The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science is a general forensic science degree that covers various fields within forensic science including field and laboratory applications. These topics include areas such as crime scene investigation, forensic DNA, forensic chemistry, trace evidence, firearms examination, questioned document, fingerprints, arson, and drug analysis.
This degree is intended to provide students with a well-rounded, hands-on forensic science education in order to prepare students for entrance into a graduate-level educational program, and/or entry-level professional careers in public and private forensic laboratories, federal, state, or local government/law enforcement, defense, homeland security and intelligence agencies.
The Forensic Science undergraduate program provides a strong scientific foundation while simultaneously enabling students to individualize their educational experience toward specific career goals or post-graduate degrees by taking specialized forensic science and natural science courses. This degree offers concentrations in Criminalistics, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Interdisciplinary Forensic Science to prepare students who desire a career within these specialties.
Unique features of this program include an innovative curriculum that offers hands-on training with crime scene techniques and crime laboratory methodologies, an outdoor forensic excavation research and training facility, and courses taught by professional and distinguished faculty from various forensic agencies and laboratories.
Admissions
University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Undergraduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog.
To apply for this program, please complete the George Mason University Admissions Application.
Policies
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, including the Mason Core.
FRSC 302 Forensic Trace Analysis (Mason Core) or FRSC 304 Forensic Chemistry (Mason Core) will satisfy the writing intensive requirement.
For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Students must complete the core courses, select one concentration, and complete Mason Core and Elective Credits.
All major coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.30. No more than three courses with a grade of 'D' (1.00) may be applied to the major.
Students are advised to be aware of any prerequisites that may be required for each course in the curriculum.
Students are only permitted three attempts for all major courses; following a third unsuccessful attempt the student will no longer be able to pursue the major.
Core Courses
Students in each concentration must complete the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Core Courses | ||
| FRSC 200 | Survey of Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 201 | Introduction to Criminalistics | 3 |
| FRSC 302 | Forensic Trace Analysis (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| CRIM 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Natural Science Core Courses | ||
| BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | 4 |
| BIOL 214 | Biostatistics for Biology Majors | 3-4 |
| or STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | |
| BIOL 311 | General Genetics | 4 |
| CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 212 & CHEM 214 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 313 & CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I | 5 |
| CHEM 314 & CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Lab II | 5 |
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4-6 |
| or MATH 123 & MATH 124 | Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A and Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B (Mason Core) | |
| PHYS 243 & PHYS 244 | College Physics I (Mason Core) and College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) 2 | 4 |
| PHYS 245 & PHYS 246 | College Physics II (Mason Core) and College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) 2 | 4 |
| Total Credits | 53-56 | |
- 1
FRSC 302 will satisfy this major's writing-intensive requirement.
- 2
- Students in the Forensic Chemistry Concentration may instead choose the following physics sequence: PHYS 160 University Physics I (Mason Core) & PHYS 161 University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) & PHYS 260 University Physics II (Mason Core) & PHYS 261 University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core).
- Please note that PHYS 260 University Physics II (Mason Core) & PHYS 261 University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) require a prerequisite of MATH 213 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III.
Concentration in Criminalistics (FRCR)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Extended Core | ||
| FRSC 303 | Forensic Evidence and Ethics | 3 |
| FRSC 304 & FRSC 305 | Forensic Chemistry (Mason Core) and Forensic Chemistry Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| FRSC 401 | Crime Scene Investigations | 3 |
| FRSC 405 | Independent Research Methods | 3 |
| or FRSC 406 | Forensic Internship | |
| FRSC 460 & FRSC 461 | Forensic DNA Analysis and Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory | 4 |
| Required Concentration Courses | ||
| Select two lecture and laboratory pairings for a minimum of 8 credits: | 8-12 | |
| Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms and Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Microbial Genetics | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Immunology and Immunology Laboratory | ||
| General Biochemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I and Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Cell Signaling and Disease and Cell Signaling Laboratory | ||
| Quantitative Chemical Analysis | ||
| Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) | ||
| Supporting Science Electives | ||
| Select a minimum of 7 credits (not previously taken) from the following: | 7-10 | |
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Advanced Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry | ||
| Practical Forensic Skeletal Biology | ||
| Forensic Genomics | ||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology I | ||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology II | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Medical Microbiology | ||
| Microbial Genetics | ||
| Phage Genomics | ||
| Selected Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology (when the topic is "Illumina Sequencing") | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Molecular Genetics | ||
| General Biochemistry | ||
| Cell Signaling and Disease | ||
| Cell Signaling Laboratory | ||
| Quantitative Chemical Analysis | ||
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) | ||
| Aquatic Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Bioinorganic Chemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| General Biochemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 32-39 | |
- 1
FRSC 304 Forensic Chemistry (Mason Core) will satisfy this major's writing-intensive requirement.
