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. International students and students having earned international degrees should also refer to Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
Eligibility
Forensic Biology Analysis and Forensic Chemistry Analysis Concentrations
A bachelor's degree in a forensic or natural science from an institution of higher education accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent.
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) from an institution of higher education accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent.
Crime Scene Investigation Concentration
A bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in a related field from an institution of higher education accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent.
Application Requirements
To apply for this program, prospective students should submit the George Mason University Admissions Application and its required supplemental documentation, and:
- Three 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.
- Detailed goal statement to include why you are interested in coming into Mason's Forensic Science Master's program, career goals, and professional aspirations. Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry concentration applicants must also include their proposed area of interest for their final research project.
The GRE is not required for admission into this program.
Policies
For policies governing all graduate programs, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Transferring Previous Graduate Credit into this Program
Previously earned and relevant graduate credits may be eligible for transfer into this program; details can be found in the Credit by Exam or Transfer section of this catalog.
Premium Tuition
Students enrolled in this professional MS program are charged at a differential (premium) tuition rate. Therefore, any courses or secondary programs that students 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 540 Advanced Forensic Chemistry, FRSC 541 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory, FRSC 560 Advanced Forensic DNA Sciences, and FRSC 561 Forensic DNA Laboratory.
Course Notes
FRSC 560 Advanced Forensic DNA Sciences and FRSC 561 Forensic DNA Laboratory
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.
FRSC 540 Advanced Forensic Chemistry and FRSC 541 Forensic Chemistry 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.
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 15 | |
| Introduction to Forensic Science | ||
| Basic Crime Analysis | ||
| Advanced Crime Scene Analysis | ||
| Law and Forensic Science | ||
| Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts | ||
| Research Project or Non-Research Project | 8-9 | |
Research Project Option | ||
The Research Project Option is designed for students planning to pursue a doctoral degree or a career involving research in the field of forensic science or other related disciplines. The research project is based on laboratory research that must be preapproved by the advisory committee, which is appointed during the first semester of registration in FRSC 610 (1 credit) Forensic Research Project. Students are responsible for selecting research advisors who can commit as an advisor during the semesters that the student indicates that they will be conducting their research and enrolled in FRSC 610. Students must then complete their written research project and present their research during an oral defense during the semester of registration in FRSC 610 (4 credit) Forensic Research Project. | ||
| Forensics Seminar | ||
| Quantitative Methods for Forensic Scientists | ||
| Forensic Research Project | ||
Non-Research Project Option | ||
Students selecting this option are not required to complete a laboratory-based research project. Instead, they must successfully pass FRSC 699 (0 credits) Forensic Comprehensive Examination to demonstrate thorough comprehension of the curriculum and must select 8-9 credits of additional elective coursework. | ||
| Comprehensive Examination | ||
Select 8-9 credits of additional FRSC elective courses | ||
| Electives | 12-13 | |
| Select 12-13 credits from the following courses to reach a total of 36 credits: | ||
| Physical Evidence Laboratory | ||
| Forensic Photography | ||
| Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis | ||
| Selected Topics in Forensic Science | ||
| Forensic Drone Photography | ||
| Questioned Document Examination | ||
| Analytical Thinking Violent Crime Profiling | ||
| Toxicology | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| 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 | ||
| FARO Forensic 3D Documentation | ||
| Forensic Genomics | ||
| 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 560 Advanced Forensic DNA Sciences and FRSC 561 Forensic DNA Laboratory. In order to obtain a career as a DNA Analyst, the student should have undergraduate coursework in Statistics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 30 | |
| Introduction to Forensic Science | ||
| Basic Crime Analysis | ||
