This interdisciplinary graduate certificate program is designed for students seeking training in forensic science, as well as for current professionals employed by the federal government, local law enforcement, and private security corporations. Forensics refers to the application of scientific methodologies to the analysis of crime scenes, the collection of evidence, and the laboratory analysis of that evidence in support of criminal investigations. Related legal aspects are also considered as part of a comprehensive approach to forensics.
At the time of completion, depending on the concentration, students will be able to understand the basic principles of forensics and perform a general crime scene analysis. Available concentrations include: Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Biometric Identity Analysis, and General Forensic Science; curriculum requirements for each concentration are listed in the Requirements tab.
This certificate may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.
This certificate program qualifies for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
Admissions
University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Graduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog.
Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
To apply for this certificate, prospective students should submit:
- A completed George Mason University Admissions Application,
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended,
- Two letters of recommendation from academic references or references in the industry or government who are familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional accomplishments,
- A detailed goal statement to include why the applicant is interested in applying to this certificate, their career and professional goals, and their educational aspirations, and
- A current résumé.
In addition to the general admission requirements, international students and students having earned international degrees should also refer to Admission of International Students and International Application Procedures for additional requirements. Non-native English-speaking applicants are required to meet the university’s English Language Proficiency Requirements.
Pursuing the Forensic Science, MS
Students who wish to continue their studies may apply to the Forensic Science, MS; please contact an advisor for details.
Policies
For policies governing all graduate programs, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Premium Tuition
Students enrolled in this professional program are charged at a differential (premium) tuition rate. Therefore, any courses or secondary programs that they may enroll in are subject to the differential tuition rate. The Forensic Science, MS has the same premium tuition rate, making it the ideal program for concurrent enrollment (if desired).
Certificate Requirements
Total credits: 18
This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Students must complete all core courses and select one concentration.
Forensic Core Courses
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRSC 500 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
FRSC 510 | Basic Crime Analysis | 3 |
Total Credits | 6 |
Concentration in Crime Scene Investigation (CSCN)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Choose 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
Advanced Crime Scene Analysis | ||
Forensic Photography | ||
Law and Forensic Science | ||
Issues in Forensic Anthropology | ||
Medicolegal Death Investigation and Pathology | ||
Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
Concentration in Forensic Biometric Identity Analysis (FRBI)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRSC 514 | Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis | 3 |
FRSC 620 | Face and Biometric Pattern Analysis | 3 |
FRSC 630 | Fingerprint Identification | 3 |
FRSC 640 | Legal, Privacy and Ethical Issues in Identity Analysis | 3 |
Total Credits | 12 |
Concentration in General Forensic Science (FRSG)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Choose 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis | ||
Questioned Document Examination | ||
Toxicology | ||
Law and Forensic Science | ||
Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts | ||
Facial Reconstruction | ||
Fingerprint Identification | ||
Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony | ||
Total Credits | 12 |