Master of Science in Forensic Science

There’s a science to uncovering evidence in a criminal investigation – and you can learn how to become an expert. A MS in Forensic Science will help prepare you to work in law enforcement, security, and other professions.

In fact, we can offer you many benefits through this degree program. We're one of 16 programs in the U.S. accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission. Not only that, but our program's supported by both the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences' Birmingham lab and the Jefferson County Medical Examiner's Office, as well as local private institutions in the forensic science business. We're also home to the editorial office for our industry's only review journal, Forensic Science Review. As you take advantage of all these resources, you'll take classes in chemical instrumental analysis, biochemistry, quantitative analysis, and other subjects. Then, your faculty advisor will work with you to choose a curriculum that meets your goals. Plan I (thesis option) requires that you complete 42 credit hours plus a thesis, and it's recommended if you plan to pursue a doctorate. Plan II (non-thesis option) requires that you complete 39 hours.

Minimum admission requirements are as follows:

Bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or biology from an accredited institution

A chemistry-related degree is acceptable if it includes instrumental and quantitative chemistry courses along with biochemistry or statistics (see the levelling courses information on the program requirements page)

A biology-related degree is acceptable if it includes statistics, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology courses (see the levelling courses information on the program requirements page)

B.S. degree in forensics should come from a FEPAC-accredited program

B.S. degrees in forensic science from non-FEPAC accredited programs will be evaluated individually for completed courses including at least three of instrumental chemistry, quantitative chemistry, biochemistry and genetics and molecular biology courses (see the levelling courses information on the program requirements page)

Overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, based on a 4.0 system, or a 3.2 GPA for the last 60 semester hours in a BA/BS program

3.0 GPA in all previous graduate coursework