Forensic Biology, BS
The development of DNA profiling in the 1980s and 1990s made the analysis of biological evidence from crime scenes even more important, as it gives analysts the ability to identify the source of biological material with extraordinary precision. Currently, DNA analysis stands as the gold standard of a rigorously science-based field under the greater umbrella of forensic science.
As a Forensic Biology major, you’ll be trained as a scientist, starting a two-year foundation in chemistry, math, physics, and core biology topics like ecology, evolution, organismal physiology, and cell biology basics. In the junior and senior years, you will focus on cell biology, genetics and biochemistry, essential knowledge for careers in the field. This curriculum meets FBI educational requirements for DNA analysts.
However, forensic biology goes beyond DNA. Death investigators combine classical investigative techniques with biological knowledge to help medical examiners determine cause and manner of death.
You will gain hands-on experience in evidence collection and preservation, microscopy, and serology, along with documentation and reporting skills. These skills are reinforced across the curriculum and during a department-supported internship, which helps with networking, refining career goals, and preparing for employment.
To further tailor your degree, you can choose elective courses that fit your interests, skills, and future career goals.
Your Degree Plan
Introduction to Forensic Identification
FIS 201
A survey course in forensic science including overview of the history and components of fingerprint classification systems crime scene analysis, and death investigation. This course is open to non-majors.
Biological Evidence
FIS 305
This is an elective course for Examiner Track students in the Forensic and Investigative Science major. The course focuses on the collection and testing of body fluids as well as death scene investigation procedures.
Introduction to Microscopy
FIS 314
Basic skills and theory of light, chemical and polarized light microscopy. Practice of proper technique associated with micro-manipulation, sample preparation, the care and maintenance of the microscope, and the origin and significance of qualitative and quantitative observations diagnostic of forensic trace evidence.
Professional Ethics in Forensic Science
FIS 485
Foundational ethical concepts as they relate to forensic science and other associated professional cultures. Applied case-study examples are used to analyze ethical and moral boundaries of practice.
Molecular Genetics
BIOL 324
Theoretical and practical knowledge in genetics as a field of study and as an approach for investigating biological problems.
Forensic Biology
BIOL 432
Biological applications and advances in forensic identification technologies, including advantages and limitations of different approaches. Focuses on isolation, quantification, amplification, and analysis of DNA.
Medical Terminology
PALM 200
General medical terminology with emphasis on clinical and anatomic pathology terminology.
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- Full accreditation, Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, 2024.
- Fully functioning DNA analysis laboratory with state-of-the-art instrumentation to include 7,500 Real Time PCR and 3500 Genetic Analyzer.
- Utilization of most current FBI CODIS core loci kit chemistries.
- 4 crime scene houses for training investigators, the largest in the nation.
- Vehicle processing garage.
- Partnerships with more than 200 vetted forensic internship sites around the U.S.
- All teaching faculty have a mix of practical experience and academic credentials, with 300+ years of combined experience.
- Agreement with FBI-Criminal Justice Information Services division includes FBI instructor-led training in fingerprint classification.
- Applied BioSystems partnership supports DNA extraction and profiling at the undergraduate level.
- Cogent Systems Automated Fingerprint Identification System access and training.
- Hemospat, Inc. offers access to professional-grade blood stain pattern reconstruction software.
- J. Edgar Hoover Foundation Scholarships: Two 2-year partial scholarships awarded to juniors demonstrating financial need and academic excellence.
- International Association for Identification Collection, located in the WVU Libraries, includes the research library of the organization and resources dating to the 19th century.
- ForensicsNETbase, an online repository of forensic science texts from publisher Taylor-Frances/CRC, is available through the WVU Libraries.
- SpeakWrite Certified Major automatically fulfills the WVU General Education Foundations writing and communication skills requirement.
- Case analysis in partnership with the West Virginia Innocence Project and the WVU College of Law.
- Relationships with WVU Pathology Assistant Program, State Fire Marshall’s Office, Marshall University Forensic Science Center, and the West Virginia State Police Crime Laboratory.
- Forensic photography laboratory with full overhead lighting tracks.
- Decomposition and remains excavation training site at the WVU Horticultural Farm.
- Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
- 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
- Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
Most Forensic and Investigative Science faculty accept and encourage undergraduate research. Undergraduates have presented research at both regional and national conferences. Some recent areas of undergraduate research that students may assist graduate students with are:
- Rapid analysis of DNA mixtures
- Male DNA recovery from sexual assault samples
- DNA preservation in entomological samples
- DNA mixture interpretation software analysis
- Biological fluid analysis using epigenetic loci
- Recovery of biological fluids utilizing the MVAC wet-vacuum system
Depending on the project, undergraduates can begin research as soon as their freshman year. Some projects can go on for several years, even sparking an interesting graduate project. Many Forensic Biology students have taken part in the WVU Undergraduate Research Office’s Research Apprenticeship Program and Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program, depending on their interests.
View all of the student organizations you can join.
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Coroners
Median Salary: $78,420
Possible Job Titles: Autopsy Facilities Manager, Coroner, MDI (Medicolegal Death Investigator), Medical Examiner
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $80,190
Possible Job Titles: Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Forensic Accountant, Investigator, Special Investigations Unit Investigator (SIU Investigator)
Forensic Science Technicians
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $67,440
Possible Job Titles: Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), Criminalist CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Forensic Scientist
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Median Salary: $78,060
Possible Job Titles: Arson Investigator, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Fire Prevention Inspector
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Median Salary: $93,580
Possible Job Titles: Criminal Investigator, Detective, Investigator, Special Agent
Police Identification and Records Officers
Median Salary: $93,580
Possible Job Titles: Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Technician, Criminalist Forensic Specialist
Intelligence Analysts
Median Salary: $93,580
Possible Job Titles: Crime Analyst (Criminal Analyst), Crime Intelligence Analyst (Criminal Intelligence Analyst), Intel Analyst (Intelligence Analyst), Intel Research Specialist (Intelligence Research Specialist)
Where graduates work
- DNA analysis
- Serology work in crime labs
- Crime scene investigators
- Death investigators
- Genetic analysis
Areas of graduate study
Graduates have pursued advanced degrees in:
- Forensic science
- Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Graduates who stay in forensics fields gain critical experience in aspects of DNA analysis such as:
- Degraded DNA
- Low copy number DNA
The Forensic Biology major also meets admission criteria for most professional schools, such as medical, dental, or osteopathic schools.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Forensic Biology major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Requirements for direct admission to 1 of the 3 Forensic programs
You must meet the following requirements:
- High School GPA: 2.5
- ACT Math: 22
- SAT Math: 540
Requirements for direct admission to 1 of the 3 Forensic programs for test-optional students
You must meet the following requirements:
- High School GPA: 3.75
Tuition and Aid
How much does Forensic Biology at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Forensic Biology, BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
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