Forensic Science Certificate

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The Forensic Science Certificate prepares biochemistry, biology, and chemistry majors to work in forensic science laboratories, and anthropology majors for graduate study leading to a career in forensic anthropology.

The Forensic Science Certificate is also for students with bachelor’s degrees in the natural sciences from regionally accredited colleges or universities.

Certificate Requirements

The forensic science core:

Three forensic science electives:

ANTH 3500 - Forensic Anthropology
CJFS 3410 - Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction
CJFS 3420 - Forensic Biology
CJFS 3430 - Forensic Document Examination
CJFS 3440 - Forensic Fingerprint Examination
CJFS 3450 - Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Examination
CJFS 3460 - Topics in Forensic Science (topic must be approved by department chair)
CJFS 3610 - Forensic Toxicology
CJFS 3985 - Special Topics in Forensic Science

Choose a concentration:

Natural science concentration

The natural science concentration requires a major in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry.

Anthropology concentration

(Note: CHEM 1500 - Advanced General Chemistry (with Lab) may be taken in place of CHEM 1130 and 1140)

Notes:

To qualify for employment in the DNA section of a forensic science laboratory students must complete these courses or their equivalents:
- BIOC 3820 - Biochemistry I
- BIOL 3050 - Principles of Genetics
- BIOL 3060 - Principles of Cell Biology
- MATH 1200 - Statistics
Students planning a career with federal, state, or local forensic science laboratories should be aware that anyone seeking such employment will be expected to undergo an extensive background check. A criminal record or a history of controlled substance abuse (including cannabis) may result in disqualification from employment. Hamline University is unable to advise students as to whether a particular background might be problematic. Students are encouraged to contact their laboratories of interest to obtain information about specific policies.
No course in which the grade received is less than a C- may be used to meet certificate requirements. If a Hamline course is repeated to meet this grade requirement, the repeated course credit will be changed to zero and the resulting grade will be excluded in the grade point average (GPA) computation. The GPA of all courses taken in the certificate must be 3.0 or higher and the cumulative GPA of all Hamline courses taken must be 3.0 or higher.
Students who hold a bachelor’s degree may transfer up to four courses, with grades of C or better, from prior college to apply toward the certificate.
Violation of the Hamline University Student Honor Code may result in suspension from the Forensic Sciences Certificate Program.

Disclosure Information

Forensic Science Certificate Gainful Employment