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  • Forensic Science Certificate


    Forensic Science Certificate

    The Forensic Science Certificate prepares biochemistry, biology, and chemistry majors to work in crime laboratories, and anthropology majors for graduate study leading to a career in forensic anthropology. 

    The Forensic Science Certificate is also for students with bachelor's degrees in the natural sciences from regionally accredited colleges or universities.

     

    Required courses (20 credits):

    One year of general chemistry (4-8 credits):

    • or

    Choose a concentration (4-16 credits):

    Natural science concentration

    OR Anthropology concentration

    8 additional credits from the following:

    • CJFS 3985 - Special Topics in Forensic Science

    Notes:

    1. Students who hold a bachelor's degree may transfer up to four courses, with grades of C or better, from prior college to apply toward the certificate.
    2. Students who are seeking to work in the DNA section of a crime lab must complete BIOC 3820 - Biochemistry I to qualify for employment.
    3. No course in which the grade received is less than a C may be used to meet certificate requirements. If a Hamline course is repeated to meet this grade requirement, the repeated course credit will be changed to zero and the resulting grade will be excluded in the grade point average (GPA) computation. The GPA of all courses taken in the certificate must be 2.7 or higher and the cumulative GPA of all Hamline courses taken must be 3.0 or higher.
    4. Violation of the Hamline University Student Honor Code may result in suspension from the Forensic Sciences Certificate Program.
    5. Prospective students planning a career with federal, state, or local crime labs should be aware that anyone seeking such employment will be expected to undergo an extensive background check. A criminal record or a history of controlled substance abuse (including cannabis) may result in disqualification from employment. Hamline University is unable to advise students as to whether a particular background might be problematic. Students are encouraged to contact the labs of interest to obtain information about their specific policies.