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About the BS in Forensic Science Degree

Why Study Forensic Science at Cedarville?

Do you love science, enjoy solving puzzles, and have a strong sense of justice? Cedarville’s distinctly Christian BS in Forensic Science is the perfect way to combine all three! This degree will prepare you to apply the scientific method to criminal investigations, allowing you to analyze evidence and interpret results with precision.

As a forensic scientist, you'll tackle everything from determining the chemical compositions of substances using both simple chemical tests and high-tech instrumental analysis, to extracting and analyzing DNA from evidence to match crime scene DNA with suspects. Sound intriguing? In Cedarville’s forensic science program, you'll experience an interdisciplinary approach that includes substantial laboratory work, an internship at a crime lab, and advanced coursework in the sciences.

With biblical integration in every course, you’ll learn what God's Word has to say about the science you're studying, preparing you to use your career for God's glory. Graduate equipped for a successful career in forensic science, ready to secure justice and keep our world safe while having a Gospel impact through your work.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Highlights

Biblical — You will learn how science and Scripture intersect through courses that integrate the Bible and recognize God’s Word as the ultimate authority in every area. You’ll discover that as a Christian forensic scientist, it is critical that you analyze evidence in a way that is both accurate and ethical. Proverbs 17:15 says “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD.” You will learn to do everything possible to convict the guilty but exonerate the innocent, to follow ethical practices without cutting corners or drawing conclusions beyond what the evidence warrants, and to pursue justice justly.

Rigorous, Interdisciplinary — You’ll take at least 10 credits of math, 22 credits of chemistry, 12 credits of biology, 8 credits of physics, and 18 credits of criminal justice, plus specialized forensic science courses and science electives. You will graduate knowing the scientific theory behind the tests you run in the lab and understanding how to conduct a criminal investigation.

Practical — You will complete an internship in an actual crime lab to gain forensic laboratory experience and make contacts to help you in your future career.

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Take a look at Cedarville's renovated science and anatomy labs.

What Can You Do With a Forensic Science Degree?

The forensic science major will prepare you for a number of exciting careers. You’ll be prepared to begin an entry-level position as a crime lab technician immediately upon graduation. This is a growing field, and the industry expects an increase in available jobs for well-prepared candidates. Additionally, because of the academic rigor of the major, you will have other options as well, including working in chemical testing labs or performing environmental analysis or quality control. You can also choose to pursue a graduate degree, such as an MS in forensic science or a PhD in chemistry, leading to careers as crime lab directors or university professors. You could also go to medical school and train to be a medical examiner. Or, you could go straight to a police academy and use your forensic science training as a springboard to launch a career as a police detective.

Specific careers in forensic science include:

  • Criminalist – Study physical evidence to link it to suspects
  • Document Examiner – Answer questions regarding documents, such as whether or not a signature is real and if a document has been altered
  • Pathologist – Study diseases and assist with determining cause/time of death
  • Toxicologist – Determine any substances in a victim’s or suspect’s system (drugs, alcohol, poison, and more)

Graduates from Cedarville’s BS in forensic science program are currently employed at a range of laboratory facilities and investigative agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Graduate and professional programs and employers welcome Cedarville University graduates each year. It is important to note that some professional career fields you may pursue require additional education, experience, and/or licensure beyond the completion of your Cedarville University undergraduate degree.

Placement Success

We're proud of our successful graduates! 98.1% of recent graduates from the School of Engineering and Computer Science were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville's other placement rates.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

Internships — You will complete an internship at a crime lab as part of your degree program. This will give you valuable practical experience observing and assisting forensic scientists while also gaining contacts in the field.

Hands-on Lab Experience — You will gain hands-on experience through the lab component of the Forensic Science course. This includes practice collecting and analyzing trace evidence like hair and fibers, taking and matching fingerprints, evaluating handwriting samples, and chemical analysis of simulated drugs.

Program Curriculum

Building on your core liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will take 72 credit hours of science courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and math as well as 18 credit hours of criminal justice courses. This is a very academically rigorous major that will prepare you well for your career as a forensic scientist.

This major offers an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's pathway for students interested in pursuing their MBA.

Sample courses:

  • Introduction to Forensic Science
  • Advanced Forensic Chemistry

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers both graduate and undergraduate programs, with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you consider the degree or program that is a best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • Residential
  • 4-Year
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From Our Students:

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Program Faculty

Photo of Aaron Hutchison

Aaron Hutchison, PhD

Professor of Chemistry

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Patrick Oliver, PhD

Director of the Criminal Justice Program

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