Studying Forensic Science at John Jay
Do you think forensic science is the right path for you? Think you are ready to enroll in the Bachelor of Science degree in Forensics at John Jay? Wonderful! Your next step, then, is to do a little more research into what the program is like in real life. Start by watching this
short video on Forensics at John Jay and where it might lead you.
Then, read the sections below to get the truth about the program: JJC’s expectations of you, what your schedule will look like, and other details that you might not think to ask about. If you have any questions about the material, write them down so you remember what to ask an advisor.
How hard is the program?
We’re not going to lie. The bachelor’s degree in forensic science (FOS) is challenging, and many people drop out between their first and third years. There are a lot of chemistry courses to take, a GPA to maintain, and many hours in the lab. But the good news is that this is perfect preparation for a career in forensic science!
Many students drop out because they simply don’t have a clear idea about what a career in FOS is really like. Maybe they don’t enjoy chemistry as much as they thought. Or they realize that television has mislead them into thinking forensics is much more glamorous than it really is.
But there are just as many students who love it, enjoy working hard, and succeed to go on to working in crime labs or conducting research. And you just might be one of those students.
Hear from the students themselves about the program and the challenges they’ve faced to get a better idea of what’s ahead .
Want to make sure your head is in the right place? Try out our activities:
"The Truth Behind Forensic Science Shows" quiz and
"Is Forensic Science for Me?".
What does it take to earn a BS in Forensic Science at John Jay?
The degree in FOS at John Jay College is a rigorous program of study. Over half of the courses you will take – 60% of them – will be specifically science-related. The remaining 40% will be general education courses like English and History. Within the science-related courses, 50% will be in chemistry, 30% in biology, math, and physics, and 20% in forensic science. Take a look at the pie charts below to get a better idea of what this looks like.
This may sound a little scary, but don’t worry. There is a
sequence to taking courses that we can help you with. The key to knowing which courses to sign up for is to be aware of prerequisites. For example, in your first year you should take either Chemistry 103 or Chemistry 101-102 in order to be ready for later chemistry courses. But you need to know that you can’t register for Chemistry 103 unless you’ve met
certain testing requirements. This means that if your test scores do not qualify you to register for Chemistry 103, you should enroll in Chemistry 101-102, a two-semester course covering the content Chemistry 103 teaches in one semester.
Upper-level courses build on the concepts learned in lower-level courses, so it’s important to take them in the proper order and at the right time of year (
see the suggested course sequence). Some courses may only be offered once per year, and if you miss taking them you’ll end up delaying your graduation. It’s important to talk to your advisor if you are unsure about which class to take when.
Be aware that certain courses have testing requirements as prerequisites. These courses are Chemistry 103 and Biology 103.
In order to take Chemistry 103 in your first year, you will have to have scored 80 or above in the New York State Chemistry Regents exam
AND scored the following on the CUNY Assessment Test in Math:
Section of the CUNY Assessment Test in Mathematics |
Minimum score needed to register for Chemistry 103 at John Jay College |
Section1: |
Pre-Algebra 35 or higher |
Section 2: |
Algebra above 55 |
Section 3: |
College Algebra above 35 |
In order to take Biology 103 in your first year, you will have to have scored 80 or above in the New York State Biology Regents exam
OR received an SAT Verbal score of 520 or higher. If you do not meet either of these requirements, you will have to enroll in Biology 101-102, a three-semester sequence that covers what Biology 103 covers in two semesters.
What can I expect during the BS degree in Forensic Science?
As a forensic science major, you will
TAKE intensive chemistry and math classes, along with courses in biology, physics, and law. See a sample schedule.
DO hands-on laboratory work.
WRITE lab reports and research papers.
USE instruments such as GC (Gas Chromatography), HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), and UV/ Vis (Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy).
COMPLETE a research project or external laboratory internship.
SPECIALIZE in one of the following program tracks: toxicology, criminalistics, molecular biology.
PRISM provides you with research experience, mentoring, financial support: everything you need to start your career in the sciences.
My research advisor has also been a great mentor for me. He’s been very helpful with advice about my road to graduate school.
The science courses I have taken at John Jay together with the experience that the PRISM program has given me have transformed me. Instead of always questioning why, I now have the scientific understanding and confidence to figure it out on my own.
The
Program for Research Initiatives for Science Majors (PRISM) is a great opportunity for Forensic Science students to engage in scientific research while completing their degree. Students are matched with a faculty mentor who can give invaluable guidance. In addition, PRISM students may receive money for their research, travel grants for conferences, and counseling on graduate school applications and career planning.
Visit the PRISM website to learn more about projects and opportunities.
We also went to the morgue and looked at autopsies, the trace lab, and the different sections of the chemistry lab. We did a little bit of everything.
Our supervisor showed us what to do, but once we got to a certain point, we were on our own.
An internship gives you a sample of what your professional life might be like when you graduate and they are an excellent way to gain professional experience. They might also lead to your first job!
There are three FOS tracks you can pursue at John Jay. You can choose a specialization in
- Criminalistics: Analyze physical evidence such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, glass, bloodstain patterns, and firearms.
- Toxicology: Analyze biological samples for the presence of drugs, poisons, and chemicals.
- Molecular Biology: Analyze DNA from biological evidence.
Is the program worth it?
Very! Our graduates have several reasons to be especially proud to have a BS in Forensic Science from John Jay College:
Prestige. JJC has one of the oldest and most prestigious forensic science programs in the country. A forensic science degree from JJC gives you a competitive edge.
Faculty mentors. Students are guided by internationally recognized scientists who are often called upon to provide their expertise to public safety agencies, courts, and news media. Learn more about our faculty .
Advanced equipment. Students are trained on state-of-the art equipment, so they are prepared for all levels of forensic science work in laboratories.
Career readiness. With the growing importance of physical evidence in criminal justice, the program meets the increasing demand for highly trained professionals.
I feel that I received enough training and education in the program so that when I do go into the field I will be ready and will be able to comprehend what my responsibilities are.
-- 2007 graduate
Research opportunities. Students can participate in fascinating hands-on research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor. See what research John Jay students are doing.
Internship opportunities. Students may apply their knowledge in a real world setting by doing an internship outside the college. You might get to work in a crime lab, where you see how all your studies come together. Learn more about undergraduate internships.