M.S. in Forensic Science and Law

M.S. in Forensic Science and Law

The Master of Science in Forensic Science and Law program is an excellent opportunity for students who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry to further their education and expertise in the field of forensic science. Despite being a graduate-level program, the curriculum is designed to admit students with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those who are recent graduates with a B.S. in Biochemistry.

The program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of forensic science and law, providing students with a thorough understanding of the scientific principles and legal frameworks that underpin forensic investigations. Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of forensic science fields, including crime scene investigation, forensic chemistry, and DNA analysis, as well as roles in law enforcement, government agencies, and private industry.

Taylor and Sarah share their experiences conducting hands-on research alongside their supportive faculty mentors, obtaining internships at some of the country’s best forensic labs and investigative organizations while living on the Bluff with their Duquesne family.

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Program Information

The Forensic Science and Law Master Degree Program is fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission.

Degree

Master's

Duration

5-year

Required Credit Hours

150

Suggested Course Sequence

Suggested course sequence for the Forensic Science and Law program.

Fall Semester
  • CHEM 151 Atomic and Molecular Principles (4 credits)
  • CHEM 151L Intro Chemistry Lab I (1 credit)
  • MATH 115 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • BIOL 111/L Biology I/Lab (4 credits)
  • BRDG 101 Writing and Analysis (3 credits)
  • BRDG 100 Research & Information Skills (1 credit)
  • IFSL 100 Forensic Science and Law Undergraduate Seminar (1 credit)

Spring Semester
  • CHEM 152 Quantitative Analysis (4 credits)
  • CHEM 152L Quantitative Analysis Lab II 1
  • MATH 116 Calculus II (4 credits)
  • BIOL 112/L Biology II/Lab (4 credits)
  • BRDG 102 Writing and Literature (3 credits)
  • FORE 101 Forensic Science & Criminal Law
Fall Semester
  • CHEM 211/L Organic Chemistry I/Lab (4 credits)
  • PHYS 201/L Physics for Life Sciences I/Lab (4 credits)
  • ENGL 302W Scientific Writing (3 credits)
  • EQ xxx Essential Questions Seminar (3 credits)
  • MATH 225 Biostatistics I (3 credits)

Spring Semester
  • CHEM 212/L Organic Chemistry II/Lab (4 credits)
  • PHYS 202/L Physics for Life Sciences II/Lab (4 credits
  • BIOL 212/R Cellular & Molecular Biology & Recitation (4 credits)
  • FORE 201 Phil Ethics of Law (2 credits)
  • IFSL 200 FSL UG Seminar II (1 credit)
  • Forensic Science and Law Undergraduate Seminar Il (1 credit)
Fall Semester
  • CHEM 340 Instrumental Analysis (3 credits)
  • CHEM 401 Biochemistry I (3 credits)
  • CHEM 301 Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences (4 credits)
  • MATH 335 Biostatistics II (3 credits)
  • FORE 410 Forensic Investigation I (2 credits)
  • FORE 301W Wrongful Convictions (2 credits)
  • FORE 300 Professional Development I (0/1 credit)

Spring Semester
  • CHEM 371W/R
  • Forensic Chemistry Laboratory & Recitation (3 credits)
  • CHEM 402 Biochemistry II (3 credits)
  • CHEM 305/305R Advanced Skills Lab (1 credit)
  • BIOL 479 Forensic Molecular Biology (3 credits)
  • FORE 411 Forensic Investigation II (2 credits)
  • BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • FORE 320 Professional Development Il (0/1 credit)
Fall Semester
  • CHEM 514W/R Advanced Forensic Chemistry Laboratory & Recitation (3 credits)
  • BIOL 530W DNA Methods/Population Genetics (4 credits)
  • FORE 401 American Legal History (1 credit)
  • FORE 402 Torts (1 credit)
  • BIOL 568 Human Genetics (3 credits)
  • BRDG Cultural Fluency & Responsiveness (3 credits)
  • SPRG 108 Service Learning in Science (0/1 credit)
  • FORE 400w Professional Development III (1 credit)
  • FORE 480 Independent Research Forensics (1 credit)
  • CHEM 691* Seminar (0 credits)

Spring Semester
  • FORE 421 Environmental Law (1 credit)
  • FORE 510 Ethics in Forensic Science & Professional Responsibilities (1 credit)
  • FORE 522 Quality Assurance & Lab Administration Management (2 credit)
  • BRDG Social & Historical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • GEN General Elective or THEO/PHIL (3 credits)
  • FORE 420W Professional Development IV (1 credit)
  • FORE 480 Independent Research Forensics (1 credit)
  • BIOL 490 Seminar (1 credit)
  •  BIOL Elective (300+, BS trk)** (3 credits)


Fall Semester
  • FORE 501 Trace Evidence & Environmental (3 credits)
  • FORE 521 Forensic DNA Analysis/Interpretation/Statistics (3 credits)
  • FORE 540 Constitutional Criminal Procedure (1 credit)
  • FORE 541 Latent Print Analysis (1 credit)
  • FORE 550 Journal Club/Research (1 credit)
  • FORE 610 Trace Evidence Application Lab (1 creedit)
  • FORE 620 Serology/DNA Application Lab (1 credit)
  • FORE 650 Adv DNA Tpcs/Non-Human DNA (1 credit)
  • IFSL 565 Forensic Pathology (1 credit)
  • FORE 500 Internship (optional) (0 credits)

Spring Semester
  • FORE 511 Forensic Drug Analysis (2 credits)
  • FORE 513 Firearms & Toolmarks (2 credits)
  • FORE 525 Forensic Toxicology (2 credits)
  • FORE 535 Evidence/Case Management (1 credit)
  • FORE 545 Explosives & Arson Investigations (2 credits)
  • FORE 555 Expert Qualification (1 cedit)
  • FORE 630 Chemistry/Toxicology/Arson Application Lab (1 credit)
  • FORE 640 Research Defense (1 credit)
  • IFSL 600 Graduate Professional Seminar (1 credit)

Questions? Contact Us!

Pamela Marshall, Ph.D.

Director and Associate Professor, Forensic Science and Law

Pamela Marshall headshot