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.
MS, MFS and Graduate Certificate in Forensic Sciences Info Session: January 16
Join us online for an information session discussing the field of forensic sciences and the GW Master of Forensic Sciences, Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation and Graduate Certificate in Forensic Sciences programs.
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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| FORS 6004 | Fundamentals of Forensic Science I | |
| FORS 6005 | Fundamentals of Forensic Science II | |
| FORS 6020 | Ethics, Professional Responsibility, and Quality Assurance | |
| FORS 6224 | Criminal Law for Forensic Scientists | |
| FORS 6225 | Statistics for Forensic Scientists | |
| FORS 6292 | Graduate Seminar (taken twice) * | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | ||
| 19 elective credits are selected in consultation with the departmental advisor. | ||
| Additional requirements | ||
| Successful completion of an independent research project is required. | ||
| Successful completion of a master’s comprehensive examination is required. | ||
| *Students must register for FORS 6292 in their first semester and again after or during the completion of the required independent research project. | ||