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The Forensic Science Certificate provides an interdisciplinary perspective for students interested in careers in forensic science. This certificate is open to all undergraduate students at UT Austin. Students interested in seeking employment upon graduation in a forensic science laboratory or other field that requires a strong base in natural sciences, are encouraged to select biology and chemistry courses. Please note that some of these courses may require introductory biology and chemistry courses as prerequisites.

The certificate requires completion of 18 hours of approved coursework with a grade of C- or better. A minimum of 9 hours must be completed in residence at the University. Credit by exam can be applied toward the certificate requirements if the credit is for a specific course from the certificate courselist.

Students may also apply for the certificate within one year after earning their undergraduate degree. A maximum of 9 hours may be taken after earning an undergraduate degree.

Please Note: If you are pursuing a degree from an earlier catalog than 2014 – 2016, please follow the requirements in the 2014-2016 catalog. If you are unsure of what catalog you are under, please refer to our FAQ's.

 

 

2020-2022 Catalog

An application for admission is required in order to pursue the Forensic Science Certificate.

 

After the 8th class day, credentials will become official in the next semester.  

 

Please click on the link below to complete your application: 

 

https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/degree/minors/

 

Please contact our email address with any questions:  forensic.science@cns.utexas.edu.  

 Students: Always include your UT EID in your messages. 

 

BSA Students: Please note that coursework undertaken for certificates may overlap with the Core curriculum, flags, and Honors coursework. Overlap is allowed between major coursework and certificate requirements.

However, at least one course should come from outside of major coursework.

A minimum of 6 hours of upper division is required to complete the certificate requirements.

To review requirements and track your progress, download the complete certificate checklist.

* Denotes the flag(s) carried by a particular course. Flag designations are subject to change. Always check the current course schedule for the most up to date flag information for a course.

 

 

When you complete the credential requirements:

Please note: Transcription can take up to six weeks after the semester ends to process.  

If it is determined you have met the requirements your certificate will be transcripted and you will be able to see it on your official transcript within a couple of months of graduation.

 

The Forensic Science Certificate is earned by completing the following coursework:

 

Complete six hours of the Required Coursework:

  • Anthropology 301 - Physical Anthropology
  • NSC 309- Introduction to Forensic Science
Please note that NSC 309 is offered only in the fall semester. Please plan your courses accordingly to fit into your degree plan

A minimum of 6 hours of coursework must be chosen from any of the following areas:


 

Nine hours chosen from any of the following areas:

Note: The Science/Statistics coursework is OPTIONAL but may be recommended for students interested in pursuing fields that require more of a science background.

A maximum of 9 hours from the science/statistics can be applied toward the certificate requirements.