Forensic Science Major Resources

Forensic Science Major Resources

The major in Forensic Science (FOS) is designed to provide academic and professional training for students seeking to work in forensic science laboratories, or who are planning to pursue careers as research scientists, teachers or medical professionals. The major draws primarily from chemistry (organic, analytical and physical) with courses in biology, physics and law. Students may specialize in one of three tracks: Criminalistics, Molecular Biology, or Toxicology.

Here you will find:
● Key information about your major
● How and when to meet with your major advisor
● Planning tools that will help you track your progress in the major
● Ways to explore career opportunities related to the Forensic Science major
 
Take a few moments to look at the information below. It will help you plan effectively and avoid surprises during your studies at John Jay.
 
Forensic Science Requirements

Admission Requirements

Freshmen
To be admitted to the Forensic Science (FOS) major as a freshman, you must meet the following criteria:
 
Out-of-State Freshmen
High School academic average of 81 or higher AND
3 years of HS Math AND
3 years of HS Science AND
Have taken HS Chemistry course
 
In-State Freshmen
High School academic average of 81 or higher AND
3.5 units of HS Math AND
4 units of HS Science AND
Have taken HS Chemistry Regents OR HS Chemistry course
 
 1. If you meet the above criteria and select Forensic Science as your desired major on your admissions application, you will be approved for the FOS major. Your first chemistry and biology courses at John Jay will be determined by your math placement.
 
2. If you do not meet the above criteria, you will be defaulted to a Criminal Justice BS (CJBS) major, which you could change to another non-science major if you wish. If you still have a strong interest in the FOS major, please contact science advisor Dr. Sandra Swenson (sswenson@jjay.cuny.edu)
or major coordinator Dr. Jennifer Rosati (jrosati@jjay.cuny.edu) for advisement, and consider a biology or chemistry minor. You can achieve admission to the major if you earn at least a 2.5 GPA in your math and biology or chemistry science courses.

 

​3. If you did not apply for the FOS major but are interested in declaring it, at your freshman registration session you must express this interest. An academic advisor will give you a Referral Form to take to the Admissions Office, where they will evaluate your eligibility. If admitted, you will be allowed to register for the appropriate biology and chemistry courses. If not, see the steps above for students who do not currently meet the major's admission criteria.

 
Continuing Students
If you would like to switch to FOS from another major, consult with Dr. Sandra Swenson (sswenson@jjay.cuny.edu) or major coordinator Dr. Jenifer Rosati (jrosati@jjay.cuny.edu) to discuss the feasibility of this switch and learn what you can do to put yourself in the strongest position for admission.
 
Transfer Students
In order to gain admission to FOS as a transfer student, you must have completed core science courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, or calculus at another college with a GPA of 2.5 or higher in these courses. If you don’t meet these admissions criteria, consult with either Dr. Sandra Swenson (sswenson@jjay.cuny.edu) or major coordinator Dr. Jennifer Rosati(jrosati@jjay.cuny.edu) to discuss your options.

Major Requirements

You are responsible for the major requirements that were in effect when you declared the major. To confirm the requirements you should be following, go to the Undergraduate Bulletin for that academic year. For example, if you declared the Forensic Science major in Fall 2015 or Spring 2016, you would click on the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin. If you declared the major and then left the College for more than one full semester, you’re responsible for the major requirements in effect when you return, if they have changed. Not sure when you declared the major? Find out here.
 
Below, find the Undergraduate Bulletin that was in effect when you declared the major.

FOS Courses That Meet General Education Requirements

Below is a list of FOS courses that can also meet your general education requirements. Note that a single science course cannot meet both the Life and Physical Science requirement and the Scientific World requirement. You must meet these requirements with two separate courses.

 

Math &
Quantitative Reasoning

Life & Physical Science

 Scientific World
 
 

 

Major Advising

Schedule an Advising Appointment

FOS major advising is being done remotely in Fall 2023. To schedule an appointment, email Dr. Shu-Yuan Cheng (shcheng@jjay.cuny.edu) or check EAB Navigate for Dr. Sandra Swenson's availability. You can arrange an email or Zoom meeting with one of them.
 
Major Advisors
Coordinator

Professor Jennifer Rosati, Department of Sciences

jrosati@jjay.cuny.edu

212-393-6868

 

Advisor

Professor Sandra Swenson, Department of Sciences

sswenson@jjay.cuny.edu

212.237.8820

 

Chair

Professor Shu-Yuan Cheng

shcheng@jjay.cuny.edu

Contact via Navigate: https://jjay-cuny.campus.eab.com/pal/EZBNrFuyHo

646.557.4637
 

 

Science Internship (FOS 401) Coordinator

Professor Linda Rourke for forensic science laboratory internships

fos401@jjay.cuny.edu

646.557.4637
 

 

Undergraduate Research Internship (FOS 402) Coordinator

Please read the FOS 402 guidelines and contact Dr. Edgardo Sanabria-Valentín if there are any further questions
esanabriavalentin@jjay.cuny.edu
212.393.6489

Major Advising in Summer/Winter

FOS major advising is being done remotely during Summer session 2023. To schedule an appointment, email Dr. Shu-Yuan Cheng (shcheng@jjay.cuny.edu). You can arrange an email or Zoom meeting with her. Dr. Sandra Swenson will also be available for FOS advising. Please go to EAB Navigate to schedule an appointment with her.

