Other Academic Opportunities
Besides the three majors within our department, there are related interdisciplinary and pre-professional programs that students can also pursue:
Forensic Chemistry Major
The forensic chemistry program focuses on applying chemistry to the study of materials or problems in cases where the findings may be presented as evidence in a court of law. Due to the unique nature of this major, students are introduced to the world of forensic chemistry through traditional areas of chemistry, forensic chemistry lectures and labs, and criminal justice courses.
The curriculum is consistent with the requirements of the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Committee (FEPAC). Students who complete the program also receive a minor in Criminal Justice.
One of the cornerstone courses is Forensic Chemistry (CHEM 470), which studies the acquisition of forensic evidence through use of analytical techniques. It uses statistical and multivariate analysis of data, and presentation of forensic evidence in a legal environment.
Forensic chemists are employed in federal, state, and county crime labs, private labs and research facilities. Students are also prepared to continue in graduate work and forensic specializations such as wildlife forensics, forensic pathology, and forensic anthropology.
To learn more about the Forensic Chemistry major, visit the page on our Admissions site, and see the in the ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Catalog.
Legal Studies Concentration
Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary concentration that provides both undergraduate students interested in studying law, as well as students preparing for law school, with a curriculum that advances their understanding of the law and develops the skills necessary for success in law school.
This concentration requires students take at least five approved courses (15 credits). The Introductory course, Legal Studies Fundamentals (INTD 115), uses legal and law-related topics to enhance students' skills in reading, writing, and logical analysis. It meets the needs of both pre-law students as well as students interested in learning more about the law solely at the undergraduate level.
Learn more on our Legal Studies Concentration page.
Pre-Law Program
One of the benefits of deciding to attend law school is that students may major in whatever they wish. While law schools do not require that you take a specific set of courses or engage in a specific area of study for admission, some students may benefit from the ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ's Pre-Law Advisory Program.
It's a pre-professional non-curricular program designed to help students navigate the law school application process. If you are interested in a legal career, the Pre-Law Advisory Program can help guide you through your undergraduate experience, regardless of your major.
Learn more on our Pre-Law program page.