Frequently Asked Questions: Bachelor of Science
What is the FIS Bachelor of Science degree?
In Fall of 2004, IUPUI began the first forensic science degree program in Indiana. This program was developed by faculty from the School of Law, the School of Science, and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA). Each School contributes to the FIS program by offering required and elective classes, and by mentoring students in the program. Completion of this program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences. All students take a core of science classes and university requirements. Then, each student chooses one of the current two concentrations:
- Chemistry
- Biology
How do I apply?
Apply to IUPUI. You can get an application at the website of the IUPUI Office of Admissions http://enroll.iupui.edu/admissions/. Specify that you wish to major in Forensic & Investigative Sciences (FIS).
What are the admission requirements?
Incoming Freshmen
Students who are entering IUPUI directly from high school are eligible for direct admission to the School of Science if they:
- Rank in the upper half of their class.
- Have a combined SAT score of 1050, with neither math nor verbal below 480. Or, have an ACT composite score of 23, with neither math nor verbal below 20.
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Have completed Core 40 with college prep course grades of C or better. Students who graduate with an Academic Honors diploma automatically meet course admission requirements.
Meet the minimum subject requirements, which include:- Four (4) semesters of algebra
- Up to two (2) semesters of trigonometry
- Six (6) semesters of laboratory science
- Must have completed 4 yrs of high school math or math through Trigonometry in college.
- Must have completed the equivalent to either Chemistry C105/C125 or Biology K101 with a C- or higher.
- Must have college GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Must have passed all Science and math courses with C grades or better.
- Students not meeting requirements 1-4 are to be admitted to University College.
- If you already have a degree (that is not biology or chemistry, or a related area) and would like to pursue the FIS program as a 2nd bachelor's degree, you must have completed the equivalent to our Chemistry C105/C125 or Biology K101 with a C or higher and graduated with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to be admitted. If this scenario describes your situation, you can apply to IUPUI by going to the following website, http://enroll.iupui.edu/admissions/undergraduate/transfer/bachelors_graduates.shtml. Once you have been admitted, you will receive information on your next steps that will include meeting with an academic advisor and registering for classes.
- If you do not meet the requirements described above, you will need to go through the IUPUI Undergraduate non-degree program to complete 3 required courses from our curriculum. Once you complete the 3 required courses, you can reapply to the FIS program as a degree seeking student. If this scenario describes your situation, you can apply to IUPUI as an undergraduate non-degree student by going to the following website,http://enroll.iupui.edu/admissions/undergraduate/non-degree/other_interests.shtml . Once you have been admitted as a non-degree student, you may contact the FIS Academic Advisor to discuss the classes you need to take and any other questions you may have.
- In order to apply to IUPUI and the FIS program as an international student, you must go through the Office of International Affairs. Please consult their website, http://www.iupui.edu/~oia//AD/admission_step1.html, for all of the information you need to know on how to apply.
Once I am accepted to IUPUI, what should I do to get enrolled for classes?
All entering freshmen and transfer students are required to attend an orientation program that will ensure your readiness for the first day of classes and beyond. Please visit the Orientation Program website for detailed information, http://www.uc.iupui.edu/orientation/index.asp.
Is the program just for full time students?
No. Students may pursue the program as a full time or part time student. In fact, if you just want to take one class at a time, you can. Please be aware that the School of Science has a 10 year policy on math and science courses. If your courses are more than 10 years old, you may have to retake them. Please consult with the FIS academic advisor for more information.
How long will the program take?
Full time students should be able to complete the program in four years. The amount of time to complete the degree for part time students will vary, depending on how many credit hours are taken each semester.
What are the course requirements?
Links to the course checksheets will go here.
Where can I find course descriptions?
Course descriptions for all IUPUI courses are listed in the IUPUI Bulletin. Go to http://bulletin.iupui.edu/, click on the school where the course(s) in question are located, then click on the appropriate department.
When are courses offered?
Courses at IUPUI are offered all throughout the week, on the weekends, and at various times during the day and night. Course schedules can change depending on the semester in which they are offered. Please consult the current course schedule on the Registrar's homepage, http://registrar.iupui.edu/schedule.htm, for specific days and times.
Do you offer any courses online?
It depends on the course in question. None of your science courses, which make up the majority of this degree program, are offered online. There may be a small number of general education courses available online. Please consult with the FIS academic advisor for detailed information.
What can I do with my degree after I graduate?
You can work in a crime lab, as a crime scene investigator, or in a related science career. You can also go on to pursue advanced coursework.
What courses should I take in high school to prepare me for this program?
How will my courses transfer if I am considering transferring from another college or university?
The IUPUI Office of Admissions completes all official transcript evaluations only after you have applied to IUPUI. If you would like to unofficially check on how your courses may transfer, go to http://appserv.iu.edu/PACE/ and click on Course Search.
Is this program appropriate for me if I already have a degree in biology or chemistry?
No. Having a degree in biology or chemistry may already qualify you for work in a crime lab or as a crime scene investigator. If you would like to continue your education, a Master's degree or Ph.D. program is recommended. IUPUI offers Indiana's only Master's degree in Forensic Science (insert link to our Master's program).
Are there any research opportunities for undergraduates?
Yes. The FIS faculty are always willing to take on undergraduates to conduct cutting edge research in forensic science (link to research area on website).
Are there any internship opportunities for undergraduates?
Yes. Once you complete certain courses (typically in your junior year), you will be ready to complete an internship. In fact, all FIS undergraduates are required to complete the Capstone Experience (link to this), which can be completed either as an internship or by doing research with one of the FIS faculty. Internships are available in state, out of state, and even out of the country. You will work with the FIS academic advisor and faculty members to find an internship opportunity that is right for you (link to internship area on website)
If I want to learn more about the program, who I do contact?
Contact the FIS academic advisor at 317-274-6882 or forsci@iupui.edu.
Where can I get more information about IUPUI (tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, housing, etc.)?
Visit the IUPUI homepage, where you will find all of the information you need.