Forensic Science and Law MS

Duquesne's Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Science and Law is the nation’s only accredited 4+1 forensic science program. In this program, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a wide range of forensic science skills, including crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, forensic toxicology and pathology. You’ll also explore the legal side of forensic science, learning about courtroom procedures and how to provide expert testimony.

As a student in Forensic Science and Law, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of forensic science disciplines and techniques tailored to your interests. Our faculty members specialize in diverse research areas, including DNA analysis and interpretation, sexual assault and violence cases, and fire and explosives investigations. Engaging in research is not just encouraged—it’s a requirement for majors, with the department providing financial support for your projects.

The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience. You’ll work on real research projects, analyze evidence in modern laboratories and collaborate with experienced faculty. You’ll gain skills in areas like digital forensics, criminalistics and forensic evidence analysis. Graduates pursue careers as forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, forensic toxicologists and digital forensic analysts, contributing their expertise to the justice system. The degree also provides a strong foundation for those interested in advanced graduate studies or doctoral research in forensic science and law.

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Program Information

Duquesne's MS in Forensic Science and Law is the nation’s only accredited 4+1 forensic science program, combining hands-on forensic training, legal expertise, and research experience to prepare graduates for careers as forensic scientists, crime scene investigators and digital forensic analysts.

Program Type

Dual Degree

Degree

Bachelor's, Master's

School

School of Science and Engineering

Academic Department

Forensic Science and Law

Duration

5 years

Required Credit Hours

131 (BS Biochemistry), 26 (MS Forensic Science and Law), 157 Total Credits

Modality

In-Person

Research Opportunities

A defining feature of the program is the opportunity to engage in faculty-led research that reflects current challenges and innovations in forensic science. You’ll work on projects that connect laboratory science, emerging technology and real-world case applications.

In the Ferrara lab you'll explore the intersection of forensic science, ethics, and the criminal justice system. Her work integrates laboratory-based forensic research, particularly in DNA analysis and emerging technologies, with broader studies on bias, ethical reasoning and ethics education for forensic science, and the impact of context in forensic and legal settings. She also investigates critical issues such as the complexities of sexual assault and sexual violence cases, the relationship between forensic science and the legal system (how scientific findings are communicated, challenged, and applied), and how media and public narratives shape perceptions of justice. Across all areas, her research emphasizes social justice, the responsible use of technology (including AI), and strengthening the connection between scientific evidence and equitable legal outcomes.
In the Marshall Laboratory, students engage in cutting-edge forensic science research spanning forensic biology, genetics, anthropology, serology, crime scene technology, and criminal justice. Current projects include validating innovative DNA extraction methods for challenging forensic samples, investigating DNA recovery and contamination risks, examining human remains and fire-related identification techniques, exploring fracture patterns in skeletal structures, analyzing 3D-printed firearms and gunshot residue, leveraging virtual reality for crime scene documentation and courtroom testimony, and researching complex social issues such as filicide and serial offender behavior. Whether your interests lie at the laboratory bench, the crime scene, or the intersection of science and justice, the Marshall Laboratory offers opportunities to contribute to meaningful research that advances the field of forensic science.
Applying forensic expertise to fire and explosion investigations, as explored through research in the Regentin Lab, including fire and explosion dynamics, firearms, and investigative analysis. You may engage in reconstructing incident timelines, determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions, and integrating scientific evidence with legal standards for courtroom presentation. You may also investigate how forensic evidence collected at crime scenes—including trace evidence, biological materials, fingerprints and chemical residues—is affected by the thermal impacts of fire and explosion events.
 

Questions? Contact Us!

Pamela Marshall

Director and Associate Professor

Forensic Science and Law

Pam Marshall

Real Students. Real Forensic Science.

 
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Step Inside Our Forensic Science and Law Program

Students inspired by shows like NCIS share how Duquesne’s Forensic Science and Law program prepare them for exciting careers.

Learn From Our Students
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See What Makes Our Program Unique

Forensic Science and Law students share how the program provides personalized, one-on-one support from faculty with extensive expertise in the field.

Hear Their Stories

 

Student Publications

Postmortem Benzodiazepine Identification

Caley Moore, M.S., a former graduate student, collaborated with Dr. Pamela Marshall and Dr. Jennifer Hammers to analyze the risks associated with clonazolam and bromazolam in forensic investigations. Their work focused on identifying these substances in postmortem cases and preparing case reports to highlight their dangers.

Read the data

Forensic Firearms & Ghost Guns

Ellen Wenzinger, M.S., examined the effectiveness of existing firearm examination techniques when applied to 3D-printed guns. Collaborating with biomedical engineering graduate Benjamin Bernarding, M.S., and forensic experts Drs. Stephanie Wetzel, John Viator, and Pamela Marshall, along with adjunct faculty member Brian Kohlhepp, this research sheds light on the forensic challenges and lethality of ghost guns.

Read The Publication

Forensic GEM Kit Validation

Dylan Baxter, a former undergraduate student, partnered with Dr. Jillian Conte and Dr. Pamela Marshall to validate forensicGEM, a novel DNA extraction kit. Their research introduced a cutting-edge method using thermophilic proteinase and temperature-based extraction to enhance human DNA identification for forensic applications.

