Bachelor of Science in Crime Science

The BSCS combines forensics and computer science with traditional criminology and criminal justice. It is intended for students who appreciate the modern complexities of crime, prevention, and control. The BSCS provides students with the sophisticated analytical skills needed for the new era of law enforcement within the United States and abroad.

The BSCS program is available at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus and FIU Online

Program Flyer

  • Degree Requirements
    1. All students are required to complete the University Core Curriculum General Education Requirements to receive a degree from FIU. Proof of an Associate of Arts (AA) degree from a Florida college automatically satisfies this requirement.
    2. Students entering FIU without an Associate of Arts degree from a Florida college must complete the "University Core Curriculum" requirements. (See the FIU Catalog website for details on the Core Requirements).
    3. Global Learning - In order to graduate with a Bachelor's degree from FIU, students must take a minimum of two Global Learning (GL-designated) courses. A Global Learning course counts toward the graduation requirement only if taken once it has been granted GL designation.
    4. Foreign Language - Students must show mastery at, or complete a second-semester sequence (at the college level) foreign language course or one more advanced with a minimum grade of "C". Credits earned through AP, IB, CLEP and other testing methods for earning accelerated credit satisfy this requirement. Discuss options for satisfying this requirement with your Academic Advisor.
    5. All students entering any University within the Florida State University System with fewer than 60 credit hours are required to earn at least nine (9) credit hours prior to graduation by attending one or more summer terms at a university within the system.
  • Program Course Requirements

    Common Prerequisites

    • STA 2023 Statistics for Business and Economics
      (prerequisite: high school algebra)
    • BSC 2010 General Biology I and BSC 2010L General Biology I Lab
    • FIU course: CHM 1020 Chemistry and Society and CHM 1020L Chemistry and Society Lab
      (prerequisites: high school or college algebra)
      Acceptable substitute: CHM 1025C or (CHM 1025 and CHM 1025L)

    NOTE: The below course requirements are for students admitted in Fall 2020 and thereafter. Previously admitted students may choose to follow these course requirements (see your advisor).

    Upper Division Program Requirements

    Crime science majors must complete 40 credit hours of core courses and 20 credit hours of general electives. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses required for the major and satisfy the Green School Language Requirement.

    Core Courses (40 Credits)

    Classes with prefixes CHS, CTS, and EEE are offered by departments outside of criminology and criminal justice. We do not schedule their classes. Please make sure to enroll in these courses when they are available during the Fall and Spring semesters as they may not be offered during the Summer.

    • CCJ 4014 Criminological Theory
    • CCJ 4700 Research Methods and Analysis
    • CCJ 4072 GIS and Crime Mapping
    • CJE 3444 Security and Crime Science (GL)
    • CJE 3610 Crime Scene Investigation
    • CJL 4133 Criminal Evidence
    • CHS 3501 Survey of Forensic Science
    • CHS 3501L Survey of Forensic Science Laboratory
    • CCJ 4225 The Courts and Forensic Science
    • DSC 4012 Terrorism and Homeland Security (GL)
    • CJE 4694 Cyber Crime
    • CTS 1120 Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
    • EEE 4752 Introduction to Network Forensics and Incident Response (senior standing)
    • CJE 4717 Senior Capstone in Crime Science (senior standing)

    GL = Global Learning Course. 

    General Electives (20 Credits)

    The number of general electives may vary. Please see an advisor for the total number of credits that may be used for general electives outside the major. 1- and 2-credit physical activity courses (with the prefixes PEL, PEM, PEN) cannot be included as part of the hours needed for graduation. Independent study courses may not be taken outside of criminal justice. Students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship to gain practical experience in the field (CCJ 4940). Click here for information on internships.