Forensic Science (Master's) at Michigan State University

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Forensic Science, administered by MSU's School of Criminal Justice with cooperating colleges, gives students a broad theoretical and practical background in the scientific, legal and investigative aspects of forensic science while allowing in-depth study of one discipline. The programme is FEPAC-accredited and offers internship opportunities in forensic science laboratories.

What you will study

Core courses CJ 804 Crime Scene Investigation, CJ 805 Survey in Forensic Science and CJ 817 Law and Forensic Science, a concentration in forensic chemistry (e.g. mass spectrometry, advanced analytical chemistry, forensic analysis of drugs and alcohol, microscopic evidence, SEM/EDX, pharmacology of drug addiction) or forensic anthropology (osteology, bioarcheology), plus 8-11 elective credits. Plan A requires 6 thesis credits and an oral defense; Plan B requires 6 credits of independent study and a final evaluation.

Career pathways

Crime laboratory and forensic science careers; a joint path with the Chemistry PhD is available.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree in a discipline appropriate to the concentration (e.g. chemistry or a closely allied science such as biochemistry for forensic chemistry; the degree must be in a biological, natural or physical science); cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (successful applicants in recent years generally 3.5+); satisfactory GRE General Test scores as judged by programme faculty. Recommended preparation for forensic chemistry: general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, quantitative analysis, instrumental methods and physical chemistry; laboratory research experience preferred. Applications reviewed for Fall only; all materials due by January 15.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants can start in fall (late August), spring (January) or summer (May) in the MPH programme; intake terms for other graduate programmes are set by each department or program.

The graduate application fee is $75 for domestic and international applicants, with one fee per application; applicants may submit up to two applications to different graduate majors per semester. Applications are reviewed by the department or program, which sets its own deadlines.

MPH application deadlines (SOPHAS completion): fall May 18, spring October 18, summer February 15; MSU supplemental application: fall June 1, spring November 1, summer March 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/graduate-students

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