The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology, housed in the Department of Biology and Chemistry within the College of Arts and Sciences, provides students with a foundation in biology, chemistry, and law. Students complete the necessary coursework to become certified molecular biologists or chemists through the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) and accrue all prerequisites for further study in medical, dental, graduate, or law programs.
At the Prescott Campus, students work in four state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with professional tools and guided by experienced forensics experts. In the Forensic Crime Scene Investigation Lab, they collect evidence and investigate crime scenes. In the Forensic Biology Lab, students conduct tissue sampling and DNA analysis. Fieldwork opportunities are also available with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, assisting investigations through the Volunteers in Protection (VIP) program.
Prescott’s small campus atmosphere creates an ideal learning environment for close interaction with faculty and opportunities to complete undergraduate research in specialized areas. Students are encouraged to travel to the annual national American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) conference with faculty, providing valuable networking opportunities that can lead to internships and job offers.
Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
Apply scientific methods to analyze forensic evidence.
Achieve functional scientific communication skills.
Apply appropriate concepts to investigating crime scenes, collecting, and preserving forensic evidence.
Assess the ethical and legal responsibilities of forensic analysts.
Implement laboratory skills to analyze forensic evidence.
Present forensic analyses of evidence in court as scientific experts.
Prescott Program Requirements
General Education Requirements
39
Core Requirements
55
Program Support Courses
11
Professional Development Courses
3
Specified Electives
5-6
Open Electives
7
Total Credits
121
Program Details
The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology program requires successful completion of a minimum of 121 credit hours. The program may be completed in eight semesters, or four years, assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. Students pursuing this undergraduate degree must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00 for all work completed at the University. Students are required to complete a forensic biology-focused internship, cooperative education experience, capstone project, or research experience as part of the degree requirements. The courses necessary to earn this degree are listed below.
Students should be aware that many courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Students must earn a grade of C or better in biology and chemistry courses before progressing to subsequent courses. Students are responsible for ensuring that all prerequisite and degree requirements are met prior to enrollment in advanced coursework.
