COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with a Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) concentration at San José State University is a 120-unit degree program designed to prepare students for careers in field-based forensic investigation, evidence collection, and crime scene reconstruction within law enforcement and forensic science settings. The program combines a strong foundation in natural sciences, justice studies, and forensic applications with specialized training in CSI methods used in real-world investigative work. Students complete core lower-division general education requirements along with major preparation coursework totaling 34 units, which includes foundational subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, writing, and ethics. These courses ensure students develop the scientific reasoning and analytical skills necessary for forensic work, along with communication and critical thinking abilities essential for professional practice. The major requirements account for 51 units and include core forensic science courses such as an introduction to forensic science, crime scene investigation, and forensic applications, along with writing-intensive coursework and a senior seminar addressing contemporary forensic issues. Students also complete practical experience requirements through internships, directed study, independent research, or participation in forensic publications, ensuring applied, hands-on learning. The CSI concentration includes 33 units of specialized coursework focused on crime scene documentation, forensic photography, fingerprint science, death scene investigation, digital evidence, and biological criminalistics, along with elective options such as forensic entomology, firearm and toolmark analysis, forensic psychology, and forensic chemistry. These courses train students in essential techniques such as evidence collection, latent fingerprint development, photography of crime scenes, and interpretation of physical evidence. Upper-division general education and university electives further broaden students’ academic experience. Overall, the CSI concentration emphasizes scientific rigor, technical skill development, and practical field readiness, preparing graduates for careers in crime scene investigation units, law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and related investigative professions.