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Forensic Science: Forensic Biology

BS On-Campus Main Campus
DEGREE TYPE

Bachelor's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Undergraduate

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Evidence reveals the truth. Learn how to uncover it.

Behind every investigation is a forensic scientist who found answers others couldn’t. The work is demanding and detailed, and it rests on a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and analytical science. At SEMO, you’ll build that foundation in modern labs, learning from faculty who have real investigative and research experience.

Our coursework connects scientific theory to hands-on practice, so you’re ready to apply what you know when it counts. This program is for you if you're curious, careful, and drawn to the idea that science can serve justice.

What You'll Do in the forensic biology program

This degree is built around hands-on, laboratory-intensive learning because forensic science is a field where doing is just as important as knowing. From your first semester, you will be developing the analytical skills and scientific methods used by forensic professionals in crime laboratories, medical examiner offices, and investigative agencies across the country.

Forensic Science students may study:

  • Forensic chemistry and toxicology
  • DNA analysis and serology
  • Trace evidence examination
  • Forensic biology
  • Crime scene investigation principles
  • Forensic microscopy
  • Digital and cyber forensics
  • Expert witness testimony and courtroom procedures
  • Criminal justice and legal frameworks
  • Quality assurance in forensic laboratories

In this program you will work through laboratory exercises, case-based learning, and applied research experiences.

What Can I Do With a Forensic biology Degree?

Forensic science graduates are prepared to work across a wide range of sectors where scientific analysis, investigative expertise, and attention to detail are essential.

Career opportunities exist across:

  • Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies
  • Crime and forensic laboratories
  • Medical examiner and coroner offices
  • Government regulatory agencies
  • Healthcare and pharmaceutical industries
  • Environmental and public health organizations
  • Private forensic consulting firms
  • Legal and judicial systems

Career Opportunities With a Forensic biology Degree

Graduates may pursue roles as:

  • Forensic Scientist
  • Crime Laboratory Analyst
  • DNA Analyst
  • Toxicologist
  • Trace Evidence Examiner
  • Digital Forensics Analyst
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Forensic Toxicology Technician
  • Evidence Technician
  • Environmental Forensic Scientist

Graduates who want to advance further can pursue graduate study.

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Forensic Science : Forensic Biology (BS) Degree Map

Discover the courses you'll need for your degree.

Forensic Science Careers and Outcomes

What You'll Study in Forensic Science

Discover how long it will take to get your degree in forensic science and explore program requirements.

84-88 Hour Major – No minor required

A minimum 2.0 GPA in the major and overall are required to graduate with a BS degree.
Core Courses: (59-61 hours)
  • BY163/063 Ecology & Evolution (4)
  • BY173/073 Cell & Organismal Biology (4)
  • BY283/083 Genetics (4)
  • CH185 General Chemistry 1 (3)
  • CH184 General Chemistry I Lab (1)
  • CH186 General Chemistry II (3)
  • CH187 General Chemistry II Lab (1)
  • CH341 Found of Organic Chem (4)
  • CH342 Organic Chemistry Lab I (1)
  • CH343 Adv Organic Chem (3)
  • CH344 Organic Chem Lab II (2)
  • CH531 Found of Biochemistry (3)
  • FS101 Introduction to Forensic Science (3)
  • FS351 Criminalistics (3)
  • FS405 Forensic Expert Witness Testimony (2)
  • MA139 Applied Calculus (3) OR MA140 Analytic Geometry & Calculus 1 (5)
  • MA223 Elementary Probability & Statistics (3)
Physics Option – choose 1 group:
  • PH120 Introductory Physics 1 (5) AND PH121 Introductory Physics II (5)
  • OR
  • PH230 General Physics 1 (5) AND PH231 General Physics II (5)
Experiential Learning – Choose 2 credits:
  • CH391 Undergraduate Research (1-3)
  • BY582 Internship in Biology (1-3)
  • BY591 Biological Research (1-6)
Forensic Biology Option: (19 hours)
  • BY345 Lab Methods in Biotechnology (3)
  • BY402 Molecular Biology (3)
  • BY406 Genomics (4)
  • BY422 Population Genetics (4)
  • BY575 Forensic Entomology (3)
  • FS552 Forensic Serology & DNA Analysis (2)
Option Electives – Choose 6-8 hours:
  • AN339 Cold Case Anthropology (3)
  • AN415 Forensic Anthropology (3)
  • BY403 Medical Genetics (3)
  • BY404 Cell Biology (4)
  • BY410 Biological Microscopy (4)
  • BY440 Toxicology (3)
  • BY442 Immunology (3)
  • BY443 Epidemiology (3)
  • FS553 Introductory Analysis of Pattern Evidence (3)
General Electives – 3-7 hours

