The Forensic Science Department at UNL has developed a curriculum for forensic science undergraduate students who wish to go on to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Students should follow the 3-3 program requirements outlined by the College of Law. Forensic science students will be required to complete 90 total undergraduate credits before beginning law classes. A total of 33 law credits will be completed in the fourth year and used to complete the student's undergraduate degree.
Core classes include: FORS 120, FORS 120L, FORS 200, FORS 485, CRIM 101, FORS 311, MATH 106, STAT 218, LIFE 120/120L, LIFE 121/121L, CHEM 109, CHEM 110, CHEM 251 & 253, PHYS 141, AGRI 103, 3 credits of writing (ENGL 150, 151 or 254 or JGEN 120, 200 or 300), 3 credits of communication and interpersonal skills (ALEC 102 or COMM 109, 209 or 286 or JGEN 300), 3 credits of ecomonics (ECON 211 0r 212), 3 credits of humanites, 3 credits of arts, and 3 credits of global awareness. In addition to the core requirements, students will choose a 23 credit hour path for Crime Scene Investigation or Forensic Biochemistry.
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
The crime scene investigation options prepares students for careers in law enforcement and investigation. This option emphasizes broad understanding of forensic science as applied to the acquisition, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of evidence. Students will be prepared for further study in forensic science, other natural and physical sciences, and law.
The CSI option requires the following courses: ENTO 115, ENTO 116, AGRO 315, CHEM 221 & lab or CHEM 252 & 254, FORS 300, FORS 400 & 400L, FORS 407, and FORS 404
Forensic
Biochemistry
The forensic biochemistry option is designed for students interested in a laboratory-based career focusing on the analysis of forensically important biological materials. Students will learn basic biological techniques and be prepared for further study or careers in academia, research, law or medicine.
The forensic biochemistry option requires the following courses: BIOS 303, BIOS 205 & 206, BIOC 321 & 321L, FORS 401 & 401L, BIOS 312 & 314, FORS 408, FORS 404