College of Business and Humanities
Forensic Biology
University of Findlay’s Forensic Biology program is designed for students who enjoy biology and intend to pursue a career that relies on biological knowledge.
Overview
About the Program
University of Findlay’s Forensic Biology program is designed for students who enjoy biology and intend to pursue a career that relies on biological knowledge. The Forensic Biology major prepares students to apply biological science to real-world criminal investigations. Forensic biology focuses on the collection and analysis of biological evidence to support the criminal justice system with accurate, science-based findings.
Built on the rigorous FEPAC standards of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the University’s Forensic Biology program combines foundational biology coursework with specialized forensic training and hands-on laboratory experience. Students benefit from flexible curriculum options that allow them to tailor their studies to specific interests within the field, while gaining a strong ethical and scientific foundation.
With access to state-of-the-art crime lab facilities, dedicated crime-scene training spaces, experienced faculty, and undergraduate research opportunities, students develop the technical expertise and critical thinking skills needed for immediate entry into forensic science careers or graduate study. Strong interdisciplinary connections also allow students to pursue double majors or minors in related fields such as biology, chemistry, or criminal justice.
Program
Highlights
Opportunities to Gain Professional Experience
Opportunities to Engage in Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Top 5 in All Evaluative Categories Relative to Comparative Universities
College of business and humanities
At a Glance
College
College of Business and Humanities
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology
Format
On-Campus, Online, or Hybrid
Required credits
120+ Credits
Curriculum
Course Requirements
Students earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Biology must complete the following curriculum.
The curriculum consists of required courses grounded in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, forensic evidence, physics, mathematics, and statistics.
opportunities
Hands-On Experience
Students gain professional experience and develop leadership skills through the completion of internships. The Behavioral & Justice Sciences Program’s internship policy is flexible, allowing students to complete internships locally, at the state-level, nationally, internationally, and in the private sector, which can be paid experiences.
Students gain hands-on experience in processing crime scenes and analyzing forensic evidence in the Behavioral and Justice Sciences Department’s Crime Scene House and state-of-the-art forensic science laboratory.
Students network with forensic science professionals, engage in experiential learning, and participate in justice-centered community service activities through the department’s Criminal Justice/Forensic Science Club.
beyond graduation
Careers
Graduates of the Forensic Biology program are prepared for a wide range of careers in forensic science, law enforcement, and laboratory research. With strong training in biological evidence analysis and laboratory methods, students are well-positioned to contribute to criminal investigations and public safety as well as public and private scientific research.
- Forensic DNA Analyst
- Blood and Body Fluid Analyst
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Fingerprint or Pattern Analyst
- Death Investigator or Medical Examiner Assistant
- Autopsy Technician
- Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Research Scientist (government or private sector)
- Columbus Police Department Crime Lab
- Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office Crime Lab
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Crime Lab
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division
- Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
- Stark County Crime Lab
- Wisconsin Department of Justice
- New York State Police Department
- Ohio State Highway Patrol Crime Lab
- Palm Beach County, Florida Crime Lab
Graduates are also well-prepared to pursue advanced study in fields such as medicine, public health, or other natural sciences, expanding their opportunities in both forensic and healthcare-related professions.
opportunities
Clubs and Activities
There are many opportunities outside of the classroom to get involved, including:
Our students thrive because of our experiential learning-based program design. You will learn hands-on throughout the program and have opportunities to perform crime scene investigation in the university’s crime-scene house and engage in evidentiary analysis in our state-of-the-art forensic science lab. Forensic science majors have opportunities to explore other areas of interest within the field, such as latent fingerprints, firearms examination, forensic anthropology, and forensic entomology.
At the University of Findlay, there are more than 80 clubs and organizations offered on campus in which you can participate. Through the department’s Criminal Justice/Forensic Science (CJ/FS) Club and Innocence Project Chapter, you will connect with forensic science and criminal justice professionals through field trips and experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus. Through these clubs, you will develop important leadership skills and a track record of community service, both of which are essential resume enhancers for the forensic science profession.
Examples of activities include:
- Field Trips and job shadowing at forensic investigation agencies such as the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)
- Tours of forensic science crime labs and medical examiner offices
- University and community events that promote the profession of forensic science
- Community service opportunities with justice-mission government, non-profit, and private agencies
- Examination of Cold Case files
Delta Delta Epsilon is the national forensic science honor society. The activities of the Society are designed to stimulate academic achievement, promote community awareness, and advance the fields of forensic science.
Students must have declared a major in forensic science or related field and have completed at least 37.5 of the total hours/credits required for the degree. Students must also attain a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
college of business and humanities
Accreditation
University of Findlay’s College of Business and Humanities is accredited by recognized regional and national bodies, ensuring your degree holds weight with employers and institutions nationwide. The College of Business and Humanities holds national accreditation through ACBSP and CHEA. The University of Findlay’s Forensic Biology Program adheres to the rigorous standards of FEPAC established by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Accreditation status is reviewed on a regular basis. For the most current accreditation information, visit the University of Findlay Accreditation page.