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Forensic Science (M.S.)
Bringing together in-depth study and real-world experience, Towson University’s master’s in forensic science gives you the knowledge and skills to land top jobs in forensic science.
Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science?
Designated by the Council of Graduate Schools, the master’s in forensic science combines chemistry, biology and mathematics to give you advanced scientific and laboratory training. Classes emphasize a molecular biology-based approach with a focus on DNA analysis, providing a comprehensive and in-depth study of the major areas of forensic science, including crime scene investigation and physical evidence analysis.
You’ll learn to apply your knowledge of analytical chemistry, molecular biology, population genetics, forensic biology and DNA technologies to the laboratory, gaining superior skills in instrumental methods, microscopy and materials analysis. You’ll also study quality assurance and the ethical and legal issues related to the profession.
Graduates are prepared for positions as working forensic scientists in business, industry and government as seen by this report on Student Achievement: Graduate Employment and Ph.D./Medical School Acceptance (PDF).
Women Advancing Forensics
Watch this video of forensic science graduate student Haley Fallang interviewed at the International Symposium on Human Identification.
Admission and Degree Requirements
View admission requirements and deadlines to apply to the forensic science master’s program. View degree requirements and course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog.
You can learn more about the program in the Forensic Science Masters Research Manual (DOCX) and the Forensic Science Masters Handbook (PDF) and get general information about graduate studies at Towson University.
Mission Statement and Learning Outcomes
View mission statement and learning outcomes in the Graduate Catalog.
In the News
Solving cold cases with molecular testing
Professors Kelly Elkins and Cynthia Zeller use molecular testing to investigate cold cases at TU’s Human Remains Lab.
Introducing the 2023 ISHI Student Ambassadors
TU students Beighley Ayers and Cassandra Skrant to serve as student ambassadors at the International Symposium on Human Identification. Both students will present their research at the conference.
Why Towson University?
Program Advantages
- small classes with exceptional student-faculty interaction
- hands-on laboratory and internship experiences
- 92% job placement rate
- accommodates working professionals and full-time students with a variety of later afternoon and evening classes
Fully Accredited
Towson University has one of the rare forensic science master’s programs in the country which is fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). This accreditation ensures high quality academics and an emphasis on hands-on learning and practical, job-focused training.
Qualifications for Careers and Internships in Forensic Science
Because forensic science is part of the criminal justice system, personal honesty,
integrity, and scientific objectivity are paramount. Those seeking careers in this
field should be aware that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement
officers are likely to be a condition of employment. The following may be conducted
and/or reviewed before an employment or internship offer is made and may remain as
ongoing conditions of employment (this list is not all inclusive): Drug Tests, History
of Drug Use, Criminal History, Personal Associations, Driving Record, Past Work Performance,
Credit History, Medical or Physical Examination.
Reference: NIJ Report NCJ 203099
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TU Human Remains Identification Laboratory
This laboratory supports student learning and enables student and faculty research and community collaboration.
Find Out MoreContact Information
Program Director
Mark Profili
Location
Science Complex
Room 4301 E
Room 4301 E
Hours
By Appointment
Phone
Email