Forensic Science (Death Investigations), BS
Curious about how investigators solve unexplained deaths? Explore the science behind identifying causes of death, analyzing evidence and working with the legal system. Build technical and critical thinking skills that prepare you for careers in forensic science and criminal investigations.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Forensic Science (Death Investigations) degree description
Forensic science is the application of science to the law or legal procedures. The medicolegal death investigation system is responsible for conducting investigations that certify the cause and manner of death in unnatural or unexplained circumstances --- those associated with forensic investigations.
The Bachelor of Science program in forensic science with a concentration in death investigations is built on a solid foundation of anatomy, biology and chemistry, which develops your basic and upper-level laboratory skills. You complete holistic, rigorous coursework in the natural and mathematical sciences to prepare to enter a competitive workforce. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is distinctly positioned to train you in forensic techniques such as advanced mapping, scene photography, biological evidence analysis and mock courtroom testimony.
Along with completing coursework and developing the scientific skills to succeed in this field, you can gain practical experience in a laboratory setting through research or an internship. You can conduct research under experts of varying forensic fields, including anthropology, biology, entomology, investigations and data science. You also may seek to apply for and participate in forensic science internships sponsored by crime labs or medicolegal offices around the country. If you are seeking a volunteer or internship position within a crime lab or medicolegal office (as well as job applicants), you often be required to undergo an extensive background check that includes a polygraph exam, fingerprinting and drug testing. Note you can be disqualified for recent or past illicit drug use (including marijuana), felony convictions, drunk driving convictions or other reasons.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| BIO 181 General Biology I |
| BIO 182 General Biology II |
| LSC 347 Fundamentals of Genetics |
| LSC 348 Fundamentals of Genetics Laboratory |
| BCH 371 Modern Concepts in Biochemistry |
| BCH 372 Modern Concepts in Biochemistry Laboratory |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
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If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Proficiently apply scientific techniques in a laboratory setting for the purpose of presentation in the legal system.
- Evaluate human remains in a medicolegal context in a laboratory setting.
- Provide expert testimony that is professional, conscientious, and ethical, particularly in regard to death investigations.
Proficiently apply scientific techniques in a laboratory setting for the purpose of presentation in the legal system.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying abroad enables students in the forensic science program to learn about science and law enforcement in other countries.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in study abroad programs provides students with the heightened cultural competency, and leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropologist/Archeologist | 6.0% | $70,770 | Learn more |
| Anthropology Professor | 2.6% | $99,650 | Learn more |
| Biological Scientist (General) | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Crime Scene Investigator | 13.3% | $72,060 | Learn more |
| Field Researcher | -4.8% | $69,460 | Learn more |
| Forensic Specialist | 0.2% | $93,790 | Learn more |
| Forest Ranger | 13.1% | $56,870 | Learn more |
| Medical Scientist | 12.6% | $103,410 | Learn more |
| Medical Social Worker | 8.5% | $67,880 | Learn more |
| Pathologist | 4.8% | $312,400 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this death investigations concentration prepares you for
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics assigns most categories of death investigators to the "forensic science technician" category. According to the bureau, the median annual salary for these professionals in 2024 was $67,440. The profession is projected to grow 13% by 2034 --- much faster than the annual average. About 2,600 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Competition for positions is strong, and this concentration gives graduates an advantage in applying for these positions. Graduates of the program are distinctly positioned, given their advanced education and training, to be very competitive job candidates and applicants for graduate and medical school in areas such as medicolegal death investigation, biology, predental forensic odontology, wildlife forensics, cultural resource management and preservation, international relief, forensic work, law and psychology, forensic nursing and related fields. Those who go into the job market take on roles such as autopsy technician, pathologist's assistant and coroner.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Interdisciplinary Forensics
|
FAB N101
SIFadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
