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Bachelor of Sciences in Chemistry With Forensic Science

Chemistry with Concentration in Forensic Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Undergraduate (Bachelors)

On Campus (In-Person)

Downtown Location

Professor showing students a section of a skeleton.

The Forensic Science degree program at the University of Houston-Downtown provides a broad-based curriculum in the liberal arts and the Natural Sciences. This degree is particularly appropriate for students interested in working in criminal justice laboratories, legal and paralegal firms, as well as graduate studies in chemistry, forensic science, anthropology or archaeology. Some of the courses included in this area are organic chemistry, physical chemistry, quantitative analysis, and biochemistry.

The courses specified for this degree are consistent with those suggested by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society for a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a special focus on forensic science. Students are required to participate in an appropriate field experience or research activity as part of their curriculum to satisfy graduation requirements for this degree.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Graduates who earn a BS in Chemistry will be able to:

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of the discipline (Basic Knowledge).
  • Demonstrate laboratory skills common to modern laboratories (Laboratory Skills).
  • Effectively communicate scientific information in writing and in oral presentations (Communication Skills).
  • Demonstrate the use of scientific reasoning to analyze and interpret data and implement project-based activities (Scientific Reasoning and Research).
  • Work as part of a team (Teamwork).
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical standards for the responsible conduct of scientific research and its applications (Ethics).

DEGREE PLAN INFORMATION

The following four-year degree plan is based on the UHD 2021-2022 academic catalog. Students should meet with a UHD Academic Advisor to develop their own plan.

ADMISSIONS AND DECLARATION OF MAJOR

Students may be admitted to and declare a major in Chemistry With Biochemistry if they meet the following criteria:

Admission and Declaration of Major

CAREERS

There are many career options to choose from in the field of forensic science. Forensic scientist may gather and document or analyze physical evidence using science and problem-solving methods involving complex techniques and instruments. Many works in laboratories, offices, morgues, classrooms or at crime scenes, while others work out in the field. Job titles include:

  • Forensic Scientist
  • Forensic Science Technicians
  • Lead Forensic Specialist
  • Drug Unit Forensic Scientist
  • Forensic Laboratory Assistant
  • Forensic Toxicologist
  • Criminalistics Forensic Scientist
  • Forensic DNA Scientist
  • Forensic Examiner
  • Forensic Evidence Technician
  • Forensic Anthropologist
  • Forensic Biostatistician
  • Forensic Pathologist
  • Forensic Dentist Technician

SUGGESTED MINORS

  • Microbiology 22 Hours Minimum
  • Geology 20 Hours Minimum
  • Biology 20 Hours Minimum

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

FINANCIAL AID

USEFUL LINKS

We aim to foster your academic, personal, and professional goals. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the program coordinator.

One or more documents on this site are in PDF format. In order to view and print these document(s), you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. It can be downloaded from the Adobe website.