Master of Science in Forensic Science: A Brief Review
Occupational Description and Outlook
Science technicians use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development and to help invent and improve products and processes. However, their jobs are more practically oriented than those of scientists. Technicians set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate and record results, and often develop conclusions. They must keep detailed logs of all of their work-related activities. Those who work in production monitor manufacturing processes and may be involved in ensuring quality by testing products for proper proportions of ingredients, for purity, or for strength and durability.
Forensic science technicians investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Often, they specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination, performing tests on weapons or substances such as fiber, hair, tissue, or body fluids to determine significance to the investigation. They also prepare reports to document their findings and the laboratory techniques used, and may provide information and expert opinion to investigators. When criminal cases come to trial, forensic science technicians often provide testimony, as expert witnesses, on specific laboratory findings by identifying and classifying substances, materials, and other evidence collected at the crime scene.
Admission Requirements for Master of Science in Forensic Science
Undergraduate pre-requisites for graduate-level training in forensic science vary by academic institution, and students interested in this field are encouraged to research individual requirements for programs of interest. That said, most programs are quite similar in what they require of their applicants, and for that reason the undergraduate pre-requisites for a representative program are described in this section. The following information is based on the admission requirements for the Arcadia University Master of Science in Forensic Science (M.S.F.S.). (http://www.arcadia.edu/academic/default.aspx?pid=2223)
The Master of Science in Forensic Science (M.S.F.S.) is offered by Arcadia University in partnership with the Fredric Rieders Family Renaissance Foundation (FRFRF) and in collaboration with National Medical Services (NMS), one of the nation's premier forensic science laboratories. This alliance provides a source of adjunct instructors, a forensic library, invaluable links to the forensic science community, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, as well as laboratory facilities in nearby Willow Grove, Pa.
Admissions Requirements and Procedures: Students interested in the M.S.F.S. program must apply for admission through the Arcadia University Enrollment Management Office and are accepted for full-time study in the fall semester only. Admission requirements to the M.S.F.S. program are as follows:
Completion of a Bachelor's degree: with at least two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, and two semesters of general biology. It is expected that students have an undergraduate degree in the natural or physical sciences. Coursework in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, analytical/instrumental chemistry, and statistics are highly recommended.
An undergraduate overall GPA of at least 3.0, with at least 3.25 in the major.
Three recommendations from persons familiar with the student's ability to do graduate-level science.
A personal statement describing the reasons for the applicant's interest in the field, significant accomplishments to date that bear on the application, and career aspirations.
For students whose first language is not English TOEFL scores of 550 (paper version) or 213 (computer version).
Completed applications, along with undergraduate transcripts, test results, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting February 1. Those received after February 1 will be reviewed based on availability of space in the attending class. The admissions committee will review applicant folders and render decisions regarding acceptance into the program.
An Overview of a M.S.F.S. Education
Graduate-Level training in the field of Forensic Science varies by institution and students interested in the field are encouraged to research the programs to which they may want to apply. At Arcadia, for example, the M.S.F.S. program focuses primarily in the areas of criminalistics, forensic toxicology, and forensic biology and, secondarily, on technical investigation. A description of the course of study at Arcadia University follows. A more detailed description of the courses may be found in the online Graduate Catalog at: http://www.arcadia.edu/catalog.
First Year
In their first year of study, students enrolled in the M.S. program take a set of core courses in either biology or chemistry, depending on their undergraduate major. Courses are taught by faculty in the Biology and Chemistry departments as well as by FRFRF or NMS staff.
Undergraduate biology majors generally take four chemistry courses: Instrumental Analysis I and Polymers and Biopolymers generally during the first semester; and Instrumental Analysis II and Biochemistry generally during the second semester.
Undergraduate chemistry majors generally take three biology courses: General Genetics generally during the first semester; and Molecular Biology, and Human Genetics generally during the second semester.
All students take a Survey in Forensic Science course, Forensic Medicine, Law, Evidence and Procedure, General Pharmacology, and General Toxicology. In addition, each semester features a 1-credit seminar in which forensic experts address the cohort about key issues in their fields.
Second Year
In their second year, students take specialized coursework in Biology, Toxicology/Drug Analysis, and engage in an internship or thesis mentored by a faculty member affiliated with the University or its partners.
In the first semester, all students take upper-level courses: Toxicology, Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Biology I and II, Statistical Analysis, and a Special Topics Seminar.
In the second semester, students may participate in a semester internship or research project. The internships and research project are completed and presented as part of a capstone setting.
