Forensic Science, BS, Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Sample Plan for New Students
The sample shows a typical plan to complete the degree based on current degree requirements and course offerings, and is not the only possible plan. The number of credits for each course is in parentheses. Some classes have prerequisites, and the order of courses in the sample plan accounts for these. Each new student, in consultation with their advisor, will complete a personal academic plan tailored to their specific goals and interests.
- Semester Degree Plan (for students who enroll in Summer 2027 or beyond)
- Quarter Degree Plan (for students who enroll prior to Summer 2027)
For more information about Seattle University's transition to the semester calendar, visit SU Moves to Semesters.
Important Major Information
- Minimum Credits to Graduate: 120 semester credits or 180 quarter credits
- Credits in Major: 82-83 semester credits or 120 quarter credits
- Minimum Major GPA: 2.0
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Semester-Based Degree Plan
Four-Year Sample Plan For New Students
For students who enroll in Summer 2027 or beyond
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | College Language Requirement (4) | College Language Requirement (4) |
| Course 2 | UCOR 1000: Signature Seminar (3) | UCOR Stage I (3) |
| Course 3 | MATH 1024: Pre-Calculus (3) or higher | UCOR Stage I (3) |
| Course 4 | CHEM 1350: General Chemistry I / CHEM 1351: Chemistry of Water Lab (4) | CHEM 1360: General Chemistry II / CHEM 1851: Ocean Acidification Lab (4) |
| Course 5 | MATH 1028: Trigonometry (2) or test out |
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 Mentor
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | College History Requirement (3) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 2 | UCOR Stage II (3) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 3 | CRJS 1100: Introduction to Criminal Justice (3) | CRJS 2090: Criminology (3) |
| Course 4 | BIOL 1410: Biology I – Molecular & Cell Biology and Evolution / BIOL 1411: Biology I Lab (4) | BIOL 1420: Biology II - Physiology, Development, and Ecology / BIOL 1421: Biology II Lab or CRJS Elective (3-4) |
| Course 5 | CHEM 2450: Organic Chemistry I / CHEM 2451: Organic Chemistry Lab I (4) | CHEM 2460: Organic Chem II / CHEM 2461: Organic Chemistry Lab II (4) |
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Meet with an Advisor
- Meet with Career Engagement Office, and meet with faculty advisor to discuss career opportunities
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CRJS 3010: Criminal Justice Research Methods (3) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 2 | CRJS 3200: Criminal Investigation (3) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 3 | PHYS 1XXX / PHYS 1XXX Lab (4) | CRJS 3020: Criminal Justice Statistics (3) |
| Course 4 | CHEM 3050: Quant Analysis (5) | CRJS 3120: Criminal Law (3) |
| Course 5 | CRJS Elective (3) | PHYS 1XXX / PHYS 1XXX Lab (4) |
Year 3 Steps for Success
- Find Internship or Research Opportunities
- Meet with Faculty Mentor
- Review Educational Plan
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | UCOR Stage III (3) | UCOR Stage III (3) |
| Course 2 | UCOR Stage III (3) | CRJS 4850: Forensic Science Lab (3) |
| Course 3 | CRJS 4800: Forensic Science (3) | CRJS Elective (3) |
| Course 4 | CRJS 4050: Gender, Race & Crime (3) | BIOL 2210: Anatomy and Physiology II (4) |
| Course 5 | BIOL 2200: Anatomy and Physiology I (4) |
Year 4 Steps for Success
- Meet with Faculty Mentor
- 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 Stage I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Stage. For more information, please visit the University Core website.
Stage 1: Foundations
- UCOR 1000/2000 Signature Seminar
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- UCOR 1200 Quantitative Reasoning
- UCOR 1500 Philosophies of Humanity
Stage 2: Inquiry
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2300 Inquiry Seminar in Creative Arts and Expression
- UCOR 2400 Inquiry Seminar in Literature, Art, or History
- UCOR 2600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
- UCOR 2800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences
- UCOR 29XX Ethical Inquiry
Stage 3: Engagement
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3200 Global Perspectives
- UCOR 3300 Responsibility and Action
Curriculum Notes
- This major includes a lot of math and science. Its 72 credits of major requirements don’t include Trigonometry or Math-1023, which are needed for students who don't test out of those requirements. MATH, CHEM, and BIOL 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 major or into it. Talk to faculty mentors if you're unsure about career options between different majors.
- Students planning to pursue a career as a crime lab forensic scientist or 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 in medico-legal death investigation are 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).
- Terms where students are taking more than 18 credits may result in additional tuition charges.
- For complete information on CRJS electives, courses, prerequisites, etc., please consult the Explore & Compare Programs page.
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:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degree plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.
Expand your horizons:
- Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunity.
- Create something at the Media Production Center or Billodue Makerspace.
Quarter-Based Degree Plan
Four-Year Sample Plan For New Students
For students who enroll prior to Summer 2027
| 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
| 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) |
†Choose HIST 1200 – Constructing Past & Present I (5), HIST 1210 – Constructing Past & Present II (5), OR HIST 2310 – US in the World (5)
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Meet with an Advisor
- Meet with Career Engagement Office, and meet with faculty advisor to discuss career opportunities
| 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
| 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 | General Elective (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 a crime lab forensic scientist or 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 in medico-legal death investigation are 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).
- Quarters where students are taking more than 18 credits may result in additional tuition charges.
- 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:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degree plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.
Expand your horizons:
- Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunity.
- Create something at the Media Production Center or Billodue Makerspace.