Forensic Science

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Defined as science that is used for purposes of the law, forensic science is an exciting and fascinating field for students who have a strong interest in chemistry and biology. Forensic scientists work closely with investigators, attorneys and others to discover, analyze and deliver evidence during criminal investigations. As a forensic science major at �鶹��ý, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a modern crime lab in your hometown, or at the regional, state or federal level. �鶹��ý's program prepares students for a life of personal and professional integrity grounded in a commitment to serving others, enhancing understanding that science can provide vital information to make the world a better, safer place.

You’ll have access to sophisticated science instrumentation throughout your curriculum, including UV/Vis, Infrared and Fluorescence spectrometers, a high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC), a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS), a Raman spectrometer, flame/graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometer, and a system capable of doing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

In This Section

Forensic Science

Career Outlook

After earning your Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:

Crime lab
Drug Enforcement Administration
Food and Drug Administration
Environmental Protection Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for forensic science technicians are expected to grow by 14 percent between 2023 and 2033, much faster than average for all occupations. The median annual salary in 2024 was $67,440.

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the or . To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. �鶹��ý’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

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Opportunities for Majors

Science Association

The object of this club is to afford an opportunity for the students of science to become better acquainted, to secure the intellectual stimulation that arises from professional association, to obtain experiences in preparing and presenting technical material before chemical audiences, to foster a professional spirit among the members, to instill a professional pride in the sciences, and to build an awareness of the responsibilities and challenges facing the modern scientist. Membership of this association is open to students pursuing their study in the area of science and related fields. Contact Rosemarie Chinni (610-568-1492, rosemarie.chinni@alvernia.edu) or Kevin Burns (kevin.burns@alvernia.edu, 610-790-2865) for more information.

Pre-Health Club

The Pre-Health Professions Club includes, but is not limited to, Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Physician Assisting, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, and Pre-Veterinary students. It provides a setting in which students who are working toward future careers in the health professions can get together, share information, learn more about the health professions in general, and develop friendships with students who share some of their interests. Members of this organization are composed of students pursuing study in several areas of science and related health fields.

Environmental Club

The purpose of this student organization is to maintain the temperate deciduous forest, riparian, and freshwater ecosystems about �鶹��ý and the community it serves. The organization does this by recruiting new members, educating the public, and holding events that draw attention to the environment. Such events are Eco-Fun Day, trail clean-up days, and hosting public speaker seminars.

Beta Kappa Chi

Beta Kappa Chi is the National Science Honor Society composed of chapters which seek to encourage and advance scientific education through original education, the dissemination of scientific knowledge and the stimulation of high scholarship in pure and applied science.

Epsilon Gamma Chapter of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society

This is a National Scholastic Honor Society for students, faculty, and alumni of colleges and universities with a Catholic tradition.

The Washington Center Experience

�鶹��ý students have an opportunity to earn college credit by spending a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. where they serve as interns in a congressional office, government agency, major corporation, newspaper or news network, or agencies devoted to legal affairs, international relations, or business and economics. They also may intern with one of several non-profit groups dealing with the environment, women’s issues, the arts, education, science, or labor relations among others. Participants are customarily juniors or seniors who have achieved grade point averages of 2.5 or better and who have the endorsement of the appropriate academic area. In addition to their internship, students select one seminar dealing with the arts and humanities, communication, public policy, the legal system, business, and government. Interested students should see their academic advisor.

Accreditation Statement

�鶹��ý is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Get to Know Your Faculty

For more information about �鶹��ý’s Forensic Science program contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Science Department Chair Michelle Serapiglia, Ph.D., at 610-796-8427 or michelle.serapiglia@alvernia.edu. To see a list of Science lecturers, click here.