MFS in Forensic Science

The FEPAC-accredited Master of Forensic Science degree provides an understanding of the integration of forensic disciplines with the investigation of criminal activity, along with an overview of the analytic methods, procedures, equipment and data used by forensic specialists.

Students gain the skills needed to understand and interpret a variety of types of physical evidence, including fingerprints, shoe and tire impressions, firearms, fired bullets, cartridge cases and toolmarks.

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Forensic Sciences Graduate Info Session: November 11

Join us online for an information session discussing the field of forensic sciences and the GW Forensic Sciences programs.

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Focus Areas

Students gain the skills to evaluate and interpret crime scene evidence. These skills are valued by law enforcement agencies, crime labs, coroner's offices, hospitals and courts of law. Our alumni also work in the private sector analyzing physical evidence.

Program Objectives

Students graduate with:

• Deep knowledge of variety of forms of physical evidence
• Mastery of fingerprints, shoe and tire impressions and firearms and tool mark identification
• Working knowledge of ethics, criminal law and statistics
• Familiarity with modern instrumental methods used in forensic laboratories, including mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, microscopy, chromatographic and electrophoretic separations
• Communication skills necessary to present findings with clarity
   

Application Requirements

The Department of Forensic Sciences requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree with a major in a natural science or forensic science from an accredited university. Preference is given to students who have extensive laboratory experience with instrumentation analysis through undergraduate research, internships or Federal Work-Study programs.

Complete Application Requirements

Course Requirements