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

First Year

Fall Semester(15Hours)
  • UI100 (1)
  • BY163/063 (4)
  • CH184/185 (4)
  • MA139 (3)
  • FS101 (3)
Spring Semester(14 Hours)
  • BY173/073 (4)
  • CH186 (3)
  • CH187 (1)
  • MA223 (3)
  • General Education (3)

Second Year

Fall Semester(15 Hours)
  • BY283/083 (4)
  • Elective (3)
  • CH341 (4)
  • CH342 (1)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester(14 hours)
  • BY702 (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • CH343 (3)
  • CH344 (2)
  • General Education (3)

Third Year

Fall Semester(14 hours)
  • FS351 (3)
  • CH531 (3)
  • Physics I (5)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester(16 hours)
  • BY345 (3)
  • FS405 (2)
  • Physics II (5)
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)
Summer Semester
  • BY575 (3)

Fourth Year

Fall Semester(15 hours)
  • BY422 (4)
  • Experiential Learning (2)
  • Option Elective (3)
  • General Education (3)
  • Elective (3)
Spring Semester(15 hours)
  • BY406 (4)
  • FS552 (2)
  • Option Elective (3)
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)

Forensic Science Bachelor's Degree FAQ's

Have questions about the Forensic Science degree? Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

Forensic science is a rigorous, science-intensive discipline, but that's what makes it so rewarding! Students should expect a strong emphasis on chemistry, biology, and laboratory science, along with coursework in criminal justice, legal frameworks, and investigative methodology. The program is demanding by design, because the careers it leads to require precision, critical thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure.

The good news? You will not navigate it alone. SEMO's faculty bring real-world experience into the classroom and are committed to supporting students through every stage of the program, from foundational science courses to advanced laboratory work.

A Forensic Science degree opens doors across law enforcement, laboratory science, public health, and the legal system.

Graduates may pursue roles including:

  • Forensic Scientist
  • Crime Laboratory Analyst
  • DNA Analyst
  • Toxicologist
  • Trace Evidence Examiner
  • Digital Forensics Analyst
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Forensic Toxicology Technician
  • Evidence Technician
  • Environmental Forensic Scientist

Forensic science and criminal justice are complementary fields that often work side by side.

  • Forensic Science is rooted in natural science. It focuses on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence using chemistry, biology, and laboratory methods. Forensic scientists answer the question: what does the evidence tell us?
  • Criminal Justice focuses on the systems, institutions, and processes that make up the legal and law enforcement landscape, including policing, courts, corrections, and policy. Criminal justice professionals answer the question: how does the system respond?

In practice, both fields intersect often. Forensic scientists provide the scientific foundation that criminal justice professionals rely on to investigate crimes, build cases, and pursue justice.

Yes, and in many cases, a forensic science background is a significant advantage in criminal justice careers! Forensic science graduates bring a level of scientific literacy and analytical precision that is highly valued across law enforcement agencies, legal offices, and investigative units.

Roles where a forensic science degree translates directly into criminal justice work include:

  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Evidence Technician
  • Forensic Consultant for legal defense or prosecution teams
  • Investigative analyst roles within federal agencies
  • Expert witness in legal proceedings

Location

Office

Rhodes Hall 306

Johnson Hall 201

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 0000
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701