Forensic Science (MS)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Forensic Science at UCF offers three concentrations: Forensic Analysis, Forensic Biochemistry, and Forensic Professional. Forensic Analysis and Biochemistry concentrations require original research and thesis defense, while Forensic Professional focuses on coursework and a capstone project. The program caters to both practicing professionals and full-time students and prepares them for careers in diverse forensic science fields, including Chemistry, Biology, and Biochemistry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is designed to cater to both practicing professionals and full-time students seeking advanced study in forensic science. The program offers three concentrations: Forensic Analysis, Forensic Biochemistry, and Forensic Professional.

• Forensic Analysis and Forensic Biochemistry Concentrations: These concentrations are research-based and require students to conduct original and independent research, culminating in a written thesis defended before a committee.
• Forensic Professional Concentration: This concentration is a nonthesis option, focusing on coursework and an independent study capstone project.
It is specifically designed for forensic analysts currently employed in operational forensic laboratories or those with at least three years of experience in such settings. The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of forensic science and encourages students to seek advising from faculty members to ensure they have the appropriate background for their chosen career path.

Assessment:

• Thesis-based Concentrations (Forensic Analysis and Forensic Biochemistry): Students are required to conduct original research and defend a written thesis before a committee consisting of two UCF graduate faculty members and at least one other acknowledged forensic expert in the field.
The thesis must be judged worthy of publication by the review committee.
• Forensic Professional Concentration: This concentration culminates in a one-credit-hour independent study capstone project performed under the direction of a faculty member.
The capstone project involves either a review of current literature on a specific forensic science research topic or a holistic case study analyzing a criminal case where forensic evidence played a significant role.

Careers:

The program prepares students for careers in various forensic science fields, including:

• Forensic Chemistry: This concentration focuses on the application of modern chromatographic, spectroscopic, and micro-analytical techniques to solve forensic problems.
The program also provides a foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in other forensic disciplines, such as:
• Forensic Psychology: Students should apply to a graduate Psychology program.
• Forensic Anthropology: Students should apply to a graduate Anthropology program.
• Crime Scene Investigation: Students should apply to a graduate Criminal Justice program.
• Forensic Pathology or Medical Examination: Students should apply to a medical school.
• Forensic Engineering: Students should apply to a graduate Engineering program.

Other:

• The program requires a minimum of 32-34 credit hours beyond the Bachelor's Degree.
• Domestic students can complete the Forensic Science MS program fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online.
• International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in the in-person version of the program and take a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters.
Only 3 of the 9 credit hours can be taken online.
• The program requires a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physics, Statistics, Forensic Science, or another physical science, with at least 30 hours of college-level science subjects.