MS Forensic Science at Arizona State University

Programme overview

In the Master of Science program in forensic science, you acquire a solid foundation in the forensic sciences while applying innovative research to make a meaningful impact in the scientific community. You receive extensive, hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge in various forensic disciplines. While engaging in faculty-led research projects that encompass a wide variety of forensic science topics, you develop practical skills and contribute to state-of-the-art research.

What you will study

32 credit hours and a thesis, or 32 credit hours including the required applied project course (FOR 593) Required Core (8 credit hours) FOR 505 Advanced Forensic Biology (3) FOR 506 Advanced Forensic Biology Laboratory (1) FOR 507 Advanced Forensic Chemistry (3) FOR 508 Advanced Forensic Chemistry Laboratory (1) Other Requirements (4 credit hours) FOR 500 Research Methods (3) FOR 591 Seminar (1) Research (6 credit hours) FOR 592 Research (6) Electives (8 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) FOR 593 Applied Project (6) FOR 599 Thesis (6) Additional Curriculum Information The approved topic for FOR 591 Seminar is Application of Forensic Science Research.

Career pathways

Scientific and technological advances in the field of forensic science and continually increasing caseloads in law enforcement are projected to increase the number of forensic science technicians needed over the next decade. Graduates of this program are well prepared for a variety of career paths.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, anthropology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts personal statement two letters of recommendation proof of English proficiency Additional Admission Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency. Required program coursework assumes an understanding of upper-division-level analytical chemistry, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, forensic biology or molecular biology.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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