Forensic and investigative scientists rely upon state-of-the-art scientific discoveries and technologies as tools to seek answers to critical questions in a variety of settings. Molecular, organismal, environmental, and ecological sources of information are often analyzed and interpreted in industrial, regulatory, legal, medical and associated professions.
Graduates of our accredited Forensic and Investigative Sciences program will be competitive for employment opportunities in quality assurance laboratories, homeland security and investigative services at local, state and national levels. Students will be prepared for opportunities to enter post-graduate studies or professional schools including medicine, law, and veterinary medicine.
Students are expected to complete courses in the semester they are outlined on the curriculum or with prior advisor approval. Students who deviate from the curriculum as outlined or planned with advisors may be forced to delay graduation.
Accreditation and professional licensure
The B.S. Forensic and Investigative Sciences – Science Emphasis program is one of two bachelor’s degree programs in the state of Texas that is nationally accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Additionally, this program may lead to fulfilling requirements for a professional license or certification that is required or desired for employment. Professional licensure/certification requirements vary from state to state.
Undergraduate program enrollment and graduation data
| Academic Year | Degrees Awarded1 | Retained Students2 | Change of Curriculum Students3 | Transfer Students4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 35 | |||
| 2020-21 | 28 | |||
| 2019-20 | 20 | 43 | 1 | 4 |
| 2018-19 | 24 | 34 | 6 | 1 |
| 2017-18 | 21 | 41 | 4 | 3 |
Career options in forensic and investigative science
Graduates of the Forensic and Investigative Sciences program are competitive for employment opportunities in quality assurance laboratories, homeland security and investigative services at local, state and national levels. Graduates will also be well prepared for success post-graduate studies or professional schools including medicine, law and veterinary medicine.
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences maintains a Job Board for forensic science professionals. Students can also explore prospective careers in this major through the Texas A&M Career Center.
| Job Title | Description | Average Salary |
| Crime Scene Investigator | Work with law enforcement to identify, isolate and secure the crime scene and preserve, collect and record evidence at crime scenes | $48,725 |
| FBI Special Agent | Conduct surveillance, gather and analyze data, monitor online activities, collect evidence | $73,322 |
| Forensic Nurse | Work with doctors on helping to identify and treat victims, preserving evidence, and working with law enforcement in solving crimes | $42,000 |
| Forensic Chemist | Analyze physical evidence and samples for clues to solve crimes. Be able to clearly and concisely respond to challenges to their findings in a court of law | $59,252 |
Correspondence contacts
- Program Matters and Outreach: Aaron Tarone
- Scientific Inquiries: Contact a member of the Interdisciplinary Faculty Group
- FEPAC Accreditation: Aaron Tarone