BS Forensic Science at Pennsylvania State University

Programme overview

Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles and methods to assist criminal and civil investigations and litigation. This major is an inter-college collaboration among academic units and provides students with a strong foundation in the biological, physical, and mathematical sciences. It introduces them to relevant topics in criminalistics, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, crime scene investigation, and appropriate social sciences.

Faculty: Eberly College of Science | Duration: minimum 122 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: University Park, PA, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 122 credits, including General Education and the requirements for the major. Required courses include Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity, Biology: Molecules and Cells, Chemical Principles I, Experimental Chemistry I, Chemical Principles II, Experimental Chemistry II.

Career pathways

The Forensic Science program provides students with a strong foundation in the natural sciences. In addition, students will be introduced to the criminalistics philosophy through intensive scientific and laboratory problem-solving skills that are necessary for their success in forensic laboratory careers or graduate-level academic settings.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In order to be eligible for entrance to the Forensic Science major, a student must have: attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average attained at least a 2.50 aggregate grade point average in the eight (8) entrance-to-major courses completed and earned a grade of C or better in each of the following courses: CHEM 110 , CHEM 111 , CHEM 112 , CHEM 210 , FRNSC 210 , MATH 140 , MATH 141 , and PHYS 211 or PHYS 250 .

Undergraduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer entry; the application opens August 1 for Fall and Summer and June 1 for Spring.

Early Action: apply by November 1 to receive a decision by December 24. Recommended submission deadline for all applications: December 1. Applicants apply through the MyPennState application or the Common App. A nonrefundable application fee is paid by credit card; fee waivers are available to eligible students.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.psu.edu/apply/

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