Forensic Science Major (FSC), BS

The B.S. degree in Forensic Science prepares students for careers in this rapidly growing field. Due to advances in technology, solving crimes is all the more dependent on trace analysis of evidence left by criminals at crime scenes. Forensic scientists play a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing scientifically-based information through the analysis of physical evidence. The major serves as a pathway to a broad range of rewarding careers. The degree provides a strong foundation in chemistry and other sciences, while at the same time giving the student a detailed understanding of the criminal justice system.

Requirements

The Core: 38 Hours

All majors at Harding are required to complete the 47-hour Core Liberal Arts program. The following Core requirements are met within the content of the major:

9 hours of Inquiry, Investigation, and Reasoning are satisfied in the major.

Major: 83 Hours

BIOL 1500 - Principles of Biology Credit Hours: 3
BIOL 1500L - LAB: Principles of Biology Credit Hours: 1
BIOL 2500 - Biostatistics Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 1040/1040L - College Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 1050/1050L - College Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 1610 - Freshman Seminar Credit Hours: 1
CHEM 2610 - Research Methods in Chemistry Credit Hours: 1
CHEM 3740/3740L - Organic Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 3750/3750L - Organic Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 3540/3540L - Analytical Chemistry Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 3550/3550L - Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 3610 - Current Chemical Research Credit Hours: 1
CHEM 4110 - Forensic Chemistry Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 4110L - LAB: Forensic Chemistry Credit Hours: 1
CHEM 4112L - LAB: Forensic Microscopy Credit Hours: 2
CHEM 4410 - Forensic Science Practicum Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 4610 - Chemistry and Biochemistry Capstone Credit Hours: 1
CJ 2261 - Introduction to Criminal Justice Credit Hours: 3
CJ 3450 - Evidence Credit Hours: 3
CJ 3750 - Forensic Science Credit Hours: 3
CJ 3900 - Criminal Investigation Credit Hours: 3
MATH 2350 - Analytics and Calculus I Credit Hours: 4
PHIL 3040 - Bioethics Credit Hours: 2, 3
(Program requirements will be met if taken for 2 hours.)
PHS 4100 - Christian View of Science and Scripture Credit Hours: 2, 3
(Program requirements will be met if taken for 2 hours.)
PHYS 2010 - College Physics I Credit Hours: 3
and PHYS 2010L - LAB: College Physics I Credit Hours: 1
PHYS 2020 - College Physics II Credit Hours: 3
and PHYS 2020L - LAB: College Physics II Credit Hours: 1

Choose 11 hours from:

Must include at least one laboratory course.

BIOL 3000 - Cell Biology Credit Hours: 3
BIOL 3400/3400L - Microbiology Credit Hours: 4
BIOL 3500/3500L - Genetics Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 3210/3210L - Physical Chemistry Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 3810 - General Biochemistry Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 4310 - Inorganic Chemistry Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 4310L - LAB: Inorganic Chemistry Credit Hours: 1

Remaining Bible/Electives: 4 Hours

PHIL 3040 and PHS 4100 are required in the major and satisfy the Bible requirement in the semester they are taken.

PHS 4100 should be taken during the senior year.

See Bible Class Enrollment policy here.

Academic Catalog