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Metropolitan State University (Home)

Forensic Science Minor

College of Sciences / Natural Sciences
Undergraduate minor

About The Program

The Forensic Science minor is designed for Natural Sciences majors (Biochemistry BS, Chemistry BS, and Biology BS) interested in applying their scientific knowledge to working in police forensic laboratories, such as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). Through specialized training in law enforcement procedures, students will gain the skills necessary to analyze evidence, interpret data, and contribute to solving criminal cases. The program emphasizes the critical role of forensic scientists in the justice system, including testifying in court and adhering to best practices in evidence handling and analysis. This minor prepares students to bridge the gap between science and law, equipping them with the tools to make a real-world impact in forensic investigations.

Student outcomes

  1. Articulate the roles, structures, and functions of key criminal justice institutions, including law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and the court system
  2. Integrate knowledge of law enforcement procedures and courtroom protocols into forensic documentation, evidence handling, and testifying in legal settings
  3. Utilize forensic science principles and techniques to analyze, interpret, and solve real-world criminal cases, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential to the field

Related programs

How to enroll

Current students: Declare this program

Once you’re admitted as an undergraduate student and have met any further admission requirements your chosen program may have, you may declare a major or declare an optional minor.

Future students: Apply now

Apply to Metropolitan State: Start the journey toward your Forensic Science Minor now. Learn about the steps to enroll or, if you have questions about what Metropolitan State can offer you, request information, visit campus or chat with an admissions counselor.

Get started on your Forensic Science Minor

Program eligibility requirements

Students interested in the Forensic Science minor should work with their academic advisor to determine eligibility requirements depending which Natural Sciences major you have declared. For acceptance into the minor, students are required to submit an Undergraduate Program Declaration Form when the following conditions are met:

  • Currently enrolled in the university with one of the following majors, Biochemistry, Chemistry or Biology.
  • Complete scientific prerequisite CHEM 341 Quantitative Analysis (or concurrent enrollment).

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Students are admitted into the minor once the scientific prerequisite, CHEM 341 Quantitative Analysis, is satisfactorily completed or are currently enrolled. Lower-division (100- and 200-level) courses cannot be used to fulfill upper division core or elective requirements in the minor. At least 10 credits from the minor must be completed at Metropolitan State University. All prerequisite and required courses must be completed with grades of C- or above. Transfer coursework equivalency is determined by the Natural Sciences Department and the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Work with your academic advisor to assure both major and minor requirements are met when planning out your course load every semester toward graduation.

Prerequisite

+ Natural Sciences majors

This course is first in a series for analytical chemistry. Student work will focus on the fundamental principles of volumetric and gravimetric methods for separation, identification and quantification of chemical substances. Students will learn proper statistical treatment of experimental data and error analysis as well as develop concepts of accuracy and precision. Techniques and concepts presented in this class are in high demand by a variety of industrial labs.

Full course description for Quantitative Analysis

Minor Requirements (20 credits)

This course provides an overview of the American criminal justice system with an emphasis on the roles and duties of police, courts, and corrections. Students examine current and future issues of the system such as due process, administration of justice, ethics, community policing, technology, and rehabilitation efforts. The course illustrates the criminal justice process from the initial violation of the criminal law, to the punishment and release of convicted persons, including juveniles.

Full course description for Introduction to Criminal Justice

This course provides an overview and critical examination of constitutional law as it relates to criminal justice issues. A historical overview of the U.S. Constitution is covered along with how the Constitution works in the legal system including the role of the Supreme Court and constitutional interpretation. The First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments are emphasized. Current developments in constitutional law will be reviewed. The course also examines how the Constitution protects the rights of those charged as well as the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Full course description for Constitutional Law

This course provides an in-depth examination of the opportunities and challenges of delivering criminal and juvenile justice services in a multicultural society. The course provides students with a knowledge of the diversity that exists in communities, as well as criminal and juvenile justice agencies. It provides both theoretical and practical information to respond effectively to diversity issues. Examples of community issues include conflict resolution, crime prevention, victimization, and strategies to improve community relationships. Significant focus is given to issues of race, racism, and systemic racism.

Full course description for Diversity in Criminal Justice

In this applied writing course, students learn how to choose the ideal modality for message delivery considering the purpose, location, and audience, and how to effectively present technical information orally and in writing. Students will practice writing reports in a style and format that best communicates the actions and behavior of others and allows the reader to determine the facts of a specific case. They prepare multiple incident-based reports, interview summaries, memos, executive summaries and management correspondence to a professional standard. Students also become familiar with courtroom personnel, procedures, and protocols; rules of evidence, discovery, and admissibility; how to present legal testimony and evidence; and basic techniques for handling hostile attorneys.

Full course description for Police Communication, Report Writing, and Courtroom Testimony

This course will provide the student with a general overview and a better understanding of the wide range of disciplines found within the forensic sciences. Fundamental topics such as forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, forensic pathology, and forensic accounting will be discussed. In addition 'traditionally' recognized topics in forensic science such as DNA, Trace Evidence, Impression Evidence, Drugs, and Questioned Documents will be covered. The course instructor will utilize multi-media in a lecture format, utilizing case-studies, video supplements and expert guest speakers.

Full course description for Exploring Forensic Science

One of the following.

Examines a range of moral dilemmas criminal justice practitioners are likely to face in their careers. Using both moral theory and detailed case examples, students learn to apply moral principles and concepts to a given situation, recognize the relevance of moral principles and concepts, and apply their individual moral philosophy and ethical principles to resolve these situations in a satisfactory manner. This course meets corresponding learning objectives of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Full course description for Ethics and Professionalism in Criminal Justice

+ Registration note

Students admitted into the minor registering for upper-division CJS and CRIM courses with either, CJS 201 Foundations in Criminal Justice prerequisite; Or restrictions in other majors will require special permission from the department.

+ Suggested sequencing

First Semester: CJS 101 and CJS 360 Second Semester: CJS 210 and CRIM 367 Third Semester: CJS 375 and CRIM 205 Final Semester: CJS 377 Internship with the BCA

Natural Science major courses and electives needed for forensic lab careers

Note: Students pursuing careers as a lab forensic scientist should include the following required courses or electives in their major programs: Biochemistry BS: CHEM 441 Instrumental Analysis as an upper division elective. Chemistry BS: CHEM 441 Instrumental Analysis as the required Category 2 selection. BIOL 211 Genetics as a lower division elective. Biology BS: BIOL 304 Molecular Biology as the required Category 1 selection. CHEM 441 Instrumental Analysis as an upper division elective.