Criminalistics Minor

The Criminalistics Minor, offered by the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, is designed to complement Majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Criminal Justice. Students who combine this minor with a Chemistry or Biochemistry major receive a rigorous foundation in the scientific principles used in forensic science laboratories as well as applied skills relevant to scientific analysis of criminal cases. These students are prepared for work in a variety of forensic laboratory positions or for graduate studies in the field. Students who combine this minor with a Criminal Justice major receive a broad law enforcement background with understanding of all phases of criminal investigation. The core courses for the minor cover the ethical and legal aspects of this field as well as the relevant scientific principles at a level understandable among students with a non-science background. The upper-level courses are flexible and include courses for both science and non-science majors.