Registration and Major Holds

Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a hold on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have a major advising appointment with Dr. Sandra Swenson (212.237.8820, sswenson@jjay.cuny.edu). This discussion will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major. How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:

 

  1. Check the Holds box of your CUNYfirst Student Center. If "Advisement Required" appears, click on “details.”

 

 

  1. Click on “Advisement Required.”

​

  1. See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.

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Plan Ahead: Graduate on Time

Avoid Course Planning Mistakes!

The Forensic Science major has several courses that build on each other in a sequence, so it is important to be aware of this and plan accordingly.

 

HQ FOS Math Sequence.jpg

Math

You are required to take two semesters of calculus (MAT 151 and MAT 152) and one semester of probability and statistics (MAT 301).  If you place into MAT 105, you will need that course and then MAT 141 as foundation for the MAT 151-152 calculus sequence, so it is important to take these math courses as early as possible.

 
Other important considerations:
  • MAT 105 or higher is a prerequisite or co-requisite for certain Biology and Chemistry courses.
  • MAT 151 is a prerequisite for PHY 203. MAT 152 and PHY 203 are both prerequisites for PHY 204. You are expected to take Physics in your sophomore year.
  • If you start with MAT 105 in a Fall semester, then take MAT 141 in spring, you can take MAT 151 during summer session to be ready for Physics in the upcoming fall.
 

 

 

 

Biology

 

Your placement will be either BIO 101 or BIO 103.

 

  • If you start with BIO 103 (a 5 credit lab science course), you will then take BIO 104.
  • If you start with BIO 101 (a 2 credit course), you will then take BIO 102 (3 credits) before taking BIO 104.

 

The Biology sequence should be completed by the end of freshman year or fall of sophomore year.

 

 
 
 
 
 
Chemistry

Your placement will be either CHE 101 or CHE 103.

 

  • If you start with CHE 103 (a 5 credit lab science course), you will then take CHE 104.
  • If you start with CHE 101 (a 2 credit course), you will then take CHE 102 (3 credits) before taking CHE 104.

 

Be sure to complete the Chemistry sequence by the end of your freshman year (spring or summer) to prepare for the Organic Chemistry sequence in your sophomore year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internship

An internship is required for the forensic science degree. You may fulfill this requirement with either FOS 401 or FOS 402. The internship is to be completed after the junior year in the Forensic Science major progression. To learn more about your internship options, please contact one of the Science Internship Directors below:
 
Professor Linda Rourke for forensic science laboratory internships
646.557.4501
 
Please read the FOS 402 guidelines and contact Dr. Edgardo Sanabria-Valentín if there are any further questions
212.393.6489

Monitor Your Progress in the Major (Major Checklist, Sample 4 yr Plan)

  • DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed.  Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool. Note: be sure to confirm the accuracy of your degree audit with a general advisor and major advisor.
 
  • Forensic Science Advisement Form - Fill out this printable worksheet to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
​

Meet with a General Academic Advisor

A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.

 

Forensic Science and Careers

Masters of Science Degree in Forensic Science

The Master of Forensic Science degree program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice-CUNY is designed to provide training and expertise to individuals planning to become scientists, administrators, laboratory directors, educators, and professionals in a variety of forensic science sub-specialties. More information is available on the Master of Forensic Science webpage.

Careers in Forensic Science

Resources

Learn about FOS-related careers on the American Academy of Forensic Sciences website.

 

For personalized guidance concerning internships, jobs, and careers, visit John Jay’s Center for Career and Professional Development. CCPD staff are available to meet individually with students and alumni in L72.00 New Building. To request a 45-minute counseling appointment, log on to John Jay Careers Online. 15-minute drop-in sessions are available all day Mon-Fri. (Stop by in person earlier the same day to make a drop-in appointment.)

 

Background Checks

Because forensic science is part of the criminal justice system, personal honesty, integrity, and scientific objectivity are paramount. Those seeking careers in this field should be aware that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment. The following may be conducted and/or reviewed before an employment offer is made and may remain as ongoing conditions of employment (This list is not all-inclusive):

  • Drug tests

  • History of drug use

  • Criminal history

  • Personal associations

  • Polygraph examination

  • Driving record

  • Past work performance

  • Credit history

  • Medical or physical examination