Forensic Chemistry (MS)

The M.S. in Forensic Science program at Towson University is a molecular biology-based graduate program, focusing on forensic DNA analysis. The program is housed in the Department of Chemistry of the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics. As such, the Forensic Science program has the support of and benefits from the wide variety of talents of faculty members of the College, particularly those in the Departments of Chemistry, Biological Sciences, and Mathematics.

The program is rich with laboratory experience and is capped either with a research project and thesis or with an internship in a forensic laboratory. Research projects can be pursued with any of the research faculty in the Department of Chemistry (or the College), as long as the topic is related to forensic science. In this way, students are not limited to the expertise of just a few faculty members, but can benefit from the experience of many.

Adjunct faculty with extensive practical experience will teach some of the more applied courses. Using experienced practitioners is a strength for an applied program. Many of the adjunct faculty will be from forensic laboratories that provide internships and research project opportunities to the students.

Consistent with the robust accreditation standards developed by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Committee of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Towson University's M.S. program provides advanced education in the scientific problem solving skills necessary for success in a modern forensic laboratory.

The program combines rigorous scientific and laboratory training with exposure to the breadth of forensic science disciplines, including forensic science practice,law enforcement and ethics. The program is intended for students who are interested in working as forensic scientists in the field. This flexible M.S. degree program is also designed to meet the professional development needs of forensic scientists already employed in Maryland.

The curriculum ensures that each student:

1. Develops an understanding of the areas of knowledge that are essential to forensic science: crime scene investigation, physical evidence concepts law/science interface, ethics and professional responsibilities, quality assurance, analytical chemistry and instrumental methods of analysis, microscopy and materials analysis, molecular biology and population genetics, forensic biology, and DNA technologies.
2. Acquires skills and experiences in the application of basic forensic science concepts and of forensic DNA knowledge to problem solving.
3. Is oriented in professional values, concepts and ethics.
4. Demonstrates integration of knowledge and skills through a capstone experience, such as a seminar and a research project and internship or thesis.