Our Master of Science in Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in local, state and national forensic science laboratories. The program also serves as preparation for doctoral instruction in several disciplines.

This program is designed for science graduates interested in pursuing a science-based graduate curriculum that includes a research project and thesis completion under the direction of a faculty member. Practicing forensic scientists may take courses at FIU (and transfer up to six credits from another institution) and conduct the research project in their laboratory. Short courses (1-2 weeks) and web-based courses have been developed to allow non-resident students to complete the degree in approximately two years.

The goal of this program is to graduate scientists who can work as forensic science practitioners conducting casework examinations or to provide advanced science education to students interested in continuing their education towards a PhD or another terminal degree such as a law degree.

This program is designed to meet the requirements of the DNA Advisory Board for DNA analysts in the Technical Leader position (for DNA track students) and meets the criteria of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) for Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) accreditation.

The Master of Science in Forensic Science consists of a minimum of 32 credits, including a report or thesis based upon the student's original research.

Course Requirements

Students must take at least 32 credits and earn a grade of "C" or higher in all courses, with an average of 3.0 or higher.

Required Courses:

• CHS 5542 Forensic Chemistry (3)
• BSC 5406 Forensic Biology (3)
• CHS 5535 Forensic Analysis (3)

Electives (minimum 15 credits)