TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana State University has announced that the Indiana Commission for Higher Education has approved its new Bachelor of Science in Forensics degree.
This new program will offer students learning experiences across various departments in the College of Arts and Sciences as part of a combined program, according to the university. The program will incorporate Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Criminology and Investigation, Legal Studies, Physics and Statistics courses to develop students’ skills.
“Our goal is to prepare students not only to succeed in crime labs or law enforcement but also to adapt to a range of professional environments where analytical thinking and scientific precision are essential,” said Dr. Melinda Roberts, Dean of Indiana State University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
The major will include two pathways, Forensic Science and Forensic Studies, and can be completed in four years.
The Forensic Science pathway will prepare students for careers as forensic specialists or analysts in crime labs, with advanced science coursework and hands-on laboratory components.
The Forensic Studies pathway requires fewer total credits and provides flexibility for students to customize their degree. This will allow students to pursue careers in a variety of other settings, such as the Department of Natural Resources, environmental risk areas and local health departments.
“The newly approved Bachelor of Science in Forensics degree is a prime example of how Indiana State University continually evaluates how we, as a university, can meet the growing demand for a range of careers in Indiana and across the nation,” said Dr. Christopher Olsen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Indiana State University.
The Forensics major is now available for students to submit applications for the Fall 2025 semester. For more information, you can go to the university’s website.

