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School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Forensic Sciences

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B.S. Forensic Sciences

The Forensic Sciences program has a big mission: to give our students the skills needed to advance justice through the application of science and technology. A big mission, but one that we’re following through on every day thanks to our many graduates—86 percent of whom have secured science-related positions, including as forensic investigators or laboratory scientists.

The major in Forensic Sciences includes instruction on the techniques used for recognizing, documenting and analyzing physical evidence, reviews of the legal system and ethical guidelines that govern forensic sciences, and hands-on applications of the scientific method in a lab.

Importantly, all Forensics Sciences students are required to complete a rigorous, 135-hour internship. Students have completed internships with a variety of entities, including the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner, police departments in Hawaii and Guam, and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command’s Central Identification Laboratory.

Upon completion of the undergraduate B.S. program in Forensic Sciences, students will be able to:

  1. Apply the scientific method in an adaptive and mindful manner
  2. Use techniques for recognition, documentation, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence
  3. Implement quality assurance programs, incorporating ethics and professional practice, to act as stewards of justice and peace throughout the broader community
  4. Communicate disciplinary knowledge to diverse audiences
Pre-Major Requirements
  • BC 360/L Biochemistry I with Laboratory
  • BI/BC 215/L Cellular and Organismal Biology I with Laboratory
  • BI/BC 216/L Cellular and Organismal Biology II with Laboratory
  • CH 203/L General Chemistry I with Laboratory
  • CH 204/L General Chemistry II with Laboratory
  • CH 323/L Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory
  • CH 324/L Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory
  • CH 334/L Analytical Chemistry with Laboratory
  • CH 430L Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
  • CJ 223 Introduction to Law
  • CJ 424 Criminal Procedures
  • CJ 426 Courtroom Advocacy in Criminal Justice
  • MA 210 Calculus I
  • PHY 251/L University Physics I with Laboratory
  • PHY 252/L University Physics II with Laboratory
  • MA 211 Calculus II or MA 331 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Major Requirements
  • FS 230 Forensic Sciences
  • FS 333L Physical Forensic Sciences Laboratory
  • FS 340/L Crime Scene Investigation with Laboratory
  • FS 430/L Forensic Chemistry with Laboratory
  • FS 450 Forensic Anthropology
  • FS 455 Medicolegal Death Investigation
  • FS 460/L Forensic Taphonomy with Laboratory
  • FS 487 Internship
  • FS 490 Seminar
  • FS 491 Professional Skills for Forensic Scientists

Resources

Faculty

Our faculty members are leaders in their fields. They believe in the power of personal experience—stressing mentorship, collaboration and project-based learning inside and outside the classroom.

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Accreditation

Chaminade University of Honolulu is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.