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Forensic Science

When a crime is committed, forensic scientists help solve the mysteries inside the mystery. They identify and analyze evidence of all types — from blood stains to financial statements — and help ensure its admissibility into court.

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Degree Types
Minor
Institution
Complementary Programs
Biology
Criminal Justice
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Lab Courses
Document
Professional Preparation
Opportunities in Washington, D.C.

Offered in collaboration with McDaniel’s Chemistry department, the minor in Forensic Science will introduce you to a field that’s been growing steadily for decades. You’ll take courses from a variety of disciplines, including chemistry, biology, and sociology, to help understand this crucial part of the criminal justice system. 

Through classroom lab experience and summer student-faculty research, you'll have a strong foundation for careers in forensic science and related fields. McDaniel's Center for Experience and Opportunity provides expert guidance for student seeking seeking year-round internships or jobs in forensic science at the local, state, and federal level.

Future Career Paths

Students who study Forensic Science often go on to graduate school or to future careers as:

  • Crime lab technicians
  • Crime scene investigators
  • Computer forensics experts
  • Forensic accountants
  • Ballistics analysts

Distinctive Courses

CHE 1141 - Forensic Science I

This course will serve as an introduction to the scientific study of crime solving. Possible topics to be considered include crime scene investigation, fingerprint analysis, DNA fingerprinting, drug identification, and ballistic studies.

SOC 2205 - Criminology

A study of the theoretical aspects of criminal behavior and crime causation; the measurement of crime and crime statistics as well as techniques of crime prevention and societal reaction to crime.

SOC 3225 - Deviance and Social Control

This course will explore the social construction of law and deviance as well as the socialization process underlying criminal acts, their classification and dispositions. The course will consider the interplay among offender, victim and situational elements surrounding crime as they elucidate violent crime, white collar crime, stalking, child molestation, rape, cults, group crimes, modern slavery, and drug crimes.

Forensic Science Program Requirements

Forensic Science Minor
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The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

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Internships

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Research

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Alumni Spotlight Class of 2026: Ashleigh Barnes Psychology major | Forensic Science & Criminal Justice minors

Ashleigh Barnes ’26 combined her Psychology major and her Forensic Science and Criminal Justice minors into a multifaceted capstone project titled "The Effect of Gender and Sexual Orientation on Juror Perceptions in Rape Trial." Her time at McDaniel fostered a passion for helping others and conducting research that Ashleigh used to launch into the next phase of her education.

Read about Ashleigh's McDaniel experience
Alumni Treyana Johnson standing in her OCME lab coat.

Impressive Outcomes Treyana Johnson ’20 Dream Job

As a new graduate who majored in Sociology with a minor in Forensic Science, Johnson found her ideal job as an autopsy technician at the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and founded her own business. She also set her sights on new goals, enrolling in a master’s degree program in Investigative Sciences at Coppin State University.

Read more about Treyana Johnson ’20
Photo of Chemistry Professor Dana Ferraris in the lab wearing a lab coat and goggles.

Faculty Spotlight Dana Ferraris Associate Professor and Department Chair

“I spent over 15 years as a medicinal chemist working on drug discovery projects in the pharmaceutical industry. I am still passionate about teaching undergraduates medicinal chemistry and oncology based drug discovery.”

View Dr. Ferraris’ Profile

Related Programs

Chemistry Sociology Criminal Justice Biology
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Keep in Touch
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See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

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