Forensics (BS)

Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensics at Indiana State?

The Forensics Bachelor of Science program at Indiana State University is your gateway to an exciting career where science meets criminal justice. The hands-on, multidisciplinary program blends biology, chemistry, and forensic techniques incorporating criminal justice coursework. You will develop essential skills needed to collect, analyze, and interpret physical evidence used in the legal justice system.  

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

In the Forensics BS program, you’ll be taught by professors across multiple disciplines in the College of Arts and Sciences, and particularly in the Department of Biology. Our instructors are passionate about mentoring and helping you get involved in research early on in your degree. With small class sizes, you’ll receive personalized support for research, internships, and career planning. 

Participate in Hands-On Learning 

As a forensics major, you won’t just sit in the classroom – you’ll work in state-of-the-art laboratories, mock crime scene spaces, and internships with local and regional agencies. You’ll gain real-world skills in evidence collection, lab techniques, and crime scene analysis. 

What You'll Learn in the Forensics Program

The BS in forensics emphasizes laboratory analysis and crime scene investigation. Key areas of study include: 

• Physical sciences: Study forensic biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics for a foundation on physical sciences in a laboratory or field setting.
• Laboratory skills: Participate in hands-on learning in labs with state-of-the-art equipment to learn proper data analysis and crime scene interpretation. 
• Critical thinking: Learn to evaluate evidence and draw logical conclusions. 
• Communication: Practice writing reports and presenting findings clearly to scientists and the general public. 

Required courses include principles of biology, general chemistry, general physics, introduction to criminalistics, criminal investigation, introduction to biometry, quantitative geography, principles of statistics, statistics for social research, and a political science course on either the judicial process, jury trial process, or topics in legal studies. 

You will also choose between two concentrations so you can tailor your degree to match your specific goals in forensics. 

Transfer Credit

Indiana State University accepts credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities within the United States, and from selected schools located outside the United States. Credit also may be granted for military training and experience. Previously earned college credit can be applied toward completion of the program per Indiana State's transfer guidelines.

Career Possibilities for Forensics Majors

Graduates from the Forensics BS program are prepared for in-demand positions in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, medical examiner offices, and private forensic laboratories. Many graduates work as forensic science technicians, crime scene analysts, DNA analysts, toxicologists, trace evidence analysts, detectives, and criminal investigators. Our graduates are also prepared for advanced degrees in forensic science or related scientific studies. 

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.