Forensic Science (BS)
Build your foundation in forensic science.
Blood spatter analysis. Fingerprinting. Toxicology. Organic chemistry. These are just a few of the areas you’ll explore in SWU’s Forensic Science program—the application of scientific principles to criminal and civil investigations. Here, you’ll be mentored by a Forensic Chemist with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, developing a solid knowledge base and hands-on laboratory skills that prepare you for a variety of roles in the forensic field.
You’ll gain practical experience using forensic analysis tools in both lab and research settings, and you can tailor your degree with one of three concentrations—Biology, Chemistry, or Computing—depending on your specific interests and career goals. SWU is the only four-year Christian college in South Carolina offering this unique program, integrating faith and ethics into every aspect of your studies. You’ll also have opportunities for internships at local, state, or national agencies, expanding your professional network and real-world skillset.
What will you uncover with a BS in Forensic Science degree?
The Forensic Science (BS) program is approved to receive the Enhanced Scholarship for LIFE Scholarship and Palmetto Fellows.
Concentrations
If you choose the Biology concentration, you’ll learn how to analyze, comprehend, and explain biochemical phenomena, including analyzing DNA and using appropriate instruments and techniques for analyzing unknown biochemicals.
The Chemistry concentration focuses on organic and inorganic chemistry and analysis. You will learn how to analyze, comprehend, and explain chemical phenomena and use appropriate techniques and instrumentation for fingerprint analysis, firearms and ballistics, and tool marks.
Forensics computing, also known as cyber forensics or digital forensics, is the investigation of digital data gathered as evidence in criminal cases. Forensics computing specialists track, locate, and extract digital information needed for criminal investigations.
Dr. Beth Stuart
Assistant Professor of Forensic Science
ContactDr. Staci Johnson
Chair of the School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics and Professor of Biology
ContactDr. Hyunjin Son
Department of Physical Science, Technology, and Mathematics Coordinator and Associate Professor of Mathematics
Contact
"I chose SWU mainly because of its small and beautiful campus and because God is welcomed in the classrooms, the dorms, the professors, the events, the people, and all throughout campus."Melanny Ramirez – 2023 Forensic Science Graduate
- Biologist
- Computer scientist
- DNA analyst
- Drug analyst
- Engineer
- Fingerprint analyst
- Firearms analyst
- Forensic weather analyst
- Forensic GCMS technician
- Medical examiner
- Odontologist pathologist
- Physical anthropologist
- Questioned documents analyst
- Serologist
- Toxicology analyst
- Trace evidence analyst
Graduates of the Forensic Science program will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of forensic science professional practices related to ethics, evidence identification, quality assurance, and processing.
- Showcase their technical mastery of laboratory skills within a selected concentration.
- Analyze, comprehend, and explain relevant scientific phenomena associated with forensics and a chosen concentration.
