COURSE CURRICULUM

The Forensic Science Biology degree at the University of North Texas provides students with advanced scientific training, practical laboratory experience, and specialized forensic education designed to prepare them for careers in crime laboratories, forensic investigations, and scientific research. Students have access to modern facilities, including a new criminalistics laboratory focused on fingerprint analysis, ballistic examination, and laser analysis, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with the same technologies and techniques used in professional forensic environments. The program’s curriculum follows recommendations from the National Institute of Justice and is structured to prepare students for the American Board of Criminalistics certification test, helping strengthen their professional qualifications and career readiness. Students are taught by nationally certified faculty members who actively conduct forensic science research and have provided expert testimony in major court cases, giving students insight into real-world forensic applications and legal processes. The program is also highly respected because it is one of only 35 programs accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, demonstrating that it meets or exceeds national standards for excellence in forensic science education. Faculty members work closely with students to identify internships that match their interests and career goals, with opportunities available in crime laboratories, crime scene investigation units, forensic anthropology, forensic chemistry laboratories, and forensic DNA and genetics laboratories. Students use advanced equipment commonly found in leading crime labs, helping them build technical expertise and confidence in scientific analysis and evidence examination. Graduates often work as forensic chemists and forensic biologists in crime laboratories where they apply principles of biology, chemistry, and physical science to analyze evidence collected during criminal investigations. Their work may involve identifying and interpreting forensic evidence, presenting expert testimony in court, and assisting law enforcement personnel with the proper recognition, collection, and preservation of evidence. The degree can also lead to specialized careers outside traditional crime labs, including forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, forensic psychiatry, forensic odontology, and forensic engineering. Coursework includes Principles of Forensic Science, Forensic Microscopy, Forensic Molecular Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Criminalistics, Forensic Science Analysis, and Forensic Chemistry, all of which help students develop strong analytical, laboratory, investigative, and scientific problem-solving skills essential for careers in forensic science and related scientific fields.