Forensic Science Pathway Associate in Arts

Stop watching crime shows and start helping solve crimes in real life. Work your way into a forensics lab by starting out at Seminole State College with an associate degree focused on forensic science. You’ll begin with the basics of biology, chemistry, calculus and more, then move on to your four-year degree and an undoubtedly thrilling career.

Related Programs

Getting Started: Fall Term

Aug. 19:  Application

Aug. 26:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Affordable tuition: Earn a state university education at about half the cost.
  • Small class sizes: With classes of 30 or less, you don’t have to learn in an auditorium.
  • Online degree option: The courses for our A.A. degree are offered in person and online, so you can study when and where you want. 
  • Seamless transition: With your A.A. degree, you can stay at Seminole State to continue your progress toward a bachelor’s degree in a high-demand field.
  • Guaranteed transfer: Earn your A.A. here, and take advantage of guaranteed admission to UCF or one of Florida’s other state universities for your bachelor’s.
  • More than 100 University Transfer Pathways: Take prerequisite courses for majors in various fields from accounting to theater.
Forensic Science Pathway
Type: Associate in Arts
Major Code: SCI-FNSC
CIP: 1192401010

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Spring 2025
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General Biology I Gen Ed Core
4
Credits
In this course students will apply the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world. This course will cover molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, metabolism, and replication. This course is primarily for science majors or students with a strong biology background. It is a study of the molecular and cellular composition and function of living organisms. Emphasis will be given to structure, chemical metabolism, and genetic mechanisms. Laboratory illustrates basic biological principles. Lab fee required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
General Chemistry I Gen Ed Core
4
Credits
This course is designed for students pursuing careers in the sciences or who need a more rigorous presentation of chemical concepts than is offered in an introductory course. Students will engage in problem solving and critical thinking while applying chemical concepts. Topics will include the principles of chemistry including atomic theory, electronic and molecular structure, measurement, stoichiometry, bonding, periodicity, thermochemistry, nomenclature, solutions, and the properties of gases. Laboratory experiments are chosen that support these topics. Lab fee required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
General Chemistry II with Qualitative Analysis
4
Credits
This course serves as a continuation of CHM 2045C. Topics covered include chemical bonding models, properties of solutions, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. The course stresses integration of chemical knowledge. The laboratory is primarily qualitative analysis. Lab fee required.
Organic Chemistry I
4
Credits
This course provides a basic introduction to all organic functional groups and nomenclature followed by detailed treatment of the relationship between structure and reactivity of organic molecules. Other topics include stereochemistry and synthesis. Lab fee required.
Organic Chemistry II
4
Credits
This course provides a continuation of CHM 2210C. Topics covered include the chemistry and reactions of alcohols, ethers, sulfur compounds, aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and amines. Various types of spectroscopy will be covered. Emphasis will be on reactivity, mechanisms and synthesis. Lab fee required.
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Gen Ed Core
5
Credits
In this course, students will develop problem solving skills, critical thinking, computational proficiency, and contextual fluency through the study of limits, derivatives, and definite and indefinite integrals of functions in one variable, including algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, and applications. Topics will include limits, continuity, differentiation and rates of change, optimization, curve sketching, and introduction to integration and area. A graphing calculator will be used throughout the course. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Mathematics requirement for degree seeking students.
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
5
Credits
This course is a continuation of MAC 2311. Selected topics include conics, translation and rotation of axes, techniques of integration, arc length and other applications of the definite integral, polar coordinates, indeterminate forms and improper integrals, infinite sequences and series and Taylor's Formula. A graphing calculator will be used throughout the course. Students should ask the instructor which calculator will be used.
Physics with Calculus I Gen Ed Core
4
Credits
This calculus-based course serves as the first in a two-part series, covering topics like kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid dynamics, oscillatory motion, and waves. Designed for science and engineering majors, the course integrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world applications. Lab fee required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
Physics with Calculus II
4
Credits
This physics course is designed for science, engineering and mathematics majors. Topics studied include electricity, magnetism and topics of electromagnetism. Lab fee required.
Statistical Methods I Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
In this course, students will utilize descriptive and inferential statistical methods in contextual situations, using technology as appropriate. The course is designed to increase problem-solving abilities and data interpretation through practical applications of statistical concepts. This course is appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines and programs. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability and probability distributions, estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, two-sample inferences, and correlation and regression. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Mathematics requirement for degree seeking students and is the gateway course for majors in the Statistical Reasoning pathway. It is recommended that students without college-level math credits have completed a secondary-level course in Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Calculus, or Statistics with a grade of a “B” or higher before taking this course.

CHM 1032C or high school chemistry AND MAC 1105 with a minimum grade of "C" or higher or higher level mathematics course or test scores indicating MAC 1105 proficiency are required prerequisites for CHM 2045C.

 *MAC 1114 and MAC 1140 OR MAC 1147 with a grade of "C" or higher; or sufficient score on placement test is a required prerequisite for MAC 2311.

Total Credits: 60

Gen Ed Core   Denotes that a class is a State of Florida General Education Core Course.

Beginning in the 2022-23 academic year and thereafter, students entering associate in arts, associate in science or associate in applied science, or baccalaureate degree programs must complete at least one (1) course from each of the general education subject areas listed in this section prior to the awarding of their degree. Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the General Education Core Courses .

Civic Lit   Denotes that a class counts toward the course Civic Literacy Requirement.

The State of Florida requires that all students graduating from Seminole State College of Florida and other institutions in the Florida College System (FCS), as well as from any State University System (SUS) institution, fulfill a Civic Literacy Competency requirement prior to submitting an Intent to Graduate form in the term they plan to graduate. Requirements vary based on admit term and program. Please refer to this catalog’s Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the Civic Literacy Proficiency Requirement.

Foreign Language Proficiency

Per Florida Statute 1007.25, "Beginning with students initially entering a Florida College System institution or state university in 2014-2015 and thereafter, coursework for an associate in arts degree shall include demonstration of competency in a foreign language." Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on Foreign Language Proficiency.

Your tuition shouldn’t go against your intuition.

Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a college credit certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and great value. And to us, that’s scholarly.

In fact, a full-time college education at Seminole State is more than $10,000 less each year than most state universities.

Go For Less.


Tuition and Fee Comparison*

 Seminole StateUFFSUUCF
Tuition and Fees$3,131$6,380$5,666 $5,954 
Room and Board-0-$12,120
$13,474 $12,542 
Books and Supplies$1,000$1,260$1,200$1,200
Total$4,131$19,760$20,340$19,696

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on the current academic year for in-state students living on campus. Dorm fees, meal plans and book expenses are estimates based on cost of attendance information provided by the State University System of Florida. Lab fees and other fees that may be assessed at the time of registration may be viewed in the College fee schedule. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.