Concentration in Forensic Biology (FRBL)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Extended Core | ||
| FRSC 303 | Forensic Evidence and Ethics | 3 |
| FRSC 304 & FRSC 305 | Forensic Chemistry (Mason Core) and Forensic Chemistry Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| FRSC 401 | Crime Scene Investigations | 3 |
| FRSC 405 | Independent Research Methods | 3 |
| or FRSC 406 | Forensic Internship | |
| FRSC 460 & FRSC 461 | Forensic DNA Analysis and Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory | 4 |
| Required Concentration Courses | ||
| FRSC 325 & FRSC 326 | Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| FRSC 470 | Forensic Genomics | 4 |
| BIOL 483 | General Biochemistry | 4 |
| Supporting Science Courses | ||
| Select a minimum of 3 credits from the following courses: | 3-6 | |
| Practical Forensic Skeletal Biology | ||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology I | ||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology II | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Medical Microbiology | ||
| Microbial Genetics | ||
| Phage Genomics | ||
| Selected Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology (when the topic is "Illumina Sequencing") | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Molecular Genetics | ||
| Cell Signaling and Disease | ||
| Cell Signaling Laboratory | ||
| Total Credits | 32-35 | |
- 1
FRSC 304 Forensic Chemistry (Mason Core) will satisfy this major's writing-intensive requirement.
Concentration in Forensic Chemistry (FRCH)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Extended Forensic Science Core | ||
| FRSC 303 | Forensic Evidence and Ethics | 3 |
| FRSC 304 & FRSC 305 | Forensic Chemistry (Mason Core) and Forensic Chemistry Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| FRSC 401 | Crime Scene Investigations | 3 |
| FRSC 405 | Independent Research Methods | 3 |
| or FRSC 406 | Forensic Internship | |
| FRSC 460 & FRSC 461 | Forensic DNA Analysis and Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory | 4 |
| Required Concentration Courses | ||
| FRSC 404 | Advanced Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| Supporting Science Courses | ||
| Select a minimum of 7 credits from the following courses: | 7-10 | |
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) | ||
| Physical Chemistry II 2 | ||
| Physical Chemistry Lab II | ||
| Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis 2 | ||
| Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis Laboratory | ||
| Principles of Chemical Separation 2 | ||
| Aquatic Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Properties and Bonding of Inorganic Compounds 2 | ||
| Bioinorganic Chemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| General Biochemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 36-39 | |
- 1
FRSC 304 Forensic Chemistry (Mason Core) will satisfy this major's writing-intensive requirement.
- 2
These course selections recommend the University Physics sequence: PHYS 160 University Physics I (Mason Core), PHYS 161 University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core), PHYS 260 University Physics II (Mason Core), PHYS 261 University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core)
Concentration in Interdisciplinary Forensic Science (FRIN)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Extended Forensic Science Core | ||
| Select 6 credits (not previously taken) of any 300-400 level FRSC courses | 6 | |
| Required Concentration Courses or Minor | ||
| Select a minimum of 15 credits (not previously taken) from the following courses or one of the following minors: | 15 | |
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology I | ||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology II | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Medical Microbiology | ||
| Microbial Genetics | ||
| Phage Genomics | ||
| Selected Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology (when the topic is "Illumina Sequencing") | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Molecular Genetics | ||
| General Biochemistry | ||
| Cell Signaling and Disease | ||
| Cell Signaling Laboratory | ||
| Quantitative Chemical Analysis | ||
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) | ||
| Aquatic Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Bioinorganic Chemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| General Biochemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Mason Core and Electives
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and electives. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- Criminalistics concentration: 25-35 credits
- Forensic Biology concentration: 29-35 credits
- Forensic Chemistry concentration: 25-31 credits
- Interdisciplinary Forensic Science concentration: 43-46 credits
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
Forensic Science, BS/Forensic Science, Accelerated MS
Overview
This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain both the Forensic Science, BS and the Forensic Science, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 144 credit accelerated program, students will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into their careers or into a doctoral program in the field or in a related discipline.
Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits and can enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits. This flexibility makes it possible for students to complete a bachelor's and a master's in an accelerated timeframe.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies. For more information on undergraduates enrolling in graduate courses, see AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates
Concentration Declaration
Students must declare their intended concentration upon application. In the event that a student wishes to change their concentration, students may request to change their concentration by submitting a letter to the Forensic Science Program Director detailing the request and providing justification. These requests and possible substitutions/waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis and only when the appropriate admissions requirements are met.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here.
Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in choosing the appropriate graduate courses and help prepare the student for graduate studies.
Application requirements for this accelerated master's program include one letter of recommendation from a Forensic Science Program faculty member. Additionally, a detailed goal statement is required to include why you are interested in the MS in forensic science degree, career goals and professional aspirations, and proposed area of interest of your final Research Project.
The GRE and a resume are not required for admission into this program.
Successful applicants will have an overall GPA of at least 3.00. Additionally, they will have completed each of the following courses or equivalent with a minimum grade of B or higher:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FRSC 200 | Survey of Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 201 | Introduction to Criminalistics | 3 |
| FRSC 302 | Forensic Trace Analysis (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FRSC 303 | Forensic Evidence and Ethics | 3 |
| BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 212 & CHEM 214 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | 4 |
Forensic Biology Analysis Concentration Applicants:
In order to obtain a career as a DNA Analyst, the student should have undergraduate coursework in Statistics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry.
Accelerated Option Requirements
After the completion of 75 undergraduate credits, students may complete 3 to 12 credits of graduate coursework that can apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In addition to applying to graduate from the undergraduate program, students in the accelerated program must submit a bachelor's/accelerated master's transition form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) to the College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester. Students shall enroll for courses in the master's program in the fall or spring semester immediately following conferral of the bachelor's degree.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework and should consult with their faculty advisor to coordinate their academic goals.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Accelerated master's students may also take up to 6 graduate credits as reserve graduate credits. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the master's degree by up to 6 credits. With 12 graduate credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve graduate credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18.
Premium Tuition
Students enrolled in this professional MS program are charged at a differential (premium) tuition rate after the bachelor's degree has been conferred. Therefore, any courses or secondary programs that they may enroll in are subject to the differential tuition rate. The Forensics Graduate Certificate has the same premium tuition rate, making it the ideal program for concurrent enrollment (if desired).
Criminal Background Check
The successful passing of a Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences background check is required prior to gaining access to FRSC 540 Advanced Forensic Chemistry, FRSC 541 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory, FRSC 560 Advanced Forensic DNA Sciences, and FRSC 561 Forensic DNA Laboratory.
Course Notes
Students shall have completed undergraduate coursework in molecular and/or cell biology, as well as genetics, or students must obtain permission of the instructor prior to taking FRSC 560 Advanced Forensic DNA Sciences and FRSC 561 Forensic DNA Laboratory.
Students shall have completed undergraduate coursework in general chemistry including polarity and acid/base chemistry. Students shall also have completed Organic Chemistry and be able to identify functional groups and other chemistry structures that make up a molecule. Exposure to instrumental techniques such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy is recommended or permission of instructor.
Graduate Course Suggestions
Upon acceptance, students must meet with a master’s accelerated program advisor to complete a Plan of Study form in order to approve eligible graduate coursework prior to registering for any graduate courses. Failure to do so may result in the removal of the course(s). Approval does not guarantee availability in a course. The following are suggested graduate courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FRSC 500 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 510 | Basic Crime Analysis 1 | 3 |
| FRSC 514 | Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis 2 | 3 |
| FRSC 530 | Law and Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 570 | Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts 3 | 3 |
- 1
Can only be selected if FRSC 401 has been completed.
- 2
Can only be selected if FRSC 304 Forensic Chemistry (Mason Core) and FRSC 460 Forensic DNA Analysis have been completed. This course is suggested for the Forensic Biology Analysis, the Forensic Chemistry Analysis, or the Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis concentrations.
- 3
Suggested for the Crime Scene Investigation, the Forensic Biology Analysis, or the Forensic Chemistry Analysis concentrations.