Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog
Internal / External Transfers: A maximum of six credits may be transferred from another institution. All prerequisites for the chosen courses must be satisfied. To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, submission of a transcript must be submitted, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency.
For Curriculum Sequence, see Program Handbook.
Academic Standards / Grade Requirements: Grades of“ C” or higher are required in each minor course. A student may achieve less than a“ C” grade in only two courses, and they may repeat these courses only once.
Attendance Policies( including Lab / Clinical Attendance Policies): Students are expected to adhere to the attendance policies outlined by course instructors in individual courses.
Academic Progress,( Probation), and Program Dismissal: Should a student fail to earn a grade of“ C” or higher in any of the courses required for the minor, the student will not earn the minor.
Course Withdrawal Policies: Same as University
Forensic Science Degree: Minor Program Modality: on-ground Academic Program Director: Michelle McEliece
Program Description: Forensic science is the application of scientific principles, methods, and techniques to analyze physical evidence for legal investigations and court proceedings. It bridges science and the law to objectively identify, examine, and evaluate evidence. Students minoring in Forensic Science will receive training in the rigorous application of the scientific method to establish the legitimacy of a set of circumstances. The skills obtained through this minor are necessary for those who choose an occupation where the goal is to achieve justice.
A Forensic Science minor would suit undergraduate students across STEM, social science, and humanities fields( especially Criminal Justice, Biology, CIS, and Psychology) who want to apply scientific analysis to legal, investigative, and crime scene contexts, although students in any major could pursue a minor in Forensic Science. It is appropriate for those pursuing careers in lab work, law enforcement, law, or forensic psychology.
Program Learning Outcomes PLO1 Applying scientific reasoning to crime scene analysis. Students will learn to systematically manage, reconstruct, and interpret crime scenes by utilizing the scientific method, ensuring the integrity and reliability of evidence. PLO2 Analytical skills and critical thinking. Students will critically assess data and gain proficiency in offering qualitative and quantitative explanations for forensic evidence. PLO3 Fundamental knowledge of criminalistics. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles and techniques essential to criminalistics, including the identification, handling, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence. PLO4 Instrumental and technological competence. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the usage of
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