Study Forensic Science at BGSU

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

If you are a prospective new incoming student (not a current BGSU student and not a transfer student) please navigate to the AY 25-26 Admissions website for information on the secondary review process.  

Pathway Route

Are you a current BGSU student or transfer student interested in forensic science? Please see the information below.

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.

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. Please email cguinsl@bgsu.edu for more information. Please notify the forensic science office of your interest in the program so the appropriate advising can be given to interested students.

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.

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