The Forensic Science Associate of Science (A.S.) degree provides the foundation for students who plan to pursue a bachelor's or a master's degree in forensic science. The program combines a science curriculum with hands-on experience in the collection, processing and analysis of physical evidence in criminal cases. The incorporation of physical science, criminal investigation and the law provides a comprehensive understanding of the evidentiary process. Students learn investigative techniques and data analysis coupled with critical-thinking, verbal and written communication skills that are essential for the constantly evolving forensic science disciplines. The Forensic Science A.S. degree program articulates with the University of Baltimore and the University of Maryland University College. Before registering for forensic science courses, students, including those with bachelor's or advanced degrees, should consult with program faculty or an academic adviser and also should check with the four-year institution to which they plan to transfer. Individuals with a bachelor's degree may work as crime scene technicians or laboratory examiners for federal, state or local law enforcement agencies or private crime laboratories.
Curriculum
Learning Foundations Overall Requirements
- All students must read English at an acceptable level in order to begin college-level courses. The college assesses two levels of reading proficiency as shown below. Both must be satisfied in order to enroll in college-level classes.
- Meet a basic reading standard by placement exam score by taking DVR-0051 or ESL-0105, or by exemption due to prior college coursework.
- Meet college-level reading standards by placement exam score, by taking DVR-0061 DVR-0071 or ESL-0106, or by exemption as a result of prior college coursework.
- The college assesses English writing proficiency at three levels as a prerequisite to enrollment in EGL-1010, the first college-level writing course. Those three levels are outlined below.
- Meet the minimum English proficiency requirement by placement exam score, by completing DVE-0009 or ESL-0102 or by exemption as a result of prior coursework.
- Meet intermediate level English proficiency requirements by placement exam score, by completing DVE-0011 or ESL-0201, or by exemption as a result of prior coursework.
- Meet pre-college level English requirements by placement exam score, by completing EGL-0100 or ESL-0202, or by exemption as a result of prior coursework.
- All students must satisfy the college's requirement for a solid foundation in mathematics. Students can document this foundation either with satisfactory placement test scores, with an exemption posted as a result of courses taken elsewhere, or with satisfactory performance in one or more developmental mathematics courses. In addition, all students must complete either PAS-1010 or PAS-1030 along with their first developmental math course.
- Meet the most basic arithmetic requirement by completing DLS-0011 or a satisfactory score on the placement test.
- Meet prealgebra requirements by completing DVM-0031 or with a satisfactory placement test score.
- Meet elementary algebra requirements by completing DVM-0071 or achieving a satisfactory placement score.
- Meet intermediate algebra requirements by completing MAT-0104 or by achieving a satisfactory placment test score.
- Complete either PAS-1010 or PAS-1030 in the same semester you take DVM-0031.
General Education - English Comp for FOS
- Take EGL-1010 and either EGL-1020 or EGL-1340.
- COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING COURSE:
- COMPLETE EGL 1020 OR EGL 1340:
General Education - Humanities for FOS
- Take PHL-1010 and either SPH-1010 or SPH-1090.
- COMPLETE SPH 1090 OR SPH 1010
General Education - Mathematics
General Education - Science for FOS
- Complete both of the following:
General Education - Social Sciences for FOS
- Complete these two courses:
General Education - Information Technology
- Take INT-1010 (formerly CIS-1010) unless exempted through examination or other proof of proficiency.
Forensic Transfer Studies (A.S.)
- Complete these required courses for this program:
- COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING COURSES:
- COMPLETE PHY 1010 OR CHM 2050:
- Take an additional FOS course from the following list for: at least 3 credits: FOS-2510, FOS-2530, FOS-2540, FOS-2570, FOS-2580, FOS-2600, FOS-2910, FOS-2920, FOS-2930. Or, take PSY-2130.