Program Overview

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Master of Science In Forensic Science

Forensic science is a broad, interdisciplinary field in which the natural sciences are employed to analyze and evaluate physical evidence in matters of the law.

Program Mission

To thoroughly prepare forensic science majors for careers in forensic science, natural sciences, and criminal justice professions, as well as post-graduate educational or training opportunities.

Program Outcomes

• Students can demonstrate proficiency in the proper use of various instruments, equipment, or technical procedures.
• Students recognize and identify common forms of physical and pattern evidence, and can properly interpret related examinations of this evidence.
• Students can describe major ethical and professional guidelines and principles.

Program-Specific Admissions Requirements

• Possession of an undergraduate degree in a natural science or a recognized forensic science program, with a preference for completion from a FEPAC-accredited program. Candidates should have completed two semesters of lab-based general chemistry, two semesters of lab-based organic chemistry, and instrumental analysis. Additionally, completing at least one semester of biochemistry, physics, and an upper-level math course is highly recommended.
• A minimum GPA of 3.3 is expected, with occasional exceptions considered based on the student's degree program, undergraduate institution, and the quality of grades achieved in science and mathematics courses.
• Successful completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with scores at or above the 50th percentile and quantitative/analytical scores at or above the 70th percentile.
• Submission of at least two letters of recommendation is mandatory. These letters should preferably be from science professors who can speak to the student's academic and laboratory capabilities and assess the potential for success in a graduate program with a required thesis component.

Student Success and Outcomes

• Accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
• Expert faculty with professional experience in key positions such as lab directors, supervisors, and crime-scene bench analysts.
• A four-semester program with flexible class times and offerings
• Thesis required

Thesis Research

• The Thesis Researchers in the University of New Haven’s M.S. Forensic Science program have persevered and continued their thesis research even through the hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The following are some of the thesis research topics that has been conducted by students in the program:
  • 2021 Graduate Research Award Recipient: Correlation Between Tooth Translucency, Crystallinity, and DNA Preservation in Teeth for Unidentified Human Remains (UHR) Investigations – Paul M. Yount
  • 2020 Graduate Research Award Recipient: A Sine-Based Human-Dog QPCR Assay For Species Identification and DNA Quantification – James Liang
  • 2019 Graduate Research Award Recipient: Construction of a Reference Allelic Ladder for Odocoileus STR Multiplex – Jolene Strand
  • Determining the interference of Lactate and Lactate Dehydrogenase in an Ethanol Enzyme Assay – Julia Liebl
  • Small RNA Sequencing and RT-qPCR Validation of Forensically Relevant Body Fluids – Karly Johannsen
  • Multiple Contacts of Drug contaminated Fingermarks and Their Analysis with Raman Microspectroscopy – Victoria DePrimo
  • 2019 Graduate Research Award Recipient: Construction of a Reference Allelic Ladder for Odocoileus STR Multiplex – Jolene Strand
  • Forensic Characterization and Discrimination of Manila Envelopes – Maria Isabel Sanchez Melo

Selected Courses and Programs

• Forensic Expert Testimony
• Advanced Criminalistics
• Forensic DNA Analysis
• Capillary Electophoresis
• Full List of Courses and Learning Outcomes for Forensic Science, M.S.

Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.

• Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

Charger Advantage

• Get an inside look at what differentiates the University of New Haven and how your experiences as a student will prepare you for success.

STEM Designated

Career Development

• All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

Graduate Student Housing

Nationally Recognized

• Universities.com rated the University of New Haven #1 in its 2025 ranking of the top colleges in the United States to pursue a degree in forensic science, lauding the unique and innovative hands-on learning opportunities and faculty with industry experience who continue to make an important impact in the field.

START DATES

• Fall Only

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• March 1

Envision Your Future

• The information below is designed to show the many possible careers you could pursue with your major. The research is provided by Encoura, the leading research and advisory firm focused exclusively on higher education. It includes median national salaries and industry growth projections over the next decade.
• $86K
  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  • 2% Growth
• $61K
  • Forensic Science Technicians
  • 10% Growth
• $54K
  • Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
  • 9% Growth