The certificate in Forensic Science requires a total of 18 credit hours, or six 3-credit courses. A unique element of the proposed certificate is the “Forensics Capstone Course,” which is shared by the two concentrations. In this class, students from the two concentrations will combine their skills as members of interdisciplinary investigation teams as they analyze a “real world” crime scene. This unique course will demonstrate in practice how students with skills in the scientific/quantitative analysis or legal/anthropological areas can combine forces to understand the nuances on the evidence presented at a real crime scene. Waivers of specific course requirements will be considered for students who have taken equivalent courses elsewhere or have substantial practical experience in the subject area covered by the course. All students will be required to complete a minimum of 12 credits in the program at GMU. The curriculum requirements for each concentration are listed below (see Appendix A for complete course descriptions):

Required Core Courses:

FRSC 500 – Introduction to Forensic Science

FRSC 510 – Crime Scene Analysis

Courses Required in Forensic Science Concentration:

FRSC 520 – Forensic Toxicology

FRSC 540 – Forensic Chemistry

FRSC 560/BINF 637 – Forensic DNA Sciences

FRSC 590 – Forensics Capstone Course

Courses Required in General Forensics Concentration:

FRSC 530 – Criminal Law

FRSC 550 – Issues in Forensic Anthropology

FRSC 570 – Introduction to Biochemical Forensics

FRSC 590 – Forensics Capstone Course