Master of Forensic Sciences - Investigation

Whether you are seeking a career specifically in the forensic sciences or hoping to advance your skills in law enforcement, lab work, law, investigation, or another profession, youll learn valuable and applicable skills in this leading-edge field with a Master of Forensic Sciences. The program is grounded in the study of basic human anatomy, components of death investigation, analysis of disease and trauma, and identification of unknown dead persons. Youll learn how to professionally interact with forensic pathologists and investigators, and how to apply scientific methods to the resolution of legal problems.

This Specialization in Investigation is designed to provide graduate education in the most current and advanced forensic investigative techniques available in the field, with a wide understanding of the concepts underlying the forensic sciences. This program is suitable for those students who are interested in pursuing a career in forensic crime and death investigations. The program also allows individuals who are currently working in forensic investigation areas to develop and upgrade their individual educational skills. The program also includes forensic-related writing and research. The program culminates in a supervised master's research project directed by full-time faculty and a committee of associate and core adjunct faculty selected by students from their program.

Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Apply the technical procedures and methods of collection, preservation, chain of custody, analysis, comparison and report preparation of the biological, trace and toxicological evidentiary evidence.
Evaluate the legal and psychological issues involved in competency to stand trial, diminished capacity, and insanity defenses.
Apply profiling knowledge and crime scene analysis methods to crime scene variables.
Analyze the legal, ethical, and constitutional tensions between the interests of society, and the rights of individuals in connection with various criminal procedures and contexts.
Utilize theories, techniques and practices to all criminal and civil investigation.

The master's in forensic science program provides two areas of specialization. The specialization in Criminalistics includes courses in trace evidence, advanced forensic toxicology, advanced forensic serology and DNA, forensic anthropology and archeology, and more. The specialization in Investigation focuses on advanced forensic investigative techniques for the field, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the concepts underlying the forensic sciences.