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 of any major. The minor's requirements align well with majors in the natural sciences, criminology, and psychology.
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.
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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Credits | 8 | |
Forensic Science Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FRSC 200 | Survey of Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 201 | Introduction to Criminalistics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Forensic Science Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Forensic Trace Analysis (Mason Core) | ||
| Forensic Evidence and Ethics | ||
| Forensic Chemistry (Mason Core) | ||
| Forensic DNA Analysis | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Supporting Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one course from the following; | 3-4 | |
| Forensic Trace Analysis (Mason Core) 1 | ||
or FRSC 303 | Forensic Evidence and Ethics | |
or FRSC 304 | Forensic Chemistry (Mason Core) | |
or FRSC 460 | Forensic DNA Analysis | |
| Mineralogy | ||
| Soil Science | ||
| Applied Criminal Psychology | ||
| Criminal Investigations | ||
| Introduction to Forensic Psychology | ||
| Criminal Behavior: Psychological and Neurological Aspects | ||
| Total Credits | 3-4 | |
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If a FRSC course is chosen, select a different course than the one chosen to fulfill the Forensic Science Electives section.