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MS in Forensic Science

This program is designed for science graduates interested in pursuing a science-based graduate curriculum that includes a research project and thesis completion under the direction of a faculty member. Practicing forensic scientists may take courses at FIU (and transfer up to six credits from another institution) and conduct the research project in their laboratory. 

The goal of this program is to graduate scientists who can work as forensic science practitioners conducting casework examinations or to provide advanced science education to students interested in continuing their education towards a PhD or another terminal degree such as a law degree.

This program is designed to meet the requirements of the DNA Advisory Board for DNA analysts in the Technical Leader position (for DNA track students) and meets the criteria of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) for Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) accreditation.

Admissions

All application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions via the online Graduate Application. Use the graduate admission checklist to get started.

  • Deadlines
    • Fall: Apply by June 1, 5 p.m. EST
    • Spring: Contact Graduate Program Director
  • Requirements
    • GPA: 3.0
    • Applicant Statement/Letter of Intent: Required 
    • Letters of Recommendation: Required, 3 Letters 
    • Hold a bachelor's degree in a natural science from an accredited college or University. A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or Biology is the preferred degree
    • Foreign students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and obtain a score of 550 or higher

    Note: Students aspiring to work in the field of forensic science are normally required to undergo a thorough background check. A past criminal record (arrests and/or convictions) will usually disqualify a person to work in this field. In addition, most forensic science employers will not hire anyone with a history of illicit drug abuse.

    For additional requirements, consult the Graduate Catalog.

  • Funding

Student Success

  • ROIFIU ranks #8 nationally for students’ return on investment
  • DegreesA competitive program, 25 Master’s of Science in Forensic Science have been awarded since 2016
  • RankedMaster of Science in Forensic Science ranked one of the best on-campus programs
  • ResearchRanked as best forensic masters for research in the country by Intelligent.com
  • GraduationStudents graduate in less than three years on average
  • RetentionProgram has a 100% retention rate for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years
Lindsey Kaufman, MS
"My research project allowed me to get really comfortable and familiar with the DNA analysis process, which is what I will be using every day as a forensic lab technician. I’ve learned about the analysis process throughout my time in the classroom, but physically going through each step in the lab, using the machinery, and learning how to troubleshoot is something that you can’t get from a lecture."

- Lindsey Kaufman, Master's of Science in Forensic Science

Program

The Master of Science in Forensic Science consists of a minimum of 32 credits, including a report or thesis based upon the student's original research. For more information, consult the Graduate Catalog.

  • Course Requirements

    Students must take at least 32 credits and earn a grade of "C" or higher in all courses, with an average of 3.0 or higher.

  • Core Course Descriptions

    CHS 5542 Forensic Chemistry (3): Advanced analytical methods in forensic chemistry for application to the analysis of controlled substances, materials (ie. paint, glass and fibers), flammable and explosive residues with an emphasis on new methods and method development. (Spring)

    BSC 5406 Forensic Biology (3): Advanced forensic applications of molecular biology including PCR, and STR techniques and other laboratory methods and data interpretation. (Fall)

    CHS 5535 Forensic Analysis (3): Advanced topics on the role that physical evidence plays in the criminal justice system. Topics include crime scene methods, laboratory management and the legal framework as it relates towards physical evidence. (Fall)

Program Contact

Julian Mendel.jpeg

Julian L. Mendel

Deputy Director of Academic & Student Affairs/MSFS Graduate Program Director

Global Forensic and Justice Center

Office: OE 116C

Phone: 305-348-6211

Email: jmendel@fiu.edu