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Criminal Justice and Criminology, BA

Our forensic science degree prepares you for careers in forensic crime laboratories and medico legal death investigation.

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About this Program

Learn how to apply forensic science in the field of criminal justice. A BS in Forensic Science allows you to gain the skills needed for a career as a laboratory scientist, death investigator or law enforcement officer. A BS in Forensic Science is also the best preparation for graduate studies in Forensic Science. 

Coursework includes foundational courses in criminal justice, chemistry, biology, physics, and a variety of elective courses in forensics. Faculty will work closely with you to help you get the most out of your studies, which include a wide variety of courses and internships.   

To stand out in a highly competitive job market, you can choose to double major or minor in a physical science (such as Chemistry for crime labs or Biology for medical/legal death investigation) and/or go on to obtain graduate level training. 

All of our courses are taught by dedicated faculty in an environment that prioritizes ethical inquiry for a more just society, grounded in Jesuit values. You’ll gain the skills to succeed while learning from dedicated and caring professors, in classes with a low student-to-faculty ratio.

Forensic Science at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology and Forensics will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

The Forensic Science, BS, prepares students for careers as a forensic scientist or forensic technician in a local, state, federal, or private crime lab, as well as employment as a medicolegal death investigator at a Medical Examiner or Coroner’s Office.

Seattle University undergraduate criminal justice (CJ) students should be able to:

  • Evaluate and analyze a contemporary CJ issue with knowledge of CJ terminology, major topic areas/issues in criminal justice and criminological theory, and ethical issues in crime and justice.
  • Understand the interdisciplinary nature of criminal justice and ethical issues in law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
  • Articulate key concepts in criminology and criminal justice.
  • Design a research proposal and conduct computer-based statistical analysis at basic (descriptive) level.
  • Prepare and present a paper orally using multimedia/technology.
  • Master content in upper-level specialization courses.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

Support for Your Development

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Internships: Deep, Experiential Learning

Students may earn credits while gaining practical experience working as interns and volunteers in the criminal justice system, including prisons and jails, local and federal law enforcement agencies, law firms and court services, medical examiners offices and crime labs.

Internships and Employment
Crime and Justice Advisory Committee Fall Annual Luncheon in Campion Ballroom at Seattle University

Crime and Justice Research Center

We recognize that crime and its prevention, response and reparation are community concerns. Students collaborate with faculty on research, in classroom service-learning projects, and projects for community organizations. We address those through the integration of perspectives, strategies and approaches based on evidence-based practices and collaborative engagement.

Learn More

Popular Careers and Career Paths for Forensic Science Majors

  • Employment as a forensic scientist or forensic technician in a local, state, federal, or private crime lab.
  • Employment as a medicolegal death investigator at a Medical Examiner or Coroner’s Office.
  • Graduate school in Forensic Science.

Featured Faculty

All Faculty & Staff

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