The interdisciplinary Forensic Science minor integrates multiple scientific disciplines, preparing students for a career that has clear implications in pursuing social justice within the community.

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The forensic science field combines the natural and behavioral sciences and applies them in legal settings. A minor in forensic science allows a student to expand his or her knowledge base and practice critical thinking skills. The forensic science minor, administered out of the Biology Department, is particularly designed for students majoring in biology, chemistry, criminology and criminal justice, and psychology, though students from any major may pursue the minor. The forensic science minor requires 21 credit hours; about half of those credits are in laboratory sciences, and the remainder come from specific criminology and/or psychology coursework.  
Great complement to any degree!
Gain additional instrumentation experience that will help your job search
Most of our students choose co-op experiences to augment their training

Why Forensic Science at the Mount?

  Enhance Your Career and Expand Your Interests

Biology and chemistry majors who choose the forensic science minor will better understand the applications of science to the legal system and have a strong foothold in the basics to prepare them for employment or graduate studies in forensic science. 

Criminology and criminal justice students interested in law enforcement or other career areas will enhance their professional potential by having a stronger understanding of the forensic sciences. Other interested students who pursue this major will gain a general understanding of how the natural and behavioral sciences aid the civil and criminal legal systems in the pursuit of justice. 

  Forensic Content and Connections

Together, the two forensic science courses in the minor explore the areas of crime scene investigation, evidence collection and analysis, and forensic science in the courtroom. Both courses are laboratory-based and use hands-on activities to enhance student learning.

Specific topics include:

  • Trace evidence 
  • Questioned documents
  • Bloodstain patterns
  • Forensic chemistry
  • DNA typing
  • Accident reconstruction and firearms
  • Forensic pathology
  • Anthropology
  • Dentistry
  • Entomology
Launch Science Building

Faculty

Maria Brown

PhD Assistant Professor

Kelly Crowe

PhD Assistant Professor

Gene Kritsky

PhD Dean of Behavioral & Natural Sciences

Doug Miller

M. Ed. Instructor

Elizabeth Murray

PhD Chair and Professor

Andrew Rosendale

PhD Assistant Professor

Contact

Elizabeth A. Murray, Ph.D., D-ABFA
Biology Department
(513) 244-4948
elizabeth.murray@msj.edu

 Dr. Murray is certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, is a fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Science and has over 30 years of experience in forensic science. She has involved students at Mount St. Joseph University in her casework and forensic research whenever possible.

 

NEWS AND UPDATES

Stay up to date with the most recent forensic science program news and events; visit the department of biology page.

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Visit our financial aid page to learn your options for scholarships, grants, and loans.

Additional Resources

  2021-2022 Undergraduate Rate Sheet
  2020-2021 Undergraduate Rate Sheet

academics/majors-minors-and-programs/2020-2021-rate-sheet.pdf
View a complete listing of tuition, fees, and other costs associated with undergraduate study at the University.

Program Requirements

Department Page

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Information on the Department of Criminology