The major in Forensic Science (FOS) is designed to provide academic and professional training for students seeking to work in forensic science laboratories, or who are planning to pursue careers as research scientists, teachers or medical professionals. The major draws primarily from chemistry (organic, analytical and physical) with courses in biology, physics and law. Students may specialize in one of three tracks: Criminalistics, Molecular Biology, or Toxicology.
Admission Requirements
3. If you did not apply for the FOS major but are interested in declaring it, at your freshman registration session you must express this interest. An academic advisor will give you a Referral Form to take to the Admissions Office, where they will evaluate your eligibility. If admitted, you will be allowed to register for the appropriate biology and chemistry courses. If not, see the steps above for students who do not currently meet the major's admission criteria.
Major Requirements
FOS Courses That Meet General Education Requirements
Below is a list of FOS courses that can also meet your general education requirements. Note that a single science course cannot meet both the Life and Physical Science requirement and the Scientific World requirement. You must meet these requirements with two separate courses.
Math &
Quantitative Reasoning
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Life & Physical Science |
Scientific World |
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Schedule an Advising Appointment
Professor Jennifer Rosati, Department of Sciences
212-393-6868
Advisor
Professor Sandra Swenson, Department of Sciences
212.237.8820
Chair
Professor Shu-Yuan Cheng
Contact via Navigate: https://jjay-cuny.campus.eab.com/pal/EZBNrFuyHo
646.557.4637
Science Internship (FOS 401) Coordinator
Professor Linda Rourke for forensic science laboratory internships
646.557.4637
Undergraduate Research Internship (FOS 402) Coordinator
esanabriavalentin@jjay.cuny.edu
212.393.6489
Major Advising in Summer/Winter
Registration and Major Holds
Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a hold on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have a major advising appointment with Dr. Sandra Swenson (212.237.8820, sswenson@jjay.cuny.edu). This discussion will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major. How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:
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Check the Holds box of your CUNYfirst Student Center. If "Advisement Required" appears, click on “details.”
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Click on “Advisement Required.”
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See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.
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Avoid Course Planning Mistakes!
Math
You are required to take two semesters of calculus (MAT 151 and MAT 152) and one semester of probability and statistics (MAT 301). If you place into MAT 105, you will need that course and then MAT 141 as foundation for the MAT 151-152 calculus sequence, so it is important to take these math courses as early as possible.
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MAT 105 or higher is a prerequisite or co-requisite for certain Biology and Chemistry courses.
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If you start with MAT 105 in a Fall semester, then take MAT 141 in spring, you can take MAT 151 during summer session to be ready for Physics in the upcoming fall.
Biology
Your placement will be either BIO 101 or BIO 103.
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If you start with BIO 103 (a 5 credit lab science course), you will then take BIO 104.
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If you start with BIO 101 (a 2 credit course), you will then take BIO 102 (3 credits) before taking BIO 104.
The Biology sequence should be completed by the end of freshman year or fall of sophomore year.

Your placement will be either CHE 101 or CHE 103.
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If you start with CHE 103 (a 5 credit lab science course), you will then take CHE 104.
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If you start with CHE 101 (a 2 credit course), you will then take CHE 102 (3 credits) before taking CHE 104.
Be sure to complete the Chemistry sequence by the end of your freshman year (spring or summer) to prepare for the Organic Chemistry sequence in your sophomore year.
Internship
Monitor Your Progress in the Major (Major Checklist, Sample 4 yr Plan)
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DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool. Note: be sure to confirm the accuracy of your degree audit with a general advisor and major advisor.
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Forensic Science Advisement Form - Fill out this printable worksheet to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
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Sample Four Year Plan - See our Sample Four Year Plan for students who placed into MAT 105 or our Sample Four Year Plan for students who placed into MAT 141 for an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years! Remember that each plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine what works best for them.
Meet with a General Academic Advisor
A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.
Masters of Science Degree in Forensic Science
Careers in Forensic Science
Learn about FOS-related careers on the American Academy of Forensic Sciences website.
For personalized guidance concerning internships, jobs, and careers, visit John Jay’s Center for Career and Professional Development. CCPD staff are available to meet individually with students and alumni in L72.00 New Building. To request a 45-minute counseling appointment, log on to John Jay Careers Online. 15-minute drop-in sessions are available all day Mon-Fri. (Stop by in person earlier the same day to make a drop-in appointment.)
Background Checks
Because forensic science is part of the criminal justice system, personal honesty, integrity, and scientific objectivity are paramount. Those seeking careers in this field should be aware that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment. The following may be conducted and/or reviewed before an employment offer is made and may remain as ongoing conditions of employment (This list is not all-inclusive):
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Drug tests
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History of drug use
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Criminal history
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Personal associations
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Polygraph examination
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Driving record
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Past work performance
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Credit history
- Medical or physical examination