Skip to main
Fingerprints with magnifying glass, closeup

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.

Mortarboard
Degree Types
Minor
Institution
Complementary Programs
Biology
Criminal Justice
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Research Possibilities
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.

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

GSC 1140 - Introduction to Forensic Science

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 - Deviant and Criminal Behavior

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.

See More Courses

Forensic Science Minor
deadline Created with Sketch.

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.)

Request More Info
crab Created with Sketch.

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.

Visit McDaniel

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.

Students studying abroad.

Study Abroad

Students planting trees.

Internships

Caitlin McCadden in Lab

Research

Student-faculty researchers senior Phuc Truong, senior Jake Holechek, Chemistry professor Dana Ferraris and senior Bobby Lease.

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 American Politics and Law Public Administration and Policy, M.S.
deadline Created with Sketch.

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.)

Request More Info
crab Created with Sketch.

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.

Visit McDaniel
McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
© McDaniel College All Rights Reserved