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

Core Courses (28 hours)

Laboratory Courses (Choose One - 2 hours)

Elective Courses

Other courses as approved by Graduate Coodinator

Two Plans for Degree Completion (3 - Up to 7 Credit Hours)

FSCI 6910 - Directed Research (3 - up to 6)
FSCI 6790 - Research Proposal Writing †
FSCI 6990 - Thesis Research (3 - up to 6)
† Successful completion of course required prior to registration the Thesis Research (FSCI 6990 ).

FBI Requirements for DNA Analysts (Not Required for MSFS)

BIOL 5010 - Molecular Biology *
BIOL 3500 - General Genetics * - Undergradaute Level OR
BIOL 6210 - Molecular Genetics I *
CHEM 5450 - General Biochemistry *
BIOL 6030 - Advanced Biostatistics * OR
STAT 5080 - Experimental Design * OR
STAT 6010 - Statistics for Managerial Decisions *
* Coursework required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation at the undergraduate or graduate level for DNA analysts, credits do not count toward MSFS.

Plan I: Thesis Option

The thesis option is a major project of original, laboratory-based research, conducted under the supervision of the student’s major advisor. Students electing this option must register for and successfully complete the Research Proposal Writing course (FSCI 6790 ) at least the semester prior to registering for Thesis Research (FSCI 6990 ).Furthermore, students electing this option must register for no fewer than three and no more than six credit hours total of thesis research (FSCI 6990 ) as part of their degree program. Students will submit a thesis, make a formal presentation of their work, and be assessed by program faculty and other members of their thesis committee.Students will receive additional information from the department on specific expectations for the Plan I option.

Plan II: Research Project

Students opting for Plan II will undertake a project that may take one of many forms, including: a field placement in a working forensic laboratory, working on an on-campus project where the students can undergo further training or assist in validation, or conduct literature-based research culminating in a scholarly work that encapsulates all that the student has learned as a Forensic Science major at Bowling Green State University. Typically, FSCI 6910 is completed in the final semester for the program, but students who elect to complete longer, more involved projects may register for no fewer than three and no more than six credit hours total of FSCI 6910 over their final two semesters of their degree program. Students will submit a report detailing their work, make a formal presentation of their work, and be assessed by program faculty. Students will receive additional information from the department on specific expectations for the Plan II option.

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.