Forensic Science (Minor)
Minor: Forensic Science
Program Code: M480
About This Minor. . .
Forensic science is a growing professional field throughout the United States. Forensic science is the interface between analytical science and the law. Students with a minor in Forensic science can seek employment with CBI and other employers conducting forensic investigations, or they may continue their education by seeking a Master’s degree in Forensic science at another institution. The minor is best suited for students majoring in Biology or Chemistry. The minor will enhance students’ skills in the molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and criminalistic techniques used in forensic investigations.
Each section below contains details about the requirements for this program. Select a header to expand the information/requirements for that particular section of the program's requirements.
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Institutional Minor Requirements
The following institutional requirements apply to all CMU minors. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.
- A minor consists of 15-24 semester hours. There may be prerequisites required for the minor which will increase the total number of credit hours for a student who has not already taken those prerequisites.
- Courses taken to satisfy Essential Learning, major requirements, or electives can be counted toward the minor if applicable.
- At least 33 percent of the credit hours required for the minor must be in courses numbered 300 or above.
- At least 25 percent of the classes must be taken at CMU.
- 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher for the courses used for the minor.
- A minor is not a degree by itself and must be earned at the same time as a baccalaureate degree.
- A minor must be outside the major field of study.
- A student may earn up to five minors with any baccalaureate degree at CMU.
- The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and degree requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate. Visit with your advisor or academic department to determine which catalog year and program requirements sheet you should follow.
- See “Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates” in the catalog for a complete list of graduation requirements.
Program Specific Minor Requirements
(24-26 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 301 & 301L | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 301 & 301L | Principles of Genetics and Principles of Genetics Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 315 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 317L | Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| ANTH 270 & 270L | Death and Forensic Science and Death and Forensic Science Laboratory | 3 |
| ANTH 478 | Professional Issues in Forensic Science | 3 |
| Complete two of the following options: | 6-8 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Forensic Entomology and Forensic Entomology Laboratory | ||
| Forensic Molecular Biology and Forensic Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Human Osteology and Human Osteology Laboratory | ||
| Pharmacology | ||
| Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Laboratory | ||
| Crime Scene Processing and Crime Scene Processing Laboratory | ||
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 24-26 | |
Lectures and coordinating labs must be taken together for credit towards graduation.
Advising Process and DegreeWorks
Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a minor. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and developing a suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for her/his intended minor.
DegreeWorks is an online degree audit tool available in MAVzone. It is the official record used by the Registrar’s Office to evaluate progress towards a minor. Students are responsible for reviewing their DegreeWorks audit on a regular basis and should discuss questions or concerns with their advisor or academic department head for the minor. Discrepancies in requirements should be reported to the Registrar’s Office.
Graduation Process
A minor cannot be awarded by itself. It must be combined with a baccalaureate degree outside the major field of study. Students should follow the graduation process outlined for the baccalaureate degree and list their majors and minors on the “Intent to Graduate” form.
If a student’s petition for graduation is denied, it will be her/his responsibility to consult the Registrar’s Office regarding next steps.