This minor addresses the growing national and regional interest in forensic science by introducing students to the technical, scientific, and legal aspects of the field. The minor provides an attractive option for students with majors in the natural sciences, criminology, psychology, or computer science, and the curriculum structure makes it particularly suitable for students with majors in biology and chemistry.

Policies

At least 8 credits must be applied only to this minor and may not be used to fulfill requirements of the student's major, concentration, or another minor or undergraduate certificate.

For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.

Banner Code: FRSC

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 20-21

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

Students must complete at least 6 credits in their minor at George Mason University and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 in courses applied to the minor.

Please pay attention to the prerequisites for each course in the curriculum below.

Foundation Science Courses

Select two courses or course/lab pairings from the courses below:8
Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core)
Biology of Microorganisms
and Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory
General Genetics
General Chemistry I (Mason Core)
and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core)
General Chemistry II (Mason Core)
and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core)
University Physics I (Mason Core)
and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core)
College Physics I (Mason Core)
and College Physics I Lab (Mason Core)
College Physics II (Mason Core)
and College Physics II Lab (Mason Core)
University Physics II (Mason Core)
and University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core)
Total Credits8

Forensic Science Core Courses

FRSC 200Survey of Forensic Science3
FRSC 201Introduction to Criminalistics3
Total Credits6

Forensic Science Electives

Select one course from the following:3
Forensic Trace Analysis
Forensic Evidence and Ethics
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic DNA Analysis
Total Credits3

Supporting Courses

Select one course from the following; 3-4
Forensic Trace Analysis 1
Forensic Evidence and Ethics
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic DNA Analysis
Mineralogy
Soil Science
Applied Criminal Psychology
Criminal Investigations
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Criminal Behavior: Psychological and Neurological Aspects
Total Credits3-4
1

If a FRSC course is chosen, select a different course than the one chosen to fulfill the Forensic Science Electives section.