Mar 19, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Forensic Science, BS Major in


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Forensic science is the application of science to investigations pertaining to the legal system. Forensic scientists apply principles and techniques of various sciences to the examination and comparison of biological evidence, trace evidence, impression evidence, drugs and firearms.  A forensic scientist may specialize in a subdiscipline.  The role of a forensic scientist will depend on his/her area of concentration, type of employment (government crime lab, medical examiner’s office or private practice) and level of experience.  The profession requires critical thinking, communication skills, the application of natural and physical sciences to legal issues, and ethical responsibility.  The four-year program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in physical and natural sciences, and to acquaint them with various relevant aspects of the legal system.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 124


The successful completion of 124 semester hours and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in work completed at Hofstra.

1. Liberal Arts


At least 62 semester hours of liberal arts courses. At least 59 of these semester hours must be completed in courses outside the Chemistry  Department.

2. Residence Requirements


There are two requirements that must ordinarily be completed in-residence at Hofstra: 15 semester hours in the major field of specialization and the last 30 semester hours. The 15 semester hours need not be included within the last 30 hours.

3. General Requirements


Writing


Social Science


Humanities


Foreign Language


Proficiency in a foreign language through level II or an additional 6 semester hours of humanities or social science electives are strongly recommended.

4. Major Requirements


 The fulfillment of the following major requirements:

5. Electives


15 hours in forensic science specialization electives from the following:

†/*


These electives are strongly recommended for students interested in a forensic genetics career.

* Students interested in taking an iteration of BIOL 198  as an elective toward the BS major in forensic science must obtain permission of the director of the forensic science program to ensure that the topic covered is appropriate for major credit.

Complete BS Requirements


BS Requirements  in Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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