Our Master of Science in Forensic Science degree is a full-time, two-year program designed to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century by providing:
- Theoretical and practical background in all areas of criminalistics
- Meaningful forensic science research experience
- The opportunity to develop written and oral communication skills
After earning your bachelor’s degree here at Cedar Crest or elsewhere and meeting eligibility requirements, you can enroll immediately in our Master of Science in Forensic Science program and earn an advanced degree. The program is fully accredited by the Forensic Science Educational Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
As a graduate student in the Master of Science in Forensic Science program, you will learn the foundational principles of forensic science and apply them throughout your studies in all aspects of your instruction. You will perform research and laboratory coursework in state-of-the art laboratories using instrumentation for pattern analysis, crime scene reconstruction, microscopy, and more. You will learn from faculty members with over 50 years of experience in forensic science and who are renowned experts in the field: They routinely conduct research, publish in peer-reviewed publications, give presentations at national and local conferences, and testify in the courtroom.
Our Master of Science in Forensic Science is specifically designed for students who have a solid background in the natural sciences and currently hold a bachelor’s degree in a natural or forensic science.
What Makes Our Program Unique
The Master of Science in Forensic Science program at Cedar Crest differs from other programs in two key ways: First, it places a heightened emphasis on student research, and second it focuses on developing students’ leadership qualities. We believe that there is no better way to develop scientists than by positioning research as the foundation of our program. Also, our program is designed to inspire you not only to work in forensic science but to play a leadership role in the field. Given the pertinent role that forensic science plays in today’s criminal justice system, the development of future leaders is necessary for the field to continue to fulfill its professional mandate.
Our goal is to help produce a future generation of competent, credible and ethical forensic scientists who will be prepared to assume positions of authority in forensic science research, administration and public policy.
(40 credits)
Apply now to this graduate program.
Requirements*:
FSC 500 Thesis Prospectus (2 credits)
FSC 501 Forensic Science Research I (3 credits)
FSC 502 Forensic Science Research II (3 credits)
FSC 503 Professional Communication (2 credits)
FSC 504 Graduate Seminar (1 credit)
FSC 505 Separations Chemistry (2 credits)
FSC 506 Analytical Spectroscopy (2 credits)
FSC 507 Forensic Chemistry (3 credits)
FSC 508 Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology (3 credits)
FSC 509 Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction (1 credit)
FSC 510 Recent Advance in Forensic Biology (3 credits)
FSC 511 Molecular Biology (3 credits)
FSC 512 Forensic Science Administration (2 credits)
FSC 513 Advanced Microscopy (3 credits)
FSC 514 Legal and Ethical Issues in the Forensic Sciences (2 credits)
FSC 515 Advanced Forensic Pattern Analysis (3 credits)
FSC 599 Continuing Research (1 credit per semester after summer research until the completion of thesis)
*Undergraduate Prerequisites
Students in the forensic science program must complete undergraduate prerequisites in biochemistry, genetics, instrumental analysis (lab component required), and statistics. Students accepted into the program without these courses must register for these courses at the undergraduate level during the first year. In addition, students will need background in forensic pattern evidence, trace evidence analysis, microscopy, and forensic biology in order to register for certain graduate courses. Students without sufficient undergraduate background in any of these areas will also be asked to register for undergraduate courses offering this background during the first year.
**Each semester second year
Read course descriptions and faculty profiles for the department. *
Next Steps
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