Study Forensic Science at BGSU

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Forensic Science Academic Programs

The location of an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) crime laboratory and investigation facility on the BGSU campus, and the partnership established between BCI and BGSU in the form of the Center for the Future of Forensic Science, enable BGSU to create and provide the precise curricula and hands-on experience today’s forensic science and criminal investigation employers expect of prospective job candidates. In fact, BCI forensic scientists were consulted in the development of the academic degree programs and helped identify the major’s Ability Based Outcomes (those abilities considered essential for graduates entering the profession). Both undergraduate and graduate forensic science degree programs are available to highly qualified students. Visit the Master of Science in Forensic Science page for more information regarding the graduate program.

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

The BGSU College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to offer a Bachelor of Science with a major in Forensic Science (BSFS) degree. The BSFS degree program is accredited by the Forensic Science Educational Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) and affords students the unique opportunity to select any of three areas of specializations that best meet their forensic science interest and career goals. BSFS specializations include Forensic DNA Analysis, Forensic Drug Analysis, and Forensic Examination. 

A student who wishes to declare the major of Forensic Science must meet the following admissions criteria:

Incoming Students

ACT/SAT Scores Route

  • SAT – prior to March 2016: Combined SAT score of 1100 or higher, with at least a 550 score on the Math portion; or
  • SAT – March 2016 and forward: Combined SAT score of 1200 or higher, with at least a  550 score on the Math section; or
  • ACT – An ACT composite and math score of 25 or higher

(Students with scores falling below these ranges may be reviewed for acceptance on an individual basis.) If students retake the ACT or SAT and would like to be reevaluated, please email cguinsl@bgsu.edu

Test Optional Route

If you are not near or meet the scores explained above, you may want to consider going "Test Optional" on your BGSU Application. Once you go Test Optional, you cannot revert back to being evaluated by scores even if you receive new scores.

Note that applications that opt for the Test Optional route will be reviewed holistically with their GPA and high school transcript.

Biology and chemistry are extremely important for consideration.

Test optional students pursuing admittance into the BSFS program will need to meet pre-requisites for MATH 1280 OR MATH 1310 as well as CHEM 1230/1240 OR CHEM 1350 which are listed below. Note that a math placement test and score may be needed to qualify for a BSFS admittance decision.

If test optional students have ACT/ SAT scores, they can opt to officially submit them to BGSU for a math placement score.

If test optional students have CCP and/or AP credit they may serve as pre-requisite requirements. Please contact the Transfer Evaluation office for more information on how courses can transfer in.

MATH 1280 Prerequistie Requirements:

Prior credit in MATH 1200 or in MATH 1220 or a MATH placement score of 41 or higher is required for enrollment. 

MATH 1310 Prerequisite Requirements:

Prior credit in MATH 1280, MATH 1290, or MATH 1300 required for enrollment, or Math placement test score of 61 or higher.

CHEM 1230/1240 Prerequisite Requirements:  

MATH 1200 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1230 or MATH 1260 or MATH 1280 or MATH 1300 or MATH 1310 or MATH 1340 or Math placement score of 41 or higher.  

CHEM 1350 Prerequisite Requirements:  

High school chemistry or CHEM 1090 and MATH 1220 or higher or Math placement score of 41 or higher. Extra fee.

Pathway Route

If a student is not initially a forensic science major, they can follow the forensic science pathway to obtain admittance. These students will pursue the forensic science pathway while under a chemistry or biology major.

Current BGSU students and Transfer Students may be eligible for the program if they have:

  • Obtained a cumulative college GPA of a 3.0 or better, and
  • Earned a “C” or better in CHEM 1230 (including CHEM 1240 lab) or CHEM 1350 and
  • Earned a "C" or better in CHEM 1270 (including CHEM 1280 lab) or CHEM 1370 (including CHEM 1380 lab) and
  • Earned a “C” or better in the Organic Chemistry sequence: CHEM 3410 and CHEM 3440 (including CHEM 3460 lab).

Students who meet these criteria should contact the Forensic Science program regarding admission.

Why Choose a FEPAC Accredited Program?

As the entertainment industry recognized popular interest in forensic science, so too have institutions of higher learning.  “Forensic Science” programs of varying content and quality are widely available nationally. How do you know which will best prepare you for a career in forensic science?

FEPAC accredited programs, such as that offered by BGSU, are required to meet rigorous curriculum, faculty, facility and academic support standards. Students graduating from an accredited institution can be assured they will receive the proper coursework, from faculty with real-world forensic experience, in a learning environment designed specifically for their success. In turn, employers recognize FEPAC accredited program graduates as highly qualified job candidates, possessing the exact education and training sought in their future forensic scientists.

For more information about the FEPAC program please visit https://www.aafs.org/FEPAC.

Student Measures and Performance

BGSU Forensic Science is committed to recruiting students who demonstrate both a passion for the study and future practice of forensic science, as well as the intellectual capability to navigate an exceptionally rigorous academic curriculum. The Program Director controls BSFS admission, maximizing opportunity for individual student success. Less than half of all program applicants are accepted. Student Measures and Performance provides essential measures demonstrating incoming student quality, continued academic performance, program retention and graduation rates that inform ongoing recruiting strategies.

Individual student success is the ultimate goal of the BSFS program. Student achievement is evident in the forensic science research conducted as part of the program capstone experience. Examples of recent student research are also included on the Student Measures and Performance page.

Delta Delta Epsilon

A new chapter of Delta Delta Epsilon (ΔΔE), The Forensic Sciences Honor Society, was established at BGSU. Delta Delta Epsilon is an international honor society dedicated to stimulating academic achievement, promoting community understanding, and advancing the fields of forensic science wherever possible.  Membership is limited to students within the disciplines of forensic science that meet high academic criteria and are dedicated to the mission of Delta Delta Epsilon.

Forensic Science Residential Learning Community

Given the inherent academic challenges presented by the BSFS major, BGSU Forensic Science offers added support for undergraduate students through our Forensic Science Residential Learning Community (FSRLC). The FSRLC is designed to help forensic science students live, learn and succeed together. It provides experiential forensic science learning and networking opportunities designed to augment the classroom experience.

Examples of recent FSRLC activities include:

  • 2-day trip to the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS) Meeting - Louisville, Kentucky
  • Advanced crime scene investigation with an Ohio BCI Special Agent at the BGSU Crime House
  • Road trip to “Shawshank Prison” in Mansfield, Ohio
  • Professional fingerprint collection training from Ohio BCI forensic scientists
  • Child fingerprinting services offered at the BGSU’s Sibs and Kids Weekend
  • Crime Solving Escape Room in Maumee, Ohio

Membership is available to any student enrolled at BGSU and accepted in the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree program. The FSRLC has quickly become one of the most popular learning communities on the BGSU campus, with roughly 50 active members in the 2020-21 academic year.

Tour The CFFS Lab

Center for the Future of Forensic Science Lab, Life Sciences 133 and 326

Forensic Science Get With The Program

Fall 2020 Introduction Video

Forensic Science Checksheets

Forensic DNA Analysis (Prior to Fall 2022 Forensic Biology)
Forensic Drug Analysis (Prior to Fall 2022 Forensic Chemistry)
Forensic Examination

BSFS Student Handbook

Please see our BSFS Student Handbook for policy, procedures, and vital information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: 01/09/2024 08:11AM