Forensic Science (B.S.)

Forensic Science (B.S.)
Holding a fingerprint


A collaborative and adaptable program.

The word “forensic” relates the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of a crime. Plymouth State’s forensic program is geared to both science and non-science students who love investigation and problem-solving. Plymouth State Forensic is the first baccalaureate degree program from a public university in New Hampshire.

The collaborative and project-based emphasis of Plymouth State’s Cluster Learning model combined with core program studies in Criminal Justice and Chemistry along with specialized course work from Psychology, Computer Science, Biology, and Anthropology gives our students unmatched opportunity to excel in this field.  Professionals and distinguished faculty from each field will be involved in training our students. The BS in forensic science is a STEM-orientated program that emphasizes a solid theoretical foundation and laboratory skills while cultivating a critical, detail-oriented approach to investigations. The curriculum features modern laboratory setups and instrumentation.  An important consideration is given the huge surge in interest in careers that are experiencing exponential occupational growth, including forensic laboratory specialty, forensic psychology, and computer information security.

As a Forensic scientist, you can work in laboratories or at crime scenes. You may work as a private investigator, insurance officer, a cyber security analyst. You may choose to work for private and public offices or laboratories.

The curriculum is adaptable enough for students to obtain additional specialties and/or minors in Chemistry, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Biology with few additional courses using their free electives.

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Curriculum & Requirements

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The BS in Forensics offers three options that students can choose from within the major: Laboratory Science Option, Digital Forensics Option, or an Forensic Psychology Option. 

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
FS 1200Majoring and Working in Forensic Science1
CJ 1020Criminal Justice in Action4
CJ 2045Criminal Procedure4
CJ 2090Criminal Law4
CJ 3005Criminal Investigation4
CS 2010Computing Fundamentals (TECO)3
PS 2015Introduction to General Psychology4
CH 2335General Chemistry I (QRCO)4
FS 4100Forensic Science Capstone Project3
Ethics Requirement Choose One:3-4
PY 3157
Society, Ethics, and the Law (DICO)
CJ 3157
Society, Ethics, and the Law (DICO)
PY 3325
Medical Ethics (INCO,WECO)
PY 3345
Military Ethics (GACO)
PY 3380
Humans and Humanoids: Ethics in Technology (TECO)
PY 3330
Business Ethics (DICO,INCO)
PY 3365
Ethics and Psychology (WECO)
CS 4520
CyberEthics (DICO,WRCO)
Pathways-HoME General Education
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
Writing Foundation:
EN 1400Composition4
Quantitative Foundation:
Choose One3-4
MA 2300
Statistics I (QRCO)
MA 2130
Precalculus (QRCO)
MA 2550
Calculus I (QRCO)
Pathway Certificate *15-16
Additional Pathway credits (0 if in major) 10
IS 4220Signature Project (INCO,INCP)4
Option Requirements
Complete one from the following required options:52-54
Laboratory Sciences
Digital Forensics
Forensic Psychology
Total Credits120
*

To complete the Pathways HoME General Education program, a student must complete 24 credits of Pathways courses, including those that lead to a Pathways Certificate. 15-16 credits of a Pathway Certificate must be in a single Pathway skill and must include at-least 8 credits of upper-division courses. Students may complete the remaining 8-9 credits with Pathway classes taken inside the major (double-counting) or outside of it. Students in this major may earn multiple Pathway Certificates; one must be a Pathway other than Quantitative Inquiry.

1

Major includes 8 credits of pathway courses.

Laboratory Science Option

The Laboratory Sciences option provides students with a strong foundation in scientific analysis as applied to forensic investigations. This option emphasizes laboratory techniques, quantitative reasoning, and adherence to scientific and ethical standards. Graduates are prepared for laboratory-based positions in forensic and scientific settings, as well as for graduate study in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related disciplines.  

Course Title Credits
Option Requirements
BI 1110Biological Science I (TECO)4
CH 2340General Chemistry II4
CH 2255Techniques in Laboratory3
BI 3060Genetics4
FS 3025Forensic Science 14
AN 3605Forensic Anthropology4
Lab Forensics Electives: Choose 12 Credits12
BI 3040
Microbiology
BI 4188
Molecular Biology
CH 3030
Biochemistry I
CH 3370
Organic Chemistry I
CH 3380
Organic Chemistry II
CH 3550
Instrumental Analysis (TECO,WRCO)
CH 3650
Environmental Chemistry
Free Elective Credits19
Total Credits54
1

FS 3025 was proposed to replace CJ 3025 which is being sunsetted this year.

Digital Forensics Option

The Digital Forensics option provides students with technical expertise in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of digital evidence, emphasizing understanding of computing and network systems, problem-solving, ethical practice, and applied computing skills within legal and investigative contexts. Graduates are prepared for careers in digital forensics, cybersecurity, information technology, and related technology fields, as well as for advanced study in digital forensics.

