Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

The Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences is a Purdue University degree offered in the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program.

Forensic science is the application of scientific methods and processes to matters that involve crime or the public. The Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program combines the best of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, along with criminal justice and law. The program teaches you to solve crimes and settle civil disputes. People who work in forensic science solve scientific puzzles, testify as experts in court, and even sometimes help collect evidence at crime scenes.

The B.S. in Forensic and Investigative Sciences was developed by the School of Law, School of Science, and School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Each student chooses one of two concentrations: biology or chemistry.

Students must be strong in math, science, and writing to do well in our forensics program. Forensic science also requires an ability to tolerate situations and scenes of crime and violence that are difficult to understand and accept. Loss of life and suffering are often involved in these cases, so a forensic scientist need to have the ability to maintain perspective when working in terrible situations.

You’ll have the option of completing an internship at an approved crime laboratory or other organization supervised by an FIS faculty member. Many students do an internship in settings like crime labs, coroner offices, law enforcement agencies, and private labs. These internships most often involve some sort of research project.

Students are also encouraged to do laboratory research with a faculty member in the program. This experience can be taken for credit to be applied toward your advanced science requirement.