Turn Evidence Into Answers
A degree in Forensic Science from St. Edward's University prepares you to collect, analyze and interpret evidence for criminal investigations and courts of law. Through hands-on learning, you’ll build the skills needed for careers in crime scene investigation, forensic lab work and beyond — using science to make a real impact on society.
Why earn your Forensic Science degree at St. Edward’s?
Whether you want to pursue a forensic career with police or fire departments, coroner’s offices, the FBI or CIA, or private enterprises — or continue your education in forensics, law, or medical school — one thing is certain: through your St. Edward’s education, we will prepare you to succeed. You’ll find opportunities both in and outside the classroom to learn, give back and achieve your goals. Your mentors will support you every step of the way.
Mentorship and Support
Get to Know Professors
You’ll learn in small classes taught by award-winning professors who keep up with the newest developments in forensic science. They’ll get to know you, help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during your college years and after you graduate.
Explore
Conduct Advanced Research
You’ll engage in faculty-mentored research in the university’s state-of-the-art labs — or Wild Basin Creative Research Center in Austin, a nature preserve managed by St. Edward’s. You’ll advance the state of forensic science by conducting research into potential new technologies and techniques.
Advance Your Skills
Experiential Learning
Courses are designed to give you an immersive experience that parallels real-life scenarios you’ll encounter in your career. For example, you’ll investigate simulated crime scenes, master crime scene photography, and take on the role of an expert witness in a mock criminal trial.
Get Involved
Be Part of the Science Community
The St. Edward’s chapters of the American Criminal Justice Association, and student run groups such as the American Chemical Society and Forensic Association Committed to Truth, open doors to exploring internships, research and volunteer opportunities, and science-based careers. You’ll connect with people who love the challenge of forensic science as much as you do.
Life as a Forensic Science Student at St. Edward's University
As a Forensic Science student at St. Edward’s, you’ll be part of a close-knit community of students who share your curiosity, attention to detail and passion for discovery. Small classes, collaborative labs and immersive investigations help you build strong connections with classmates and faculty mentors while gaining hands-on experience in crime scene analysis and forensic research. Outside the classroom, you can get involved in student organizations, research projects and campus life on the Hilltop — creating friendships, professional connections and experiences that support you long after graduation.
A Highly Successful Forensic Science Program
As a Forensic Science student at St. Edward's University, you’ll gain hands-on experience through internships with organizations like the Austin Police Department, Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office and other local and state agencies. Outside the classroom, your faculty will help you build professional connections and explore career paths through student organizations focused on forensic science, criminal justice and chemistry. Students also participate in research, STEM outreach and paid internship opportunities through the university’s National Science Foundation-funded Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4), helping you graduate with real-world experience and a strong professional network.
Preparing for Your Future in Forensic Science
At St. Edward's University, the Forensic Science program combines hands-on lab work, crime scene investigation and scientific analysis to prepare you for careers in forensic laboratories, law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Through immersive courses, mock crime scenes, courtroom simulations and research opportunities, you’ll build skills in evidence collection, forensic analysis, critical thinking and scientific communication while learning from faculty with real-world field experience. Students also have opportunities to participate in forensic research and global learning experiences that explore the connections between science, medicine and crime. What you gain from this program will prepare you for a career in forensic science or get you ready to continue your education in graduate school.
Making an Impact
Forensic Science major Agatha Ais ’27 brings her curiosity and commitment to sustainability beyond the classroom as a waste management intern in the St. Edward’s Office of Sustainability. Originally from Jinja, Uganda, Agatha helps care for the university’s food forest, a 14,500-square-foot garden developed in partnership with the Central Texas Cherokee Township.
Agatha organizes student teams to tend crops grown using the Cherokee “Three Sisters” method, while learning about sustainable agriculture and Cherokee culture and traditions. The experience has also created an unexpected connection to home: the heirloom corn grown in the garden reminds her of crops she grew in Uganda.
For Agatha, the food forest is an opportunity to lead, learn from another culture and contribute to a more sustainable campus community — while bringing her own experiences and perspective to the Hilltop.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Forensic Science Degree from St. Edward's University
What You Will Learn
The Forensic Science program combines rigorous classroom, lab and experiential learning that covers crime scene investigation techniques, scientific methods for analyzing the data you collect, and legal and ethical protocols. You’ll be well prepared to handle these tasks and responsibilities:
- Analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence should be collected and how.
- Take photographs or make sketches of the crime scenes and evidence.
- Record observations and findings, such as the location and position of evidence.
- Collect and preserve evidence, including weapons, fingerprints and bodily fluids.
- Reconstruct crime scenes.
- Perform chemical, biological and microscopic analyses on evidence taken from crime scenes.
- Explore possible links between suspects and criminal activity, using the results of DNA or other scientific analyses from specialists, such as toxicologists (poisons) or odontologists (teeth).
- Prepare written reports that detail your findings and investigative methods.
- Explain your reports to lawyers, detectives and other law enforcement officials.
- Testify as an expert witness in court about your findings and methods.