| Physical Evidence Laboratory | ||
or FRSC 630 | Fingerprint Identification | |
| Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis | ||
| Law and Forensic Science | ||
| Advanced Forensic DNA Sciences and Forensic DNA Laboratory | ||
| Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts | ||
| Forensics Seminar | ||
| Quantitative Methods for Forensic Scientists | ||
| Forensic Research Project | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
| Select 6 credits from the following courses: | ||
| Advanced Crime Scene Analysis | ||
| Physical Evidence Laboratory | ||
| Forensic Photography | ||
| Selected Topics in Forensic Science | ||
| Forensic Drone Photography | ||
| Questioned Document Examination | ||
| Analytical Thinking Violent Crime Profiling | ||
| Toxicology | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| 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 | ||
| FARO Forensic 3D Documentation | ||
| Forensic Genomics | ||
| Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony | ||
| Internship in Forensic Science (Credits: 1-6) | ||
| 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 540 Advanced Forensic Chemistry and FRSC 541 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 33 | |
| Introduction to Forensic Science | ||
| Basic Crime Analysis | ||
| Physical Evidence Laboratory | ||
or FRSC 630 | Fingerprint Identification | |
| Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis | ||
| Toxicology | ||
| Law and Forensic Science | ||
| Advanced Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts | ||
| Forensics Seminar | ||
| Quantitative Methods for Forensic Scientists | ||
| Forensic Research Project | ||
| Electives | 3 | |
| Select 3 credits from the following courses: | ||
| Advanced Crime Scene Analysis | ||
| Physical Evidence Laboratory | ||
| Forensic Photography | ||
| Selected Topics in Forensic Science | ||
| Forensic Drone Photography | ||
| Questioned Document Examination | ||
| Analytical Thinking Violent Crime Profiling | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| 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 | ||
| FARO Forensic 3D Documentation | ||
| Forensic Genomics | ||
| Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony | ||
| Internship in Forensic Science (Credits: 1-6) | ||
| 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 | 24 | |
| Introduction to Forensic Science | ||
| Basic Crime Analysis | ||
| Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis | ||
| Law and Forensic Science | ||
| Face and Biometric Pattern Analysis | ||
| Fingerprint Identification | ||
| Legal, Privacy and Ethical Issues in Identity Analysis | ||
| Identity Analysis Applications | ||
| Research Project or Non-Research Project | 8-9 | |
Research Project Option | ||
The Research Project Option is designed for students planning to pursue a doctoral degree or a career involving research in the field of forensic science or other related disciplines. The research project is based on laboratory research that must be preapproved by the advisory committee, which is appointed during the first semester of registration in FRSC 610 (1 credit) Forensic Research Project. Students are responsible for selecting research advisors who can commit as an advisor during the semesters that the student indicates that they will be conducting their research and enrolled in FRSC 610. Students must then complete their written research project and present their research during an oral defense during the semester of registration in FRSC 610 (4 credits) Forensic Research Project. | ||
| Forensics Seminar | ||
| Quantitative Methods for Forensic Scientists | ||
| Forensic Research Project | ||
Non-Research Project Option | ||
Students selecting this option are not required to complete a laboratory-based research project. Instead, they must successfully pass FRSC 699 (0 credits) Forensic Comprehensive Examination to demonstrate thorough comprehension of the curriculum and must select 8-9 credits of additional elective coursework. | ||
| Comprehensive Examination | ||
Select 8-9 credits of additional FRSC elective courses | ||
| Electives | 3-4 | |
| Select 3-4 credits from the following courses to reach a total of 36 credits: | ||
| Advanced Crime Scene Analysis | ||
| Physical Evidence Laboratory | ||
| Forensic Photography | ||
| Selected Topics in Forensic Science | ||
| Forensic Drone Photography | ||
| Questioned Document Examination | ||
| Analytical Thinking Violent Crime Profiling | ||
| Toxicology | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Issues in Forensic Anthropology | ||
| Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts | ||
| Facial Reconstruction | ||
| Medicolegal Death Investigation and Pathology | ||
| Forensics Seminar | ||
| FARO Forensic 3D Documentation | ||
| Forensic Genomics | ||
| Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony | ||
| Internship in Forensic Science (Credits: 1-6) | ||
| National Security Challenges | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
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.