Department of Forensic Science

Play a Vital Role in Using Science to Pursue Justice and Public Safety

The Department of Forensic Science at St. Edward’s University is dedicated to equipping the next generation of forensic scientists with strong scientific expertise and a commitment to social responsibility.

As a Forensic Science major in the department, you’ll master the art of collecting and analyzing evidence for use in court and the criminal justice system. Whether you become an expert witness in criminal cases or work hands-on as a crime scene or fingerprint technician, you’ll develop the skills to uncover the truth.

Unlike what you see on TV, real crime scenes rarely offer easy answers — but with a methodical, detail-oriented approach, you’ll learn to think critically and creatively to piece together evidence, and to present your findings in a court of law.

Forensic Science student working in fluorescent processing lab

Explore Our Program

The Department of Forensic Science offers a bachelor’s degree and a minor in Forensic Science. Taught by faculty members who are experts in the field, this program cultivates the most current knowledge and skills that position you to excel in the workplace. You’ll graduate ready to use science to create a more just and safe society.

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

What distinguishes our BS in Forensic Science program?

Our program is designed to give you immersive, engaging experiences that parallel real-life scenarios you’ll encounter in your career.

You’ll examine indoor and outdoor mock crime scenes staged in person on the St. Edward’s campus and other settings while mastering crime scene photography and evidence gathering. In the classroom and lab, you’ll use a virtual reality headset on your computer to investigate evidence at simulated crime scenes and process evidence with field and laboratory techniques. In mock criminal trials, you’ll practice the role of an expert witness.

Opportunities to get involved in forensic science research, internships, student organizations and service activities strengthen your education and build marketable skills.

Careers, Internships and Student Organizations

Forensic Science majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.

Pursuing careers at the Texas Department of Public Safety, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, Austin Police Department, Houston Forensic Science Center, San Antonio Police Department and Round Rock Police Department
Attending the South Texas College of Law
Attending graduate school at Sam Houston State University, University of North Texas and University of Central Lancashire
Attending medical school at the St. George’s University Charter Program to Medicine and the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Medical School

Students can apply for internships that allow them to put their experiential learning skills into practice. Forensic Science majors have earned highly competitive internships with state and local agencies, including:

Travis County Medical Examiner's Office
Austin Police Department
Travis County Sheriff's Office
Leander Police Department
El Paso Police Department

The Forensic Association Committed to Truth (SEU F.A.C.T.)

This biweekly student organization is dedicated to forensic science, offering members opportunities to network and explore career paths. F.A.C.T. also hosts engaging events, such as collaborating with the American Chemical Society chapter on spooky Halloween-themed experiments, giving students a chance to explore other science-based fields in a fun and interactive way.

The St. Edward’s Criminal Justice Club

This club is a chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Lambda Alpha Epsilon. Meeting twice a month, members engage with guest speakers, participate in field trips, give back to the community through service and attend training.

American Chemical Society

The St. Edward’s student affiliate chapter hosts guest speakers who share insights on research, industry careers and graduate school. Members have volunteered at the ACS Southwest Regional Meeting, presented their research through presentations, and attended hands-on training and workshops at other universities. SEU ACS also hosts fun social events, including tie-dyeing lab coats and movie nights.