Forensic Science Master's Degree Requirements

Complete these requirements for a Forensic Science Master;s degree.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, the following requirements must be met by all applicants:

  1. A bachelor's degree in natural science, forensic science, or equivalent from an accredited college or university. 
  2. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework. 
  3. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies' English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog. 
  4. Pre-requisite Coursework:
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry (including laboratories)
  • Organic Chemistry or Survey of Organic Chemistry (including laboratories)
  • Biology (including laboratories)
  • Physics (including laboratories)
  • Calculus | Applied Calculus
  • Statistics | Bioinformatics

Additional Requirements (Examples)

  • Personal statement (1-2 pages) detailing your interest in forensic science, relevant experiences, and career goals.
  • Writing sample in a peer-reviewed publication where the applicant was the lead author (of, at most, three authors) or a 1-2-page essay demonstrating analytical and writing skills on any forensic science related topic.
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers familiar with your academic or professional work.
  • Upon receipt and evaluation of the application package, suitable candidates may be invited for a final interview with the graduate committee.

Degree Requirements

  1. Complete a minimum of 42 credit hours.
  2. At least one-half of the credits must be at or above the 500-level.
  3. A maximum of one-fourth of the credit hours may be transferred from another institution.
  4. Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
FS 520Advanced Seminar in Forensic Sciences4
FS 530Quality Assurance and Ethical Conduct in Forensic Science4
FS 540Law and Forensic Sciences4
FS 550Crime Scene Investigation and Analysis of Pattern Evidence3
Emphasis in Forensic Biology
FS 570Biological Evidence and Serology4
FS 580Criminalistics: Biology4
FS 590Forensic Microbiology3
Emphasis in Forensic Chemistry
FS 575Controlled Substances4
FS 585Advanced Fire Debris Analysis4
FS 594Forensic Microscopy3

Non-Thesis Option

FS 997Independent study in forensic science4
Electives in FS, SMHS, BIOL, PHYS OR CHEM12



Thesis Option

FS 998Research Thesis9
Electives in FS, SMHS, BIOL, PHYS OR CHEM7

 

Additional Requirements Examples

Applicants should submit a personal statement (1-2 pages) addressing:
  • Why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in forensic science?
  • What is your current understanding of forensic science?
  • What are your academic goals in the M.S. program?
  • What are your professional goals and employment objectives?

Additionally, please indicate the faculty member you would most like to work with and describe the research you are interested in. Include a second choice if your first preference is unavailable. Faculty research interests are listed in the Master of Science in Forensic Science Graduate Handbook.

Applicants must submit a writing sample (1–2 pages) in one of the following forms:
  • A peer-reviewed publication where the applicant is the lead author (published, accepted, or in press; include full citation and applicant’s role).
  • An original essay demonstrating analytical and writing skills on a forensic science-related topic. Use single spacing, Times New Roman, 12-point font. Choose one of the following prompts:
    • Forensic science will survive criticism about its reliability.
    • The role of NIST OSAC in strengthening forensic practice.
    • How NIST OSAC-approved standards have strengthened forensic science.
    • Recent developments in error rates or uncertainty in a chosen forensic domain.
    • Forensic laboratories would benefit from reinforcing the silos of forensic science.
    • Touch DNA: Opportunities and limitations.
    • The Daubert standard and its impact on forensic evidence.
    • Wrongful convictions and the misuse of forensic evidence.
    • The role of forensic science in mass disaster victim identification.
    • Ethical considerations in forensic DNA analysis.
    • Emerging technologies in forensic toxicology.
    • The influence of international standards on forensic practice.
    • Bias and cognitive errors in forensic decision-making.

Forensic Science Master's Degree Requirements Disclaimer

The requirements on this page are pulled from UND’s academic catalog and may not reflect future terms. Updates are published annually in April.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.