Skip to Navigation
George Mason University
    George Mason University
   
 
 
 
2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Forensic Science, MS


Banner Code:  SC-MS-FRSC

College: College of Science  
Department: Forensic Science Program  

The interdisciplinary master’s program 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 Virginia region, where several new FBI and police forensics labs are being built or expanded.

Available concentrations include:

Crime Scene Investigation

Forensic Biology Analysis

Forensic Chemistry Analysis

Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis

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 the College of Science , with the exception of the Forensics Graduate Certificate .

Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies  section of this catalog. Applicants should submit a completed Mason Graduate Application, 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 scores (foreign nationals only). Additionally:

Forensic Biology Analysis and Forensic Chemistry Analysis Concentrations: A bachelor of science degree in a forensic or natural science, computer science, computer electronic or electrical engineering, information systems, or information technology (or its equivalent coursework in a relevant field).

Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis Concentration: A bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in a forensic or natural science, computer science, computer electronic or electrical engineering, information systems or information technology (or its equivalent coursework in a relevant field).

Crime Scene Investigation Concentration: A bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in a related field.

Degree Requirements


Students must declare their intended concentration upon application. In the event that a student wishes to change their concentration, students may request to change their concentration by submitting a letter to the Forensic Science Program Director detailing the request and justification. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and only when the appropriate admissions requirements are met. However, if a student chooses to change concentrations, course substitutions/waivers will not be accepted.

▲ Concentration in Crime Scene Investigation (CSIN)


This concentration educates students for a career as a crime scene investigator.

▲ Concentration in Forensic Biology Analysis (FRSB)


This concentration educates students for a career as a forensic biology laboratory analyst.

▲ Concentration in Forensic Chemistry Analysis (FRCA)


This concentration educates students for a career as a forensic chemistry laboratory analyst.

▲ Concentration in Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis (FRBI)


This concentration educates students for a career as an identity intelligence analyst.

Degree Total: 36 credits