Admission

Requirements

Applicants to the MSFS program must have a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, or other closely related field. To gain regular status admission, applicants must have :

• Completed (including completed references) online application by February 1st prior to Fall term.
  
• An official transcript from all colleges and universities attended.  Minimum of a 3.0/4.0 undergraduate GPA. Our program is competitive and fewer than 30% of applicants are offered admission to the program. Competitive applications average a GPA of around 3.5, strong letters of recommendation, and research experience as undergraduates or on the job training.
  
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications and ability to successfully complete graduate study.
• Additionally, satisfactory completion of undergraduate coursework, including: one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of general biology, one year of physics, calculus, statistics, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry factor heavily in admissions decisions.
• A written statement indicating research interest, expectations, future career goals, and any relevant background experience. The statement should indicate how BGSU can aid in obtaining future goals. Where appropriate, this statement should provide information on educational experiences, research background, specialized training, or other matters which make the candidate suitable for admission.
• Please provide a scientific writing sample. e.g. laboratory report, case study, research paper, published journal article, undergraduate honors thesis, etc.; Note, group work is not acceptable
  
• Please provide an up-to-date resume.
  
• The MSFS program may require more information from applicants that could require an interview.
• Decisions will be issued in March and applicants who receive an admit decision letter will need to confirm back with the MSFS program regarding attending the MSFS program by April 15th before the Fall semester start. Failure to respond could result in rescinding of admission decision.
• International applicants are also required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Note, students who successfully completed their Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree at BGSU and left the University without pursuing the Accelerated Master’s degree pathway are eligible to apply to the full Master of Science in Forensic Science program.