Prepare scientific analysis for the court of law

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science at St. Edward’s University prepares students to take on roles in the preparation of scientific work to be presented in the court of law.

This work is academically challenging, intellectually stimulating, and demands accurate, methodical, and detail-driven work. Coursework from a diversity of disciplines provides an engaging field of study with broad application.

Students majoring in Forensic Science at St. Edward's University take a combination of:

  • Forensic science requirements
  • Core requirements in criminal justice, bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, physics and math
  • Supporting courses chosen from criminal justice, criminology, additional forensic science courses and psychology (field track) or biology, chemistry, math and forensic science courses (lab track)

Students can choose between two tracks:

  1. Laboratory Emphasis: This track is for students who prefer to focus on laboratory-based jobs such as DNA analysis, drug analysis and toxicology. This emphasis also has coursework designed to prepare students for medical school, which is important for those interested in a role in pathology or as a medical examiner.
  2. Field Emphasis: This track is geared toward students who intend to pursue careers with an emphasis in crime scene, latent prints, or firearms, or who want to work as investigators or detectives.

Tracks

Lab Emphasis

In the Forensic Science with Laboratory Emphasis program, you will develop a thorough understanding of science and knowledge about law needed to be an expert witness in criminal cases.

You’ll focus on upper-level science courses designed to teach you to how to apply scientific methodologies to evidence found at crime scenes.

Field Emphasis 

In the Forensic Science with a Field Emphasis program, you will balance the study of science and criminal justice. This program prepares you for a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.

Graduates of this program are eligible for entry-level positions as crime scene technicians or fingerprint technicians. They may pursue advanced degrees in general forensic science or other specialized fields. 

Outcomes

With a BS in Forensic Science, graduates are eligible for entry-level positions as crime scene technicians or fingerprint technicians, or they may pursue advanced degrees in general forensic science or other specialized fields.

Our graduates have found rewarding careers with:

  • The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory
  • The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office
  • The Austin Police Department

When students graduate this program, they are equipped the knowledge and practical skill sets needed to navigate the professional world of forensic science. 

Outside the Classroom

Hands on Learning

You’ll participate in “mock” crime scenes that simulate common field experiences. You’ll also have access to instrumentation for innovative and collaborative research.

Culminating Experience

You'll be expected to finish your studies with a senior research project. The purpose of this project is to give you the opportunity to engage in practical application of the work you've studied. You'll have the chance to choose a project in a particular area of interest. For example, one former senior research project was “Genetic STR Typing Using Chip Electrophoresis." This project gave students experience with DNA extraction, experimental design, real-time PCR, and data analysis.

Internships

Forensic Science majors at St. Edward’s complete internships each year with top law enforcement agencies and criminal justice organizations. Internships are excellent opportunities to explore your passions in a specialized area of forensic science. You'll also have the opportunity to learn new skills and collaborate with experts in the field. An internship experience is an outstanding addition to your résumé and can give you a distinct advantage for graduate school or your career path in forensic science.

Forensic Science majors have earned highly competitive internships at state and local agencies, including the Austin Police Department and the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office.

About the Minor

Students who are interested in the forensic fields can get a minor in Forensic Science in order to establish baseline knowledge and experience within the subject. This is especially helpful for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers where forensic knowledge enhances their job applicant profile.

Required Coursework

  • Intro to Forensic Science
  • Crime Scene Investigation I with Lab
  • Crime Scene Investigation II with Lab
  • Crime Scene Photography
  • Principles and Practices of Science and Law
  • Crime Victims (Victimology)
  • Criminology