Forensics Science student and professor, Hamline University

Forensic Science Major (BA, BS)

Learn about crime scenes, criminal investigations, and how to untangle evidence with Hamline's forensic science degree programs—the only ones of their kind in Minnesota. With our Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science forensic science degrees, you'll gain practical, hands-on skills in our forensic laboratory to develop your strength in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and beyond to make sure no piece of evidence goes unused.

Hamline's forensic science students pair investigative techniques and data analysis with critical thinking and verbal and written communication skills that are essential for the constantly-evolving forensic science disciplines. Our graduates are renowned for their professional-level career skills and have applied their talents in fields from law enforcement to cybersecurity.

Our expert faculty constantly expand our course offerings to integrate cutting-edge research into our courses, and we're committed to your training as a professional forensic expert. We ensure every student has the opportunity to translate classroom learning and mock casework into direct experience through an internship at crime labs, research institutions, and more.

Forensic science degrees, concentrations and minor

Forensic science major—forensic biology (BS)

With this concentration, you’ll be prepared for positions in forensic labs as a DNA analyst or a biological scientist. You’ll also get excellent preparation for graduate work in biological disciplines.

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Forensic science major—forensic chemistry (BS)

Get prepared to work in forensic labs as a forensic drug chemist, arson and explosives analyst/investigator, forensic toxicologist, or trace evidence examiner. You’ll also get excellent preparation for graduate work in chemical disciplines.

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Forensic and investigative science major (BA)

Get prepared for careers in forensic labs and across the forensic science profession through practical hands-on training. Geared for those interested in working as crime scene analysts, evidence technicians, investigators, etc.

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Forensic science minor

Build an interdisciplinary toolkit with select forensic science courses that will enhance majors in criminology and criminal justice, legal studies, psychology and other related disciplines.

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Student research opportunities

At Hamline, students participate in research with faculty as early as their first year, something usually reserved for graduate students at other institutions. You'll design and conduct your own research project based on your individual interests and goals.

The list of possible research projects is as varied as our students. For example, picture yourself:

Collecting, analyzing and interpreting evidence and data for use in criminal investigations and court proceedings
Conducting research to address scientific underpinnings of forensic methodologies and the validity of methods being applied to criminal investigations, including chemometrics, environmental effects on DNA, feature occurrence in pattern evidence, and trace evidence examinations of tape
Investigating mock crime scenes on campus, preparing technical reports, and delivering mock testimony about your case
Engaging with working forensic scientists during internships to gain practical experience in crime labs and investigative agencies

Learn more about undergraduate research at Hamline

It was amazing to explore all the different disciplines and find out what I like, what I don't like. Once I started doing fingerprints and firearms, I realized how cool it was to do the comparisons. When you're able to make that match of one fingerprint to another, it's satisfying to be able to do it with confidence."

Read Carissa's story

Internships for forensic science students

We make sure you leave Hamline with work experience in the field of forensic science on your resume—and the opportunities are endless. Whether you want to explore a career in a crime lab, cybersecurity, law enforcement, analytical chemistry, or more, we have internship opportunities for you.

Past forensic science students' internships include:

Anoka County Sheriff's Office, investigations intern
Defense Forensic Science Center, research associate
Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office, medical examiner intern
Midwest Medical Examiner's Office, medical examiner intern
Mayo Clinic Medical Examiner’s Office, forensic pathology intern
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Epstein-Rhodes Forensic Science Service intern
Ramsey County Sheriff's Department, Criminal Investigations Unit intern
Saint Paul Police Department, Forensic Services Unit intern
Tri County Regional Forensic Laboratory, latent fingerprint intern

Explore career opportunities

Our innovative courses and one-on-one mentoring by faculty will give you the tools to succeed in a variety of jobs, such as:

Crime scene analyst
DNA analyst
Evidence technician
Firearms examiner
Forensic drug chemist
Latent fingerprint examiner
Trace evidence examiner
Death investigator

And you can explore careers in many different fields, such as:

Analytical chemistry
Cybersecurity
Environmental forensics
Laboratory quality assurance
Law enforcement

December 6 2022 / Newsroom

Instructional Crime Scene Prepares Students for Real-World Challenges

Few things would bring anyone out into a November snowstorm at 1 a.m., but on Nov. 16, more than a dozen Hamline forensic science students were called out to investigate a staged crime scene on campus.

Decode a crime scene with forensic science

Hamline students learn a wide array of disciplines to earn a degree in forensic science, from fingerprinting and blood spatter analysis to trace chemical testing. Check out some photos from our labs to see how you might apply your skills.