Forensic Science, BS at George Mason University

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science is a general forensic science degree that covers various fields within forensic science including field and laboratory applications. These topics include areas such as crime scene investigation, forensic DNA, forensic chemistry, trace evidence, firearms examination, questioned document, fingerprints, arson, and drug analysis. 

This degree is intended to provide students with a well-rounded, hands-on forensic science education in order to prepare students for entrance into a graduate-level educational program, and/or entry-level professional careers in public and private forensic laboratories, federal, state, or local government/law enforcement, defense, homeland security and intelligence agencies. 

The Forensic Science undergraduate program provides a strong scientific foundation while simultaneously enabling students to individualize their educational experience toward specific career goals or post-graduate degrees by taking specialized forensic science and natural science courses. This degree offers concentrations in Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry to prepare students who desire a career within these specialties.

Unique features of this program include an innovative curriculum that offers hands-on training with crime scene techniques and crime laboratory methodologies, an outdoor forensic excavation research and training facility, and courses taught by professional and distinguished faculty from various forensic agencies and laboratories.

Total credits: minimum 120

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

Students majoring in forensic science must complete the core courses and choose one concentration. Students cannot declare the concentration upon admission; it can be declared once the student has earned a minimum of 60 credits.

All coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.30. No more than three courses with a grade of 'D' (1.00) may be applied to the major.

Students are advised to be aware of any prerequisites that may be required for each course in the curriculum.

Students are only permitted three attempts for all major courses; following a third unsuccessful attempt the student will no longer be able to pursue the major.