 1

Course Fall Winter Spring
Course 1 Modern Language 1150 (5) Modern Language 1250 (5)  Modern Language 1350 (5)
Course 2 MATH 1026 – Advanced Algebra & Functions OR Higher (5)   UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5)
Course 3 CHEM 1500 – Gen Chem I + CHEM 1501 – Gen Chem Lab I (4+1)   CHEM 1510 – Gen Chem II + CHEM 1511 – H2O Chemistry: Global Impact (4+2)   CHEM 1520 – Gen Chem III (4) 
Course 4     MATH 1028 Trigonometry (2) OR Test Out (0)

Year 1 Steps for Success

  • Take math placement test(s)
  • Meet with your Academic Advisor
  • Learn about what this specialization means in comparison to other CRJS specializations.
  • Meet faculty advisor

 

Year 2

Course Fall Winter Spring
Course 1 HIST 1200, 1210 OR 2310 (5)  CRJS 2090 – Criminology (5)   UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5)
Course 2 CRJS 1100 – Intro to Criminal Justice (5)   BIOL 1610 – Molecular & Cellular Biology + BIOL 1611 – Lab (4+1)  UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5)
Course 3 CHEM 2500 – Org Chem: Structures & Reactivity + CHEM 2501 – Org Chem Lab: Techniques (4+2)   CHEM 2510 – Org Chem: Functional Group Intercoversions + CHEM 2511 –  Org Chem Lab: Applications (4+2)   CRJS 4050 – Gender, Race & Crime (5) 
Course 4     CRJS Specialization Elective (5)  

Year 2 Steps for Success

  • Meet with an Advisor
  • Meet with Career Engagement Office, and meet with faculty advisor to discuss career opportunities

 

Year 3

Course Fall Winter Spring
Course 1 CRJS 3120 – Criminal Law (5)  UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5)
Course 2 CHEM 3000 – Quantitative Analysis (5) CRJS 3010 – Research Methods (5)  CRJS 3020 – Criminal Justice Statistics (5) 
Course 3 BIOL 1620 – Evolution & Ecology (4) AND BIOL 1621 – Lab (1) (if continuing Bio series) OR BIOL 2200 – Anatomy & Physiology I (5) UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) (if continuing Bio series) OR BIOL 2210 – Anatomy & Physiology II (5)  BIOL 1630 – Physiology & Development (4) AND BIOL 1631 – Lab (1) (if continuing Bio series) OR UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) 

Year 3 Steps for Success

  • Find Internship or Research Opportunities
  • Meet with Faculty Advisor
  • Review Educational Plan

 

Year 4

Course Fall Winter Spring
Course 1 UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5)
Course 2 CRJS 3200 – Criminal Investigation (5) CRJS 4800 Forensic Science (5) CRJS Specialization Elective (5)
Course 3 PHYS 1050 – Mechanics + PHYS 1051 – Lab (4+1) PHYS 1060 – Waves, Sound, Elec & Magnetism (4) AND PHYS 1061 – Lab (1) (if continuing Phys series) OR  BIOL 2200 – Anatomy & Physiology I (5) PHYS 1070 – Thermodynamics, Optics & Modern Physics (4) AND PHYS 1071 – Lab (1) (if continuing Phys series) OR BIOL 2210 – Anatomy & Physiology II (5) 
Course 4   CRJS 4870 – Senior Synthesis (3 or 5)  CRJS 4850 – Forensic Science Lab (3)

Year 4 Steps for Success

  • Meet with Faculty Advisor
  • Apply for Graduation and check remaining requirements with an advisor.
  • Continue Post Graduation Planning

University Core Requirements

UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Module I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Module. See my.seattleu.edu for prerequisites and www.seattleu.edu/core for course descriptions. Honors and Matteo Ricci students have different Core requirements. 

Module I:

  • UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
  • Satisfied in Major: UCOR 1200 Quantitative Thinking
  • UCOR 1300 Creative Expression & Interpretation
  • UCOR 1400 Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities
  • UCOR 1600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
  • Satisfied in Major: UCOR 1800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences

Module II:

  • UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
  • UCOR 2500 Philosophy of the Human Person
  • UCOR 2900 Ethical Reasoning

Module III:

  • UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
  • UCOR 3400 Humanities and Global Challenges
  • Choose UCOR 3600 Social Sciences and Global Challenges OR UCOR 3800 Natural Sciences and Global Challenges  

Curriculum Notes

  • This specialization includes a lot of math and science. Its 120 credits of major requirements don’t include Trigonometry or Math-1023, which are needed for students who don’t test out of those requirements. This is the largest CRJS specialization, credits-wise. MATH, CHEM, BIOL, and PHYS classes have minimum grades needed to move on to the next science class. Talk to an advisor if you’re considering changing out of this specialization or into it. Talk to faculty advisors if you’re unsure about career options between different specializations.
  • Students planning to pursue a career as acrime lab forensic scientistor graduate study in forensic science are strongly encouraged to: a) add a Chemistry double-major (or at least minor), b) opt to continue the Physics series (rather than Biology), c) consult the minimum qualifications for employment with the WA State Patrol Crime Lab (or comparable agencies), and d) apply for and complete a laboratory internship.
  • Students planning to pursue a career inmedico-legal death investigationare strongly encouraged to: a) add a Biology double-major (or at least minor), b) opt to continue the Biology series (rather than Physics), and c) apply for and complete an internship with the medical examiner or coroner’s office (or related agency).
  •  For complete information on CRJS specialization electives, courses, prerequisites, etc., please consult the Explore & Compare Programs page.

Use MySeattleU Student Planning to plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.

Visit the Seattle U Advising Services page for support or reach out to the Advising Center. Email CAS Advising at ASCAdvising@seattleu.edu

Resources for Success

Soar during your time here:

Excel in every class:

Source the best research:

Graduate on time:

Build your future career:

Here to Help

Arts and Sciences Advising Center