Q.

How do I apply to the Forensic Science Program at VCU?

A.

Complete the undergraduate application for admission and request that standardized test scores and official transcripts be mailed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, which is located at 821 W. Franklin St. A counselor can be reached at (800) 841-3638 or by e-mail at ugrad@vcu.edu.

Q.

May I apply online for the Forensic Science Program?

A.

Yes, you may apply online at www.ugrad.vcu.edu. Follow the links for admissions and fill out the application according to your status as either freshman or transfer student.

Q.

Should I complete my associate degree before applying to the Forensic Science Program?

A.

We highly recommend that you complete your associate degree if you are near completion. If you have earned either an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or both degrees, or approved for the Associate in Arts and Science or A.S. programs in general studies from a Virginia community college or Richard Bland College, you will have junior standing and be exempt from some general education requirements. Please consult the VCU Transfer Guide at www.ugrad.vcu.edu/admissions101/transfer/index.html.

Students are expected to follow the VCU undergraduate bulletin for the academic year they enter the degree program at VCU. They may choose subsequent bulletins.

Q.

Which associate degree transfers best into the Forensic Science Program?

A.

An Associate in Science degree.

Q.

Where do I find the Transfer Guide for Virginia Community Colleges and Richard Bland College?

A.

The Transfer Guide is located at:
www.ugrad.vcu.edu/admissions101/transfer/index.html.

Q.

What kinds of courses should I take at my current college if I plan to transfer?

A.

•  Principles of Biology I and II for science majors

• General Chemistry I and II for science majors

• General Physics for science majors

• Calculus, Statistics

• General requirements, i.e., composition, history, literature, any foreign language, human behavior.
  
  

Q.

Are any of the forensic science courses offered online?

A.

No. We believe that hands-on learning is important in the forensic science field. There are many laboratory classes or combination lecture/lab classes, which do not lend themselves well to online learning.

Q.

Will forensic science courses taken at another institution count for credit at VCU?

A.

It is possible that forensic science courses taken at another institution may count for credit at VCU. It should be noted that these courses are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are subject to departmental interpretation and the VCU policy on evaluating transfer credits. There is no guarantee that forensic science courses will transfer to VCU.

Q.

How do I go about taking a class at another school while a degree-seeking student at VCU?

A.

You would need permission from the Forensic Science Program and the College of Humanities and Sciences Associate Dean's Office. Complete a "Request to Take Courses at Another Institution" form and bring it to your adviser and the Associate Dean's Office for approval. Normally, approvals are granted for students who want to take courses over the summer at colleges near their homes as long as students are not within the last 25 percent of their VCU course work. This form is available at Founders Hall, Room 104 or online at www.vcu.edu/enroll/forms.

Q.

May I double major in forensic science and something else?

A.

Yes, you may double major in forensic science and any other major that VCU offers. Please refer to the VCU Undergraduate Bulletin for rules and regulations regarding double majors. In addition majors in forensic science are eligible for a minor in chemistry. All 300-level chemistry coures must be taken at VCU for the minor.

Q.

How do I change my major?

A.

Current VCU students may change their major through the first week of classes in the new semester. "Change of Major" forms submitted later are processed for the following semester.

To change your major to forensic science or from forensic science to another major, complete and submit a "Change of Major" form, available in Room 104 at Founders Hall, 827 W. Franklin St. or online at www.vcu.edu/enroll/forms.

After submitting the form to the Student Services Counter in Room 104, Founders Hall, return in two days to pick up the form (with attached records) and take it to the appropriate office for processing.

Q.

May I minor in forensic science?

A.

There is no minor available in forensic science.

Q.

What internships are available to me?

A.

The forensic science undergraduate major has an internship class, FRSC 493, available to forensic science seniors who have completed 27 credits in the core program and have a 2.75 cumulative GPA. Opportunities include internships with the Virginia Division of Forensic Science, police at local law enforcement agencies, the Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, the Biochemistry and Biophysics labs at VCU Medical Center and others. Students also may apply to complete the internship through a federal agency like DEA, FBI or NCIS. Internship information is available at www.has.vcu.edu/forensics/current_stud/cs_ugrad_intern.html.

Externships are available during December or during spring break through VCU's Office of Alumni Activities' Alumni Extern Program. Interested and eligible VCU students shadow and work with VCU alumni in fields related to forensic science. Opportunities range from working with pathologists, lawyers, working in laboratories, or working with local law enforcement. To be eligible to apply, students must have completed one semester at VCU and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Applications are available mid-October and can be obtained from the Office of Alumni Activities at 924 W. Franklin St.

VCU's Cooperative Education offers students opportunities for paid work experience in a related field. Co-op's Web address is www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/dsa/coop/index.html.

Students also may choose to study abroad for a semester.

Q.

What student activities are associated with the forensic science major?

A.

The forensic science undergraduate major has an active Forensic Science Student Club. This club meets several times during the semester. Guest speakers have been FBI profilers, medical examiners, forensic toxicologists and the FBI canine unit. To join, please send your e-mail request to fos@vcu.edu.

Q.

How do I know who my adviser is?

A.

Freshmen and sophomores are advised by the Office of Academic Advising in the College of Humanities and Sciences. The office is located in Room 207 of the Hibbs Building. Juniors and seniors are assigned a forensic science faculty member as an adviser. If you are unsure who your adviser is, contact the Forensic Science Office at (804) 828-8420.

Q.

If I am having trouble in a class, what are my options?

A.

Please contact your professor and your academic adviser as soon as possible. Additional resources include free tutoring through the Campus Learning Center, 109 N. Harrison St.; the University Counseling Center, Student Commons; Academic Success Workshops, E-LASSI (Computerized assessment of learning needs), CASSI-GT (computerized intervention based upon the assessment of learning needs) and academic coaching.

Q.

What are my job options with a forensic science degree?

A.

For detailed information, see VCU's "Career Opportunities in Forensic Science," located in the Forensic Science Handbook [pdf].

Q.

Do I need a master's degree to get a job in this field?

A.

The answer to this question depends on what career path you wish to follow. A graduate degree is not a requirement to work as a criminalist or an investigator. In addition, crime analysis laboratories often have entry-level positions available to individuals without a graduate degree. However, if you know that you wish to have a career in a forensic laboratory, it would be beneficial to obtain your master's degree.