More On This Study

Next-Gen Sequencing in Forensics

As part of her capstone project, former graduate student Erin Estus, M.S., conducted a comprehensive analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for forensic applications. In collaboration with Dr. Lyndsie Ferrara and the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE), this study explores the potential of NGS for human DNA identification in forensic investigations.

Get the Full Report

Photographic Documentation in Assault Cases

Former graduate students Kayce Boggess, M.S., Odile Enslen, M.S., and Shelby Kmidowski, M.S., worked alongside Dr. Lyndsie Ferrara to examine best practices for photographic evidence collection in sexual assault cases. Their research highlights advanced digital imaging techniques and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to improving forensic documentation in these sensitive investigations.

Read The Findings

Discover What’s Next

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Graduate Student Life

Duquesne offers graduate students full access to campus resources—from fitness and wellness services to library study spaces and career development. Live just steps from your classes in Brottier Hall (apartment style), Des Places Hall (suite style), or our newest graduate student apartment building, McGinley Hall.

What’s Next for the Class of 2026?

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Every class played a role in preparing me. I felt confident applying what I learned to my internships and now to my profession. I am working for New York Life in their Accidental Death and Dismemberment section after graduation.

Kendall Michaels SG'26, Forensic Science and Law
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This program taught me to be confident in my decisions as a student and a scientist. Running my own research project is one of my proudest achievements and I look forward to it helping our community! Following graduation, I will be an Associate Scientist II at QPS Holdings.

Melanie Tanis SG'26, Forensic Science and Law
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The FSL program helped me turn curiosity into evidence-based truth while teaching me to trust my skills and stay inquisitive. Following graduation, I will be joining the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) as a Criminalist I in the Forensic Services – Drug Analysis Department.

Loreniz Colom SG'26, Forensic Science and Law
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My favorite memories from program include attending the AAFS conference two years in a row to present two different research projects, as well as traveling to Portland for the SOFT conference to present my master’s thesis. After graduation, I will be working for the Pennsylvania State Police.

Hannah Schaeffer SG'26, Forensic Science and Law
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I have discovered my strengths, passions and goals. My favorite memory was participating in a study abroad experience in wildlife forensics in South Africa. After graduation, I will be working as a lab analyst at Metiri Group in Kittanning, PA, performing environmental health testing for water, air and soil quality.

Kara Young SG'26, Forensic Science and Law
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My favorite part of the Forensic Science and Law Program has been the opportunity to build meaningful, lasting connections. The support from my peers has been extremely valuable. After graduation, I will be working with Microbac Laboratories as a Microbiology Analyst I.

Jessica Dudich SG'26, Forensic Science and Law

My favorite memory from the Forensic Science and Law Program is taking a road trip to New Orleans to present my master’s research at the AAFS conference. Following graduation, I will work in latent print analysis.

Jessica Pichat SG'26, Forensic Science and Law
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One of the most impactful aspects of the program has been the opportunity to connect with such supportive faculty. The program has enhanced my forensic science knowledge and skills. Following graduation, I plan to continue working as a Casework Coordinator at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Julia Moorehead SG'26, Forensic Science and Law

Student Success and Outcomes

Research Outcomes

See the research conducted by our Forensic Science and Law students at our previous graduate research symposiums. 

Graduation Rates

Year of Graduation Number of students entering the 3rd year Number of students graduating the 5th year Percentage of students earning the Master of Science Degree
2026 19 15 79%
2025 14 13 93%
2024 30 25 83%
2023 32 26 81%
2022 32 25 78%
2021 17 15 88%
2020 21 16 76%
2019 20 18 90%
2018 19 16 84%
2017 25 21 84%

Employment Rates

Year of Graduation

Number of enrolled students

Percentage of Students employed between 12-18 months in a forensic science and/or science-related position

 Percentage of students continuing their education in law, medicine, or research Percentage of students who were unreachable or didn't respond

Total %
2025 152 69% 8% 23% 100%
2024 145 80% 12% 0% 92%
2023 152 84% 4% 12% 88%
2022 159 84% 8% 8% 92%
2021 147 93% 7% 0% 100%
2020 143 81% 13% 6% 94%
2019 146 89% 6% 5% 95%

Suggested Course Sequence

Suggested course sequence for the Forensic Science and Law program.

To assist in achieving your academic goals, we recommend the following course sequence.

Please review the Forensic Science and Law Program's Academic Integrity Policy. All students must read and acknowledge the policy by signing it as part of the program requirements.

