Master of Science in Forensic Science

Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, the following requirements must be met by all applicants:

  1. A bachelor's degree in natural science, forensic science, or equivalent from an accredited college or university. 
  2. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework. 
  3. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies' English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog. 
  4. Pre-requisite Coursework:
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry (including laboratories)
  • Organic Chemistry or Survey of Organic Chemistry (including laboratories)
  • Biology (including laboratories)
  • Physics (including laboratories)
  • Calculus | Applied Calculus
  • Statistics | Bioinformatics

Additional Requirements

  • Personal statement (1-2 pages) detailing your interest in forensic science, relevant experiences, and career goals.
  • Writing sample in a peer-reviewed publication where the applicant was the lead author (of, at most, three authors) or a 1-2-page essay demonstrating analytical and writing skills on any forensic science related topic.
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers familiar with your academic or professional work.
  • Upon receipt and evaluation of the application package, suitable candidates may be invited for a final interview with the graduate committee.

Degree Requirements

  1. Complete a minimum of 42 credit hours.
  2. At least one-half of the credits must be at or above the 500-level.
  3. A maximum of one-fourth of the credit hours may be transferred from another institution.
  4. Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
FS 520Advanced Seminar in Forensic Sciences4
FS 530Quality Assurance and Ethical Conduct in Forensic Science4
FS 540Law and Forensic Sciences4
FS 550Crime Scene Investigation and Analysis of Pattern Evidence3
Emphasis in Forensic Biology
FS 570Biological Evidence and Serology4
FS 580Criminalistics: Biology4
FS 590Forensic Microbiology3
Emphasis in Forensic Chemistry
FS 575Controlled Substances4
FS 585Advanced Fire Debris Analysis4
FS 594Forensic Microscopy3

Non-Thesis Option

FS 997Independent study in forensic science4
Electives in FS, SMHS, BIOL, PHYS OR CHEM12


Thesis Option

FS 998Research Thesis9
Electives in FS, SMHS, BIOL, PHYS OR CHEM7