M.S. in Forensic Sciences - Forensic Biology/DNA

The Master of Forensic Science with a concentration in Forensic Biology/DNA is designed for individuals pursuing careers as forensic scientists, DNA analyst, research analyst, scientific laboratory technician, or university instructor. More than 90 percent of our graduates have reported having either related career positions or entered an advanced degree program within three months of graduation.

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Program Format

The master’s program requires 39 graduate credit hours and may be completed full-time or part-time.

• First Year: Course may be taken online or on-campus
• Second Year: Laboratory and research course must be taken on-campus

Admissions

Applicants should have a college major or equivalent coursework as a foundation for the death scene investigation track. Recommended college majors include biology, cell biology, genetics or molecular biology.

 

Applications are considered year-round on a space-available basis. Application materials are submitted through the OSU Graduate College.

 

Deadlines:

Fall Admission February 1

Spring Admission: October 1

 

Details:

Admission requirements ›

Tuition, fees & aid ›

 

Apply to the Program:

 

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Academics

 

Curriculum -

The master’s program curriculum offers a solid background in forensic sciences and specialized courses forensic pathology, forensic toxicology and forensic victimology.

• View course descriptions

Degree Requirements -

• Satisfactory completion of 39 graduate credit hours
• Satisfactory completion of a thesis/research project
• Participation in graduate seminars
• Satisfactory comprehensive exam
• Must maintain a 3.0 or better GPA
• 7 years maximum time to complete the program

Thesis Requirement -

• 6 required credit hours must be dedicated to research
• Students will publish, present and defend their thesis during their final semester

Accreditation

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences has accredited the OSU Master of Science in Forensic Sciences degree in the areas of Forensic Biology/DNA and Forensic Chemistry. See http://fepac-edu.org/accredited-universities for more information.