2010-2011 University Catalog 
  
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2010-2011 University Catalog

Forensic Science, MS

Banner Code:  SC-MS-FRSC

his program of study is offered by the College of Science .

The interdisciplinary MS program in Forensic Science is designed to train students in the technical and legal aspects of the field, and it is especially relevant for the many area professionals holding positions in government and private laboratories specializing in the analytical investigation of criminal and terrorist activities. Graduates will be qualified to work in high-technology forensics laboratories that analyze and interpret a wide variety of evidence and data in support of investigations and prosecutions. The demand for graduates with these skills is especially strong in the Northern VA region, where several new FBI and police forensics labs are being built or expanded.

The degree requires 21 credits of core courses covering crime scene analysis and fundamental forensic concepts, and an additional 6-9 credits of forensic science electives. Students also complete either a 3 credit research project or a 6 credit MS thesis for a total of 33 program credits. A unique element of the program is the “Forensics Capstone Course,” which is taken by all students in the program. In this class, students will combine their skills as members of interdisciplinary investigation teams as they analyze “real world” crime scenes.

The curriculum outlined below has been designed to meet the standards of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Science. Students enrolled in this professional MS program are charged at a differential (premium) tuition rate, and therefore they may not enroll concurrently in any other graduate degree program or certificate program offered by COS, with the exception of the graduate certificate program in Forensics. However students enrolled in academic programs outside COS may enroll in this certificate program concurrently.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Forensic Science MS program should hold a BA or BS degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Applicants should submit the a completed GMU graduate application, official score reports for the GRE-GEN exam, three letters of recommendation, two copies of official transcripts from each institution of higher learning attended, a current resume, a Virginia Domicile Classification form, and an official report of TOEFL (foreign nationals only).

Degree Requirements

The MS program in Forensic Science requires a total of 33 credit hours, comprising traditional 3-credit lecture courses (many with laboratory components), a seminar course, and a research project or thesis. The coursework is divided into forensics core courses and forensics electives. Students must complete 21 credits of core courses and 9 credits of forensic science electives; those undertaking the 6-credit thesis option take only 6 credits of electives.

An important element of the program is the “Forensics Capstone Course,” in which students combine their skills as members of multidisciplinary investigation teams in order to analyze “real world” crime scenes. This course will demonstrate in practice how students combine skills in the scientific/quantitative analysis and legal/anthropological areas to understand the nuances of the evidence presented at an actual crime scene. Waivers of specific course requirements will be considered for students who have taken equivalent courses elsewhere or have substantial practical experience in the subject areas covered by the particular course. Students complete 33 credits as follows:

Forensics Core Courses (21 credits):

Forensics Electives (6 or 9 credits):

Research Component (3 or 6 credits):

Students completing the 6 credit thesis option take only 6 credits of Forensics Electives.

Total: 33 credits