Forensic Science - Archived 2018-19 Graduate Catalog

Director & BCI Eminent Scholar: Jon Sprague, Ph.D

Coordinator of Biology & Chemistry Specializations: Travis Worst
Address: 14 College Park Office Building
Phone: 419-372-0224
Program Web Page: https://www.bgsu.edu/forensic-science/education/forensic-science-graduate-program.html

Coordinator of Forensic Investigations Specialization: Adam Watkins
Address: 104 Health and Human Services Building
Phone: 419-372-8242
Program Web Page: https://www.bgsu.edu/health-and-human-services/programs/department-of-human-services/criminal-justice/master-of-science-in-forensic-science.html  

Degrees Offered 
Master of Science in Forensic Science

Program Offered 
The master’s degree in Forensic Science (MSFS) program refreshes, solidifies and upgrades the undergraduate and current practitioner knowledge base, allowing students to prepare for new challenges they will encounter in their professional careers. As a result, graduates of the program will be equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills in forensic science and crime scene investigation, creating opportunities to become sought-after leaders in their profession.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume positions in both the public sector in government agencies and in private organizations as forensic scientists and crime scene investigators. Active forensic science practitioners will develop new skills in order to increase the professional knowledge and leadership capabilities necessary to keep up with the ever-changing methods and technologies of this dynamic, multidisciplinary profession.

Specializations are offered in Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry for students with strong science backgrounds who desire to work in a lab. 

A specialization is offered in Forensic Investigations for students who wish to pursue a career in the field.

Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Forensic Science program are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate competency in the identification, collection, preservation, and analysis of crime scene evidence.
• Critically assess the legal and ethical implications of modern investigative techniques.
• Apply scientific reasoning and methods to improve crime scene investigative techniques.
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, on investigative techniques used in the evidentiary process.

Prerequisites to Graduate Work
To gain regular status admission, applicants must have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and are required to submit an official transcript from all colleges and universities attended. All applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications and ability to successfully complete graduate study. Applicants must also submit a written statement indicating interest and expectations, future goals, and any relevant background experience. Where appropriate, this statement should provide information on educational experiences, specialized training, or other matters which make the candidate suitable for admission.  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).

Forensic Biology/Chemistry Specializations
Applicants to the Forensic Biology/Chemistry specializations must have a degree in biology, chemistry, or other closely related field.  Applicants are also required to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Forensic Investigation Specialization
Applicants to the Forensic Investigations specialization must have a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice or a closely related field, although exceptions to this requirement will be considered to accommodate individuals with practical experience as employees in the criminal justice or forensic field.

Admission Procedure 
Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Science in Forensic Science should follow the instructions outlined in the Graduate Admission section of this catalog.

Graduate Courses
Please access graduate courses online at http://www.bgsu.edu/registration-records/courses-and-classes/class-course-information.html. Graduate courses offered for Forensic Science use the prefix: FSCI.