Fall Semester
  • IFSL 100 Undergraduate Seminar l (1 credit)
  • FORE 105 FIRST Colloquium (0 credits)
  • 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)

Spring Semester
  • FORE 106 FIRST Colloquium (0 credits)
  • 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 Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
  • CHEM 211L Organic Chem Lab I (1 credit)
  • PHYS 201 Physics Life Science I (3 credits)
  • PHYS 201L Physics Lab I (1 credit)
  • BIOL 212 Cell and Molecular Biology (4 credits)
  • BIOL 212R Cell and Molec Bio Rec (0 credits)
  • ENGL 302W Scientific Writing (3 credits)
  • EQ xxx Essential Questions Seminar (3 credits)
  • FORE 205 FIRST Colloquium (0 credits)

Spring Semester
  • CHEM 212 Organic Chemistry II (3 credits)
  • CHEM 212L Organic Chem Lab II (1 credit)
  • PHYS 202 Physics Life Sciences II (3 credits)
  • PHYS 202L Physics Lab II (1 credit)
  • MATH 225 Biostatistics I (3 credits)
  • FORE 201 Phil Ethics of Law (2 credits)
  • IFSL 200 FSL UG Seminar II (1 credit)
  • FORE 206 FIRST Colloquium (0 credits)
Fall Semester
  • CHEM 340 Instrumental Analysis (3 credits)
  • CHEM 401 Biochemistry I (3 credits)
  • CHEM 301 Phys Chem Life Sci (4 credits)
  • MATH 335 Biostatistics II (3 credits)
  • FORE 410 Forensic Invest I (2 credits)
  • FORE 301W Wrongful Convictions (2 credits)
  • FORE 300 Professional Dev I (0/1 credits)

Spring Semester
  • CHEM 371W/R Forensic Chem Lab (3 credits)
  • CHEM 402 Biochemistry II (3 credits)
  • CHEM 305 W/R Advanced Lab Skills (1 credits)
  • FORE 479 Forensics Molec Biology (3 credits)
  • FORE 411 Forensic Invest II (2 credits)
  • BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • FORE 320 Professional Dev II (0/1 credits)
Fall Semester
  • CHEM 514W/R Adv Forensic Chem Lab (3 credits)
  • FORE 530W DNA Methods/Pop Gen (4 credits)
  • FORE 401 American Legal History (1 credit)
  • FORE 402 Torts (1 credit)
  • BIOL 577 Forensic Human Genetics (3 credits)
  • FORE 540 Constitutional Crim Proc (1 credit)
  • Bridges course - Cultural Fluency/Theology (3 credits)
  • SPRG 108 Service Learning in Science (0 credits)
  • FORE 400W Professional Dev III (1 credit)
  • FORE 480 Independ Research Forensics (1 credit)

Spring Semester
  • FORE 585 Crim Case Review & Evidence Admis (1 credit)
  • FORE 510 Ethics in Forensic Sci/Prof Resp (1 credit)
  • FORE 522 QA & Lab Admin Management (2 credits)
  • FORE 420W Professional Dev IV (1 credit)
  • FORE 480 Independ Research Forensics (1 credit)
  • FORE 535 Evidence/Case Management (1 credit)
  • Bridges course - Social & Hist Reasoning/Phil (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
Fall Semester
  • FORE 501 Trace Evid/Environmental (3 credits)
  • FORE 521 For DNA Anly/Interpretation/Statistics (3 credits)
  • FORE 541 Latent Print Analysis (1 credit)
  • FORE 550 Seminar/Journal Club (1 credit)
  • FORE 610 Trace Evidence App Lab (1 credit)
  • FORE 620 Serology/DNA App Lab (1 credit)
  • FORE 650 Adv DNA Topics: Non Hum DNA (1 credit)
  • IFSL 560 Forensic Anatomy (1 credit)
  • FORE 575 Advncd Forensic Investigations (1 credit)
  • FORE 500 Internship (Optional) (0 credits)

Spring Semester
  • FORE 511 Forensic Drug Analysis (2 credits)
  • FORE 513 Firearm Examination and Identif (2 credits)
  • FORE 525 Forensics Toxicology (3 credits)
  • FORE 545 Explosives & Ars Investigations (2 credits)
  • FORE 555 Expert Qualification (1 credit)
  • FORE 630 Chem/Tox/Ars App Lab (1 credit)
  • FORE 640 Research Defense (1 credit)
  • FORE 660 Forensic Science & Law Comp (0 credits)
  • IFSL  565 Forensic Pathology (1 credit)

Learning Outcomes

  1. Professional and ethical concepts: The student will exhibit an understanding of professional, ethical and bias concepts throughout their college education.
  2. Science and the Law: The student will display an understanding of the intersect between forensic science and law and demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between law enforcement, attorneys (Prosecution and Defense), other stakeholders, and crime laboratory scientists.
  3. Comprehensive science and math foundations: The student will master foundational knowledge of comprehensive science and math coursework in order to advance to the 3rd year and above.
  4. Apply scientific principles and knowledge: The student will be able to apply scientific principles to forensic science and law problems in a research and laboratory setting.
  5. Adapt to Advances and Changes: The student will achieve an appreciation of the advancements and changes in the forensic sciences, particularly with regards to accreditation standards and innovative technologies, and be able to adapt to those changes.
  6. Forensic Community Involvement and Contribution to the Profession: The student will have skills and a level of knowledge that will allow him/her to be a significant contributor to furthering the science of forensics through active engagement in cutting edge research and presentation of their findings at local, state, regional and national forensic and/or scientific meetings.
 

Accreditation

Duquesne’s Forensic Science and Law master’s program is fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), part of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. This accreditation recognizes programs that meet the highest standards of forensic science education.

Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission

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