Program Overview

Master of Forensic Sciences in the Field of Forensic Chemistry (STEM)

Overview

The master of forensic science (MFS) in the field of forensic chemistry builds on the general MFS program curriculum with advanced work in medicinal chemistry, instrumental analysis, and trace evidence analysis. The program is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Students in the forensic chemistry program gain the skills to understand and interpret material composition, uncover drug compositions, and identify chemical components at the molecular level. This is a STEM designated program.

Admissions

• Admission deadlines:
  • Fall – April 1 (February 1 for applicants applying for assistantships/fellowships)
• Standardized test scores:
  • GRE not required
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction
  • Minimum scores for the program are:
    • Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 6.0 with no individual score below 5.0
    • TOEFL: 550 on paper-based or 80 on Internet-based
    • PTE Academic: 53
    • Duolingo: 110
• Recommendations required: Two (2) recommendations
• Prerequisite requirements: An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in chemistry or equivalent
• Prior academic records:
  • Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript
  • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application
  • Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission
  • If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided
• Statement of purpose: In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field, including your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans
• International applicants only: Please review the International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents and earlier deadlines

Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

• The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs
• 37 credits, including 31 credits in required courses and 6 credits in elective courses
• Successful completion of a master's comprehensive examination and an independent research project
• Course List:
  • Required:
    • FORS 6001: Research and Professional Responsibility
    • FORS 6004: Fundamentals of Forensic Science I
    • FORS 6005: Fundamentals of Forensic Science II
    • FORS 6206: Trace Evidence Analysis
    • FORS 6210: Advanced Instrumental Analysis
    • FORS 6224: Criminal Law for Forensic Scientists
    • FORS 6225: Statistics for Forensic Scientists
    • FORS 6238: Forensic Chemistry I
    • FORS 6239: Forensic Chemistry II
    • FORS 6240: Forensic Drug Analysis
    • FORS 6292: Graduate Seminar
  • Electives: 6 credits in elective courses selected in consultation with the departmental advisor
• Additional requirements:
  • Successful completion of the master’s comprehensive examination
  • Successful completion of an independent research project