Course Title Credits
Option Requirements
CS 2015Introduction to Digital Forensics4
CS 2370Introduction to Programming4
CY 2020Cybersecurity Fundamentals4
CY 3010Ethical Hacking & Pentesting4
CS 3240Data Communication and Computer Networks3
CY 3030Digital Forensics & Incident Response4
CS 4230System Administration4
Digital Forensics Electives: Choose 10 Credits10
CS 3015
Mobile Application Development
CS 3720
Systems Analysis and Design
CS 4140
Software Engineering
CS 4250
Computer Architecture
CS 4310
Operating Systems
CS 4920
Computer Science Internship
CS 3310
Secured Web & Data System Development 1
CY 3040
Cloud Security and Privacy
Free Elective Credits18
Total Credits55

Forensic Psychology

The Forensic Psychology option provides students with a strong understanding of psychological principles applied to legal and forensic contexts. This option emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and scientific reasoning, preparing students to evaluate behavior within legal systems. Graduates are prepared for careers in human services, criminal justice, and related fields, as well as for graduate study in psychology, forensic psychology, law, or allied disciplines.

Course Title Credits
Option Requirements
PS 2115Introduction to Research Methods2
PS 3115Research Methods and Statistics I (QRCO,TECO)4
PS 3125Research Methods and Statistics II (WRCO)4
PS 3325Psychopathology4
PS 3705Psychology and Law4
Choose one additional science4
BI 1110
Biological Science I (TECO)
BI 2110
& BI 2130
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I
Forensic Psychology Electives: Choose 12 Credits12
PS 2055
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
PS 3630
Psychology of Addiction
PS 4445
Psychological Measurement
PS 4335
Community Mental Health
PS 3035
Social Psychology
LAW 3200
Workplace Law
PO 3635
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
Free Elective Credits20
Total Credits54

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
FS 1200 Majoring and Working in Forensic Science 1
CH 1050 Laboratory Safety 1
CJ 1020 Criminal Justice in Action 4
CJ 2045 Criminal Procedure 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
EN 1400 Composition 4
Mathematics Foundations Course (take one of the following): 3-4
MA 2300
 Statistics I (QRCO)
MA 2130
 Precalculus (QRCO)
MA 2550
 Calculus I (QRCO)
One Directions Course (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 3-4
One 1000/2000 level Focus Area course 3-4
 Credits27-30
Year Two
CH 2335 General Chemistry I (QRCO) 4
CH 2255 Techniques in Laboratory 3
CJ 3005 Criminal Investigation 4
Two 1000/2000 level Focus Area courses 8
Two Directions courses (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 6-8
Additional Math (depending on Focus Area) OR Electives 3-4
 Credits28-31
Year Three
CH 3550 Instrumental Analysis (TECO,WRCO) 4
CJ 3025 Forensic Science 4
Two 3000/4000 level Focus Area courses 8
Two Connections courses (choose from DICO, WECO, GACO) 6-8
One Directions Course (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 3-4
Electives 3-4
 Credits28-32
Year Four
FS 4100 Forensic Science Capstone Project 3
Three 3000/4000 level Focus Area courses 12
One Connections course (choose from DICO, WECO, GACO) 3-4
INCPIntegrated Capstone 4
Electives 6-8
 Credits28-31
 Total Credits120

  • Detail-oriented approach and ability to Validate sources and origins of error in crime investigations
  • Purposeful communication: Demonstrate ability to interpret evidence and communicate results in both written and oral format.
  • Integrated perspective: Work collaboratively with members of a team with diverse backgrounds.
  • Professionalism: Even during a violent crime or chaotic conditions maintain composure and objectivity.
  • Math and science skills: Forensic science technicians need a solid understanding of statistics and natural sciences to be able to analyze crime scene evidence.

As a Forensic scientist, you can work in laboratories or at crime scenes. You may work as a private investigator, insurance officer, a cyber security analyst. You may choose to work for private and public offices or laboratories. Careers in Forensic Science: Cybersecurity Analyst, Forensic Life Scientist, Information Security Specialist, Insurance Officer, Private Investigator.

Explore Program Details

Boyd Science Center
Boyd Science Center

The heart of scientific research and study at PSU is the Boyd Science Center. The University’s proximity to the lakes, rivers and mountains of New Hampshire gives students access to a unique natural laboratory. Resources at Boyd provide students with a place to explore nature’s questions, generated in the great outdoors or under the microscope.

Resources at Boyd

  • Climate-controlled chambers for whole organism research
  • Dedicated spaces for student research
  • PCR, Rt-PCR, Western blotting, Immunohistochemistry
  • Animal behavior lab with advanced video tracking
  • BSL-2 Microbiology lab
  • Six 300-liter marine aquariums
  • Human physiology lab
  • Collection of bird specimens
  • Dedicated tissue culture facility
  • Rooftop greenhouse with computerized temperature controls and separate areas for preparation and growing
  • PSH, an herbarium of 20K preserved and mounted specimens

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