Center for

Health Sciences

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 a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours plus completion of a thesis or 32 hours for non-thesis and may be completed full-time or part-time. Students need faculty approval to pursue a thesis. 

• First Year: Courses are offered fully online
• Second Year: Degree requirements can be completed fully online. Students may have the option to participate in an on campus Methods course in the Spring or consider applying for an on campus internship program.

Admissions

Recommended college majors include biology, cell biology, genetics or molecular biology. Students should include  biology 1 and 2, biochemistry and a genetics course in their undergraduate degree.

 

Applications are considered year-round on a space-available basis. It is preferred that students in this track start in the Fall semester.  Application materials are submitted through the OSU Graduate College.

 

Suggested Deadlines:

Fall Priority Admission February 1 (preferred term)

Spring Priority Admission: October 1

 

Details:

Admission requirements ›

Tuition, fees & aid ›

 

Apply to the Program:

Apply Now

 

Academics

Curriculum -

The master’s program curriculum offers a solid background in forensic sciences and specialized courses Molecular Biology, Population Genetics and Forensic Bioscience.

• View course descriptions

Degree Requirements -

• Satisfactory completion of 30/32 graduate credit hours
• Satisfactory completion of a thesis/capstone project
• Must maintain a 3.0 or better GPA
• 7 years maximum time to complete the program

Thesis Requirement -

• Requires faculty approval and students must be on-site.
• 6 required credit hours must be dedicated to research
• Students will publish, present and defend their thesis during their final semester