Forensic Science Program
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. For more information, call 301-322-0553.
Graduates of the Forensic Science A.S. degree program will be able to:
- Communicate effectively and professionally in both oral and written forms
- Read critically and use written material to support logical reasoning and solve problems
- Explain the multidisciplinary nature of forensic science
- Develop a working knowledge of the criminal justice system and the rules of evidence
- Demonstrate the documentation, collection and preservation of physical evidence from a crime scene
- Apply the scientific method and basic principles of the biological and physical sciences in the analysis of evidence and to legal concepts and cases
- Demonstrate appropriate professional standards, ethics and leadership skills
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science at a four-year college or university
Forensic Science
Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)
Program Code: FORS.AS
| Program Concentration |
31 Credits |
| BIO 2500 Principles of Forensic Biology |
4 |
| CHM 1020 General Chemistry II |
3 |
| CHM 1030 General Chemistry II Lab |
2 |
PHY 1010 Introductory Physics I
or CHM 2050 Forensic Chemistry (Offered spring semester) |
4 |
| CJT 1510 Introduction to Criminal Justice |
3 |
| CJT 2510 Criminal Law |
3 |
| FOS 2500 Forensic Science |
3 |
| FOS 2550 Photography in the Forensic Sciences |
3 |
| FOS 2590 Crime Scene Investigation |
3 |
Program Elective
Choose one course from the following:
PSY 2130 Forensic Psychology
FOS 2510 Forensic Aspects of Death Investigation
FOS 2520 Forensic Aspects of Drug Identification and Abuse
FOS 2530 Fire and Arson Investigation (Offered spring only)
FOS 2540 Physical Identifiers (Fingerprinting Techniques) (Offered fall only)
FOS 2570 Firearms and Tool Marks Identification (Offered fall only)
FOS 2580 Basic Accident Investigation (Offered spring only)
FOS 2600 Computer Forensics I
FOS 2910-2930 Cooperative Education
|
3 |
| Required General Education Courses |
32 Credits |
English*
EGL 1010 Composition I
and
EGL 1020 Composition II
or
EGL 1340 Technical Writing |
6 |
Humanities*
PHL 1100 or PHL 1010
SPH 1090 or SPH 1010 |
6 |
Mathematics*
MAT 1350 College Algebra |
3 |
Science*
BIO 1140
CHM 1010 |
8 |
Social Sciences*
PSY 1010
SOC 1010 |
6 |
Computer Literacy*
CIS 1010 |
3 |
| Total Required for A.S. Degree |
63 Credits |