Universities that offer forensic science degrees usually do so in their Department of Justice Sciences, Criminal Justice Department or a similar department that combines classes in criminal justice with those in forensic science. Some required classes in this area, such as those listed on the University of Alabama's program page, include the following:
Elements of Forensic Science
Conventional Criminalistics
Biological Methods in Forensic Science
Forensic Drug Analysis
Because so many fields of specialization exist in forensics, a student can choose from a large variety of elective courses. These electives usually focus on topics such as anthropology, toxicology, research and psychology. Some typical elective courses in criminal justice include these classes:
Advanced Questioned Death
Forensic Anthropology
Conventional Criminalistics II
Advanced Biological Methods in Forensic Science
Forensic Toxicology
Graduate Internship in Forensic Science
Directed Research in Forensic Biology
Directed Research in Forensic Chemistry
In addition to classes in criminal justice, students take specific science courses that add to their knowledge of forensics. These classes involve chemistry and biology and combinations of those fields. Some required science classes for forensics include the following:
Biochemistry
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Analytical Chemistry
At Columbia College, the following are some of the required science classes for a forensic science degree:
Principles of Biology
Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry
Calculus & Analytic Geometry
Physics I
Some science courses also contribute to forensic knowledge. They include molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, pharmacology and human genetics. Some of the courses listed on Columbia College's forensic science page give an idea of other elective courses in that field:
Introduction to Criminal Justice Administration
Criminal Investigation
Crime Scene Photography
Bloodstain Evidence
Criminal Procedures