Forensic Science Major

Forensic science is a fast-growing field that offers a variety of career opportunities. In the forensic science program at UND, you'll study everything from biology and chemistry to forensic anthropology and criminal procedures, learning how to examine and analyze evidence to assist in criminal investigations.

At UND, you will learn how to integrate knowledge and skills in the examination, analysis, interpretation, report, and testimonial support of physical evidence. Requiring a strong foundation in the sciences, our B.S. with major in Forensic Science is designed as an interdisciplinary program that draws on resources from departments including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Criminal justice
• Physics
• Psychology

Hands-on Forensic Science Major

At UND you will solve cases like real-life investigators with hands-on work using state-of-the-art equipment, modern investigative techniques and sophisticated scientific analysis. You and fellow students in the Forensic Science degree program will spend 80% of your class time in the lab prepping you for real-world field and lab work.

During this time you'll be learning skills and techniques including:

• Taxonomic and genetic identification of necrophagous insect species
• Blood splatter experiments
• Shoe casing
• Fingerprinting
• Mock crime scene investigation
• Moot courtroom testimonies

Our faculty have close relationships with the Crime Lab of North Dakota, North Dakota Attorney General's Office, and North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which ensures the program is designed to teach the latest techniques to prepare you for a job immediately after graduation. And you'll have opportunities to hear from high-profile speakers like special agents in the field and toxicologists to get your  questions about working in a forensic science related field answered.

Forensic Science Major Curriculum

You can choose from three sub-plans or complete the traditional forensic science curriculum. The three sub-plan options are:

1. Forensic Biology
2. Forensic Chemistry
3. Criminal investigation

Whichever path you choose, you'll get experience in a forensic laboratory. You'll learn security, chain of custody and forensic report writing.