Forensic Science, M.S.

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The master’s degree in Forensic Science (MSFS) program refreshes, solidifies and upgrades the undergraduate and current practitioner knowledge base, allowing students to prepare for new challenges they will encounter in their professional careers. As a result, graduates of the program will be equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills in forensic science, creating opportunities to become sought-after leaders in their profession.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume positions in both the public sector in government agencies and in private organizations as forensic scientists. Active forensic science practitioners will develop new skills in order to increase the professional knowledge and leadership capabilities necessary to keep up with the ever-changing methods and technologies of this dynamic, multidisciplinary profession.

This degree is offered for students with strong science backgrounds who desire to work in a lab.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Forensic Science program are expected to be able to:

Demonstrate competency in the identification, collection, preservation, and analysis of crime scene evidence.
Critically assess the legal and ethical implications of modern investigative techniques.
Apply scientific reasoning and methods to improve crime scene investigative techniques.
Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, on investigative techniques used in the evidentiary process.

Admission Requirements

Application deadline is February 1 for Fall Semester for all applicants. Since application reviews may begin immediately after the deadline, we recommend submitting your application and providing all required documents before the deadline.

Submit the scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test
Two Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose - should include these topics: Research background, research interests, career goals, and how BGSU can aid in obtaining these goals.
Writing Sample - scientific writing sample
Resume

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses (30 credits)

FSCI 5100 - Principles of Crime Scene Investigations
FSCI 5230 - Forensic Biology (Credit cannot be received for both BIOL/FSCI 4230 and FSCI 5230)
FSCI 5300 - Pharmacology/Toxicology of Drug Addiction
FORI 5400 - Law, Evidence and Procedure in Forensic Science
FSCI 6100 - Microscopy, Materials, and Pattern Evidence
FSCI 6200 - Forensic DNA Analysis
FSCI 6300 - Forensic Applications of Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Methods of Analysis
FSCI 6700 - Forensic Laboratory Management
FSCI 6800 - Seminar in Forensic Science
Select 1 Laboratory Course.
FSCI 6510 - Forensic Chemistry Lab and Moot Court
FSCI 6520 - Forensic Biology Lab and Moot Court

Other Requirements

OPTIONAL: For DNA analysts, the FBI requires completion of courses in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and statistics at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. The following courses do not count toward the Forensic degree. By completing the following courses, students are eligible for employment as a DNA analyst with the Forensic Science MS degree.

Culminating Experience (3-7 credits)

Plan I:
FSCI 6790 - Research Proposal Writing (1 credit)
FSCI 6990 - Thesis Research (3-6 credits)
Plan II:
FSCI 6910 - Directed Research (3-6 credits)

Minimum Total Credits (33 credits)

Additional Requirements

Minimum of 3 credits of 6990 required for Plan I master’s students. Maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree requirements.
Minimum 3.0 graduate cumulative grade point average
Minimum of 18 credits must be at the 6000-level or higher
Minimum of 24 credits must be earned at BGSU
All requirements must be completed within six years from the end of the earliest course used to fulfill degree requirements.