Forensic Science (M.S.)

Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions

View degree requirements and course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog.

Learn more about the program in the MSFS Research Manual 2025 and the Forensic Science Masters Handbook (PDF).

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

View admission requirements and deadlines to apply to the forensic science master’s program. 

Program Overview

The Forensic Science M.S. is a 37-credit program that is fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). The core curriculum will help you develop expertise in forensic chemistry, forensic biology, crime scene processing, ethics, legal issues, expert testimony and research project preparation. Elective courses offer a comprehensive study of several major areas of forensic science, including forensic death analysis, next generation sequencing, firearms and toolmarks analysis, advanced microscopy and laboratory management. If you choose, you may complete an internship with a professional forensic science laboratory. 

Choose from two tracks:

• The DNA track focuses on genetic analysis. Courses emphasize forensic biology and DNA technologies to gain superior skills in genetic sequencing and body fluid analysis.
• The Forensic Chemistry track focuses on drug analysis, trace analysis and toxicology. Courses emphasize advanced scientific and laboratory training where students apply their knowledge of forensic analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis.

All laboratory work is done by the student in a hands-on environment, and all students must complete a forensic research project or thesis.

• MSFS Research Topics
• MSFS Internship Sites 2021-2025
• MSFS Program Post Grad Jobs 2025

View mission statement and learning outcomes in the Graduate Catalog. 

TU Human Remains Identification Laboratory

The Human Remains Identification Laboratory supports student learning and enables student and faculty research and community collaboration.

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science?

The Master of Science in Forensic Science (MSFS) program is the only program accredited by the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) in the state of Maryland. The program has an application-focused curriculum that provides students an educational background and development of forensic science laboratory skills.

Graduates are prepared for positions as working forensic scientists in business, industry and government.

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

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

Accreditation 

Towson University has one of the few 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, an emphasis on hands-on learning and practical, job-focused training.