- Calculate PMI (Post Mortem Interval) and establish timelines.
Skills You Will Gain
As a Forensic Science major, you’ll cultivate a range of skills that employers look for and that prepare you to excel in the workplace.
- Critical and creative thinking
- Problem-solving
- Attention to details
- Data collection and analysis
- Laboratory research and safety techniques
- Math and science skills to analyze evidence
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Teamwork
Experiential Learning
Your classes are taught by professors who have years of experience in the field and keep up with new developments as forensic science evolves. Each course is designed to give you an immersive, engaging experience that parallels real-life scenarios you’ll encounter in your career. Here’s a sample of courses:
- In Crime Scene Photography, you will learn the parts of a digital camera, learn to document indoor and outdoor scenes and practice photographing wounds on faux body parts, creating a portfolio of your work. You also will review photographs in a virtual setting using virtual reality headsets to explore the immersive experience of being on a crime scene.
- In Crime Scene Investigations I & II, you’ll assess and document mock crime scenes that simulate common field experiences. You’ll also process simulated evidence with field and laboratory techniques. Some of these mock crime scenes are staged in person, either on the main St. Edward’s campus or at the Wild Basin Creative Research Center. For others, you’ll use a virtual reality headset or your computer to investigate evidence at mock crime scenes — like a hotel room where a body was found — and click on hotspots with embedded photos and case information.
- In Forensics in the Wild, you’ll explore the distinct challenges of investigating crimes committed outdoors. You’ll critically analyze environmental factors affecting outdoor crime scenes and learn to evaluate samples within forensic entomology and forensic botany, soil recovery and analysis and forensic anthropology.
- In Principles and Practices of Science and Law, you’ll explore the interaction between the ideas and practices of the scientific community and the legal community. Taking on the persona of an expert witness, you’ll prepare to present a piece of forensic evidence in a mock criminal trial. You’ll also pose as an attorney, calling the “expert” to testify.
Study Abroad
History and Philosophy of Science, a required course for Forensic Science majors, has been taught both on campus and abroad. When taught in London and Edinburgh, the class focused on the history of medicine and disease and how it intersects with the history of crime. Students in the course visited sites in London related to scientific and medical history, including the Alexander Fleming Museum, which showcases the laboratory where Fleming discovered penicillin. They also visited the Surgeons’ Hall Museums in Edinburgh, which has collections of pathological anatomy specimens and an anatomy theater with an interactive dissection table.
Research
You’ll advance the state of forensic science by conducting research into potential new technologies and techniques. College students can test whether these techniques show enough promise to merit investment by professional labs. Through your research, you’ll address challenges currently being faced by investigators in the field and build marketable skills.
Find what you need to apply and important deadlines. When you are ready, there are three ways for you to apply to St. Edward’s:
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Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science major requires 96–97 hours of Forensic Science major courses, including courses in subjects such as Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for the BS in Forensic Science major (PDF). This helpful course map shows the sequence of prerequisites in the department.
Yes. Students who are interested in the forensic field can complete a minor in Forensic Science 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
- Criminology
- Intro to Forensic Science
- Crime Scene Investigation I with Lab
- Crime Scene Investigation II with Lab
- Crime Scene Photography
- Professional Practice in Forensic Science
Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps in declaring your major or minor.
Internships
As a student at St. Edward's, you'll have an opportunity to apply for internships where you’ll utilize some of the same skills you’ve been developing in your experiential classes. Forensic Science majors have earned highly competitive internships at state and local agencies, including:
- Travis County Medical Examiner's Office
- Austin Police Department
- Travis County Sheriff's Office
- Leander Police Department
- El Paso Police Department
- Bexar County Sheriff's Office
STEM students at St. Edward’s can access paid internships offered by our National Science Foundation-funded Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these internship programs, please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).
Student Organizations
The Forensic Association Committed to Truth — SEU F.A.C.T. for short — is a student organization dedicated to forensic science and meets biweekly. Members build their networks and learn about careers. F.A.C.T. also hosts fun collaborative events that give you the chance to explore other science-based fields, like teaming up with the American Chemical Society chapter to conduct spooky Halloween-themed experiments.
The St. Edward’s Criminal Justice Club is a chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Lambda Alpha Epsilon. The club meets twice a month to hear guest speakers, go on field trips, offer community service and complete training together.
The St. Edward’s student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society hosts guest speakers who talk about their research, industry jobs, and the ins and outs of graduate school. Members have volunteered at the ACS Southwest Regional Meeting and given poster presentations of their research, and they have traveled to other universities for hands-on training at advanced instrumentation workshops. Our ACS chapter also hosts social and fun events like tie-dyeing lab coats and movie nights.
Service
Forensic Science students have worked for several years on a grant-funded STEM outreach program for sixth-graders. The St. Edward’s students create crime-scene kits that the younger students use to solve a case. The program encourages elementary- and middle-school students to get curious about careers in science. More recently, students have been involved with forensic science workshops for middle- and high school age students.
At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.
View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Forensic Science webpage.