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
Application Requirements
University-wide admissions policies can be found in Graduate Admissions Policies.
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). TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants who do not hold at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution within the US (some exceptions apply). The GRE is not required for admission into this program. Additional requirements for each specific concentration are listed below.
Concentration-Specific Requirements
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. 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).
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.
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.
Course Notes
FRSC 560 Forensic DNA Sciences
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.
FRSC 540 Forensic Chemistry
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.
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| FRSC 500 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 510 | Basic Crime Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 511 | Advanced Crime Scene Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 530 | Law and Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 570 | Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts | 3 |
| FRSC 600 | Forensics Seminar | 1 |
| FRSC 610 | Forensic Research Project | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 16 credits from the following courses: | 16 | |
| Physical Evidence Laboratory | ||
| Forensic Photography | ||
| Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis | ||
| Selected Topics in Forensic Science | ||
| Questioned Document Examination | ||
| Toxicology | ||
| Issues in Forensic Anthropology | ||
| Facial Reconstruction | ||
| Medicolegal Death Investigation and Pathology | ||
| Forensics Seminar | ||
| Face and Biometric Pattern Analysis | ||
| Fingerprint Identification | ||
| Legal, Privacy and Ethical Issues in Identity Analysis | ||
| Identity Analysis Applications | ||
| Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony | ||
| Internship in Forensic Science (Credits: 1-6) | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| FRSC 500 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 510 | Basic Crime Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 512 | Physical Evidence Laboratory | 3 |
| or FRSC 630 | Fingerprint Identification | |
| FRSC 514 | Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 530 | Law and Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 560 & FRSC 561 | Forensic DNA Sciences and Forensic DNA Laboratory | 4 |
| FRSC 570 | Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts | 3 |
| FRSC 600 | Forensics Seminar | 1 |
| FRSC 610 | Forensic Research Project | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 9 credits from the following courses: | 9 | |
| Advanced Crime Scene Analysis | ||
| Physical Evidence Laboratory | ||
| Selected Topics in Forensic Science | ||
| Questioned Document Examination | ||
| Issues in Forensic Anthropology | ||
| Facial Reconstruction | ||
| Medicolegal Death Investigation and Pathology | ||
| Forensics Seminar | ||
| Face and Biometric Pattern Analysis | ||
| Fingerprint Identification | ||
| Legal, Privacy and Ethical Issues in Identity Analysis | ||
| Identity Analysis Applications | ||
| Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony | ||
| Internship in Forensic Science (Credits: 1-6) | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| FRSC 500 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 510 | Basic Crime Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 512 | Physical Evidence Laboratory | 3 |
| or FRSC 630 | Fingerprint Identification | |
| FRSC 514 | Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 520 | Toxicology | 3 |
| FRSC 530 | Law and Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 540 & FRSC 541 | Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| FRSC 570 | Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts | 3 |
| FRSC 600 | Forensics Seminar | 1 |
| FRSC 610 | Forensic Research Project | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following courses: | 6 | |
| Advanced Crime Scene Analysis | ||
| Physical Evidence Laboratory | ||
| Selected Topics in Forensic Science | ||
| Questioned Document Examination | ||
| Issues in Forensic Anthropology | ||
| Facial Reconstruction | ||
| Medicolegal Death Investigation and Pathology | ||
| Forensics Seminar | ||
| Face and Biometric Pattern Analysis | ||
| Fingerprint Identification | ||
| Legal, Privacy and Ethical Issues in Identity Analysis | ||
| Identity Analysis Applications | ||
| Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony | ||
| Internship in Forensic Science (Credits: 1-6) | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| General Biochemistry II | ||
| Principles of Chemical Separation | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Concentration in Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis (FRBI)
This concentration educates students for a career as an identity intelligence analyst.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| FRSC 500 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 510 | Basic Crime Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 514 | Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 530 | Law and Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 600 | Forensics Seminar | 1 |
| FRSC 610 | Forensic Research Project | 4 |
| FRSC 620 | Face and Biometric Pattern Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 630 | Fingerprint Identification | 3 |
| FRSC 640 | Legal, Privacy and Ethical Issues in Identity Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 650 | Identity Analysis Applications | 1 |
| AIT 678 | National Security Challenges | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following courses: | 6 | |
| Advanced Crime Scene Analysis | ||
| Physical Evidence Laboratory | ||
| Forensic Photography | ||
| Selected Topics in Forensic Science | ||
| Questioned Document Examination | ||
| Issues in Forensic Anthropology | ||
| Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts | ||
| Medicolegal Death Investigation and Pathology | ||
| Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony | ||
| Internship in Forensic Science (Credits: 1-6) | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |