Program Overview

Forensic Sciences Master's Programs

The OSU School of Forensic Sciences offers a master's degree in forensic sciences with various specializations.

M.S. in Forensic Sciences - Arson, Explosives, Firearms and Toolmarks Investigation

This non-thesis track offers graduate-level education for law enforcement and military investigators working in the field of explosives and fire investigation.

• Online and optional on-campus laboratory seminars
  • Minimum of 32 credit hours
  • Designed for law enforcement and military investigators
  • Related professional experience required

Admissions

No particular undergraduate college major is required, but students must have a related professional background, appropriate clearance, and approval from the track lead.

• Before applying, students must clear the employment verification process.
• The online application requires:
  • Academic Transcript(s) (students must have an earned Bachelor's degree prior to their term of entry)
  • Personal Statement to include background and career goals
  • Resume/CV
  • Contact information for 3 individuals who will provide letters of recommendation.
• Suggested Deadlines:
  • Fall Admission: July 1
  • Spring Admission: October 1
• Deadlines are recommended; applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Academics

Curriculum

The curriculum focuses on the chemistry of explosives, pyrotechnics, fire dynamics, blast effects, firearm and tool mark examinations, evidence collection, and laboratory techniques.

• View course descriptions
• View catalog requirements

Minimum Degree Requirements

• Must maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average throughout the program.
• Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 32 graduate credit hours. Students typically take 33 credit hours in this degree track.
• Satisfactory completion of a creative component (via enrollment in FRNS 5980).
• All courses and requirements must be completed within 7 years of admission.

Creative Component - FRNS 5980

Typically, to meet this requirement, students produce a research paper or project related to their profession area of expertise in their final term.

Requirements for Online Courses

The program includes online courses that require self-direction and computer skills. Students must have the ability to be self-directed and to assume greater responsibility for independent reading, course communications, collaborative learning, written assignments, and research projects. In addition, participants must have computer skills, appropriate equipment, and Internet/e-mail access needed for online courses. Internet courses require no on-campus attendance, although some courses offered on campus may have Internet components. An additional fee is charged for online courses.

Program Specializations

• Arson, Explosives, Firearms and Toolmarks Investigation
• Forensic Investigative Sciences
• Forensic Administration (Non-Thesis)
• Forensic Biology/DNA
• Forensic Chemistry/Toxicology
• Forensic Document Examination (Online)
• Forensic Psychology