Orange Alert

M.S. in Forensic Science

Program Overview

  • 36-credit hour program designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the application of scientific techniques to forensic investigations and the criminal justice system.
  • Advanced Laboratory Track (FEPAC accredited): Ideal for students interested in specialized areas of forensic science, including biology/DNA, chemistry, toxicology, microbial forensics, latent prints, and firearms analysis.
  • General Forensic Science Track: Ideal for students with interests in crime scene investigation, medicolegal death investigation, firearms analysis, latent prints, psychology, law enforcement, legal studies, and federal intelligence agencies.

Explore Student Outcomes

General Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered based on other strengths, such as relevant coursework, research, internship experience, or grade improvement over time.
  • Application Process:
    • Complete the application form
    • Submit the following documents:
      • Personal Statement
      • Unofficial Transcripts
      • Resume
      • Three Letters of Recommendation (recommended that at least two letters are from an academic instructor or other academic references such as research mentor or internship supervisor, if applicable).
      • Application Fee
  • Deadlines
    • Our target application date for either Summer or Fall admission is Feb. 15. This is not a deadline, since we have rolling admission, but applying by this date ensures we will have space and that you will be fully considered for possible scholarships. We have a small number of scholarships, and they are nominated based on applications. For Spring admission, the target date is October 15.

Specific Admission Requirements

Advanced Laboratory Track

  • Undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or forensic science
  • At least two semesters of general chemistry
  • At least one semester of calculus or statistics
  • At least one of the following:
    • Two semesters of general biology (including lab) – minimum of 7 credit hours
    • Two semesters of organic chemistry (including lab) – minimum of 7 credit hours
    • Two semesters of physics (including lab) – minimum of 7 credit hours

Note: Students lacking a robust science background are encouraged to consider the General Track.

General Track

This track is designed for students pursuing forensic science careers that are not primarily lab-based. Examples include crime scene investigation, medicolegal death investigation, some latent prints or firearms analysis positions, or positions in local or federal law enforcement.

  • Preferred applicants will have an undergraduate degree that includes at least two semesters of science courses, with one course featuring a lab component.

Request Information

Loading...