Forensic Studies Minor

Are you interested in investigating and helping solve crimes? Are you a creative problem solver who pays attention to details? Maybe you want to add a minor that can open more career paths in the justice field? If this describes you, earning a minor in forensic science at Hardin-Simmons University is one of the best choices you can make to start a rewarding career in forensic science studies.

Through a balance of theory and hands-on experiences, you’ll build a foundational understanding of criminal law, as well as crime scene, laboratory, and behavioral analysis. Join a thriving community of students, faculty, and alumni who share your passion for learning and forensic studies.

Experiential Learning in the Forensic Studies Minor

A forensic scientist studies crime scenes in person, closely analyzing clues using specialized equipment. To prepare you for this exciting experience, the forensic studies program emphasizes the real-world application of the theories and method you’ll study in your classes. You’ll train with the same equipment and evaluation methods that you’ll use in your career in forensic science.

We also offer internships with local state law enforcement agencies so you can get hands-on experience while making professional connections.

Program Contact

Dr. Karin Brown-Head of Criminal Justice Department

Dr. Karin Brown

Head of Criminal Justice Department, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice 325-670-5819

Why Earn Your Forensic Studies Minor at Hardin-Simmons?

students taking group photo abroad with HSU flag

Travel with Your Forensic Science Minor

As a forensic science studies minor at HSU, you’ll get many opportunities to study abroad. Learn first-hand about the criminal justice systems in other countries and how a foreign forensic scientist studies crime scenes. Past forensic science minors have traveled to Bergen, Norway to attend a research meeting at Bergen University.

Criminal Justice student conducting examination in classroom

Experienced and Supportive Forensic Studies Faculty

Take advantage of our small class sizes to work closely with distinguished faculty members who bring their years of experience teaching and working with justice practitioners into the classroom. Through student-centered learning, they ensure that you receive the attention and help you need to excel in your forensic science minor.

bullet proof vest with large  blank bullet in the chest area

Community Focus

Forensic science minors develop lasting, meaningful relationships with each other, faculty, and those in the community they work with through internships. You can also join our student-led Criminal Justice Association to hear from unique speakers, take trips, and serve in the community.

Kennedy Connor Criminal Justice and Psychology Program Student

What Can You Do With a Minor in Forensic Science?

A forensic scientist studies crime scenes to identify, apprehend, and prosecute criminal offenders. Regardless of what justice field you’re interested in entering, a forensic science studies minor provides you with a solid foundation in the topics and techniques that can make you successful every day of your career.

Because a forensic scientist studies evidence both on the scene and in the lab, you’ll gain knowledge and skills that can be used in any number of career fields, including criminalistics, toxicology, odontology, and education.

In addition to the personal and professional fulfillment you’ll gain as a professional in forensic studies, you’ll also benefit from great job security. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for forensic science technicians is predicted to grow 16% over the next decade, significantly higher than the average growth for all other occupational fields.

Jobs for Forensic Science Studies Graduates

  • Blood splatter expert
  • Crime scene investigator
  • Forensic psychologist
  • Ballistics expert
  • DNA analyst
  • Teacher
  • Digital forensics expert
  • Forensic engineer
  • Forensic accountant

Salary for Forensic Studies Minors

According to the BLS, forensic science technicians earn an average salary of $62,000.

Program Details

A forensic scientist studies a wide variety of crime scenes and is depended upon to bring ethics and a commitment to justice to the profession. We believe that one of the most fundamental ways to develop as an ethical forensic scientist is studying in an environment enlightened by faith. That’s why we encourage students to face challenges through the Biblical lens of acting justly, seeking to be merciful, and walking humbly.

All Hardin-Simmons University students are eligible for the forensic studies minor program.

All prospective students should research requirements and conditions of employment with the agencies that interest them. Policies vary and can have physical, age, and other personal and health restrictions. Even with a college degree, candidates may not qualify for those positions if they do not meet the agency requirements. Additionally, criminal justice agencies conduct thorough background checks of applicants, and prior criminal records or poor driving record may disqualify candidates.

The forensic studies program has been blessed with alumni and donors who make it possible for us to provide merit-based scholarship to our forensic science minors. You may also be eligible for university-wide financial aid. Learn more about scholarships at Hardin-Simmons University.