Pre-Forensic Science

Forensic Science and Other Graduate Programs

Students interested in pursuing a M.S. or Ph.D. in forensic science or another related field should major in Biology or Chemistry. For the best preparation, we recommend a double major in both Biology and Chemistry. Students should review the admissions requirements for the graduate schools of their choice. We recommend that students complete the following courses (in addition to major requirements) for preparation for admission and success in a forensic science program:

BIOL3120 Internship in Biological Sciences

BIOL3420 Human Anatomy

BIOL3440 Human Physiology

BIOL4310 Biochemistry

BIOL4450 Molecular and Cellular Biology

CHEM3300 Analytical Chemistry

CHEM4330 Instrumental Analysis

MATH1380 Introduction to Statistics

MATH1510 Calculus I

During summers, students should consider internships or volunteer experiences in the criminal justice system or research opportunities in forensic science programs to gain practical experience. Most students take the GRE exam in April of their junior year and begin to apply to graduate schools during the summer following their junior year. Early application is strongly recommended.

Major universities offer a diverse array of graduate programs in the sciences. Students will find an interesting selection of M.S. and Ph.D. programs, including Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Pathology, Marine Biology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, and many more. Students should review the admissions requirements for the graduate schools of their choice and plan their coursework accordingly. During summers, students should consider internships or research opportunities at major universities to gain practical experience. Most students take the GRE exam in April of their junior year and begin to apply to graduate schools during the summer following their junior year. Early application is strongly recommended.