Forensic Science, MS

The Forensic Science Program offers a master’s degree in Forensic Science with four concentrations to best suit the student’s future career goals- Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Biology Analysis, Forensic Chemistry Analysis, and Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis. This graduate degree will prepare students for a rewarding career in federal, state and local laboratories, investigative or intelligence agencies, private companies, or allow professionals currently working in the field an opportunity to improve their education and optimize career advancement.

Located in Northern Virginia within the Washington DC Metro area, our students are afforded the opportunity to study in close proximity to a plethora of federal, state and local crime laboratories, investigative and intelligence agencies. These facilities provide unique access to forensic science experts and offer students competitive internships and job opportunities.

Available concentrations include:

• Crime Scene Investigation
• Forensic Biology Analysis
• Forensic Chemistry Analysis
• Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis

Admissions

University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Graduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog.

To apply for this program, please complete the George Mason University Admissions Application.

Applicants should submit a completed George Mason University Admissions Application, three letters of recommendation, two copies of official transcripts from each institution of higher learning attended, a current resume, a Virginia Domicile Classification form, and an official report of TOEFL scores (foreign nationals only). Additionally:

Forensic Biology Analysis and Forensic Chemistry Analysis Concentrations

A bachelor's degree in a forensic or natural science.

Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis Concentration

A bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in a forensic or natural science, computer science, computer electronic or electrical engineering, information systems or information technology (or its equivalent coursework in a relevant field).

Crime Scene Investigation Concentration

A bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in a related field.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate programs, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Premium Tuition

Students enrolled in this professional MS program are charged at a differential (premium) tuition rate, and therefore they may not enroll concurrently in any other graduate degree program or certificate program offered by the College of Science, with the exception of the Forensics Graduate Certificate.

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 justification. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and only when the appropriate admissions requirements are met. However, if a student chooses to change concentrations, course substitutions/waivers will not be accepted.

Criminal Background Check

The successful passing of a Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences background check is required prior to gaining access to FRSC 541 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory and FRSC 561 Forensic DNA Laboratory.

FRSC 560 Forensic Science DNA Sciences Course Note

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 Forensic DNA Sciences.

Banner Code: SC-MS-FRSC

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 36

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

Select one concentration from the following:

Concentration in Crime Scene Investigation (CSIN)

This concentration educates students for a career as a crime scene investigator.

The successful passing of a Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences background check is required prior to gaining access to FRSC 541 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory and FRSC 561 Forensic DNA Laboratory.

Concentration in Forensic Biology Analysis (FRSB)

This concentration educates students for a career as a forensic biology laboratory analyst.

The successful passing of a Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences background check is required prior to gaining access to FRSC 561Forensic DNA Laboratory.

Concentration in Forensic Chemistry Analysis (FRCA)

This concentration educates students for a career as a forensic chemistry laboratory analyst.

The successful passing of a Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences background check is required prior to gaining access to FRSC 541 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory.

Concentration in Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis (FRBI)

This concentration educates students for a career as an identity intelligence analyst.