Forensic Science - 2022-23 Graduate Catalog

Director & Coordinator: Travis Worst
BCI Eminent Scholar: Jon Sprague, Ph.D
Address: 116 Life Sciences Building
Phone: 419-372-0224
Program Web Page: Graduate Page

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, 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. 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.

This degree is offered for students with strong science backgrounds who desire to work in a lab.  

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.

Requirements and 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, expectations, future career goals, and any relevant background experience. This 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.  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).

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, or other closely related field.  Applicants are also required to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  GRE is waived if undergraduate GPA is equal to or above 3.5.  Fall admission deadline is February1^st.

Admission Procedure 
Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Science in Forensic Science should follow the instructions outlined in the Graduate Admission webpage.  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 15^th before the Fall semester start.  Failure to respond could result in rescinding of admission decision.

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.