Buffalo State University 24 courses 30 total credits
The master of science in forensic science provides advanced education in the scientific and laboratory methods utilized in a modern forensic laboratory. The program unites current theory and practices in forensic science with advanced laboratory training and an exploration of issues in the related disciplines of law enforcement and ethics. Important Note: Individuals seeking employment in a forensic science laboratory may be required to undergo an extensive background check including a lie detector test, fingerprinting, and drug testing. The curriculum for the program is structured around a core of advanced forensic science lecture and laboratory courses supplemented by electives in specialized sub-disciplines. The program includes a seminar component and culminates in a masterβs thesis or project based upon original scholarship carried out by the student. Successful completion of this program requires that students have a strong background in math and science including laboratory experience in chemistry and biology upon admission. The program consists of 30-31 credit hours and should take two years to complete.
| Research Credit | 4-8 credits |
| Thesis Option | 8 credits |
| Project Option | 4 credits |
| Students must take CHE 699 | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 credits |
Required Courses
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FOR 612 | Principles of Forensic Science | 3 |
| FOR 614 | Forensic Applications of Instrumental Analysis | 4 |
| FOR 616 | Microscopy in Forensic Science | 2 |
| FOR 618 | Drug Chemistry and Toxicology | 3 |
| CHE 698 | Journal Seminar | 1 |
| BIO 672 or CHE 672 | Forensic Molecular Biology or Forensic Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Total Required Courses | 17 credits | |
Approved Electives
Complete course(s) and earn 5 - 9 credits from the following: maximum of 3 credit hours of FOR 598 may be applied toward the elective course requirement. Students selecting the Thesis Option below must complete 5 credits of electives; students selecting the Project Option below must complete 9 credits of electives.
and select ONE of FOR 795, CHE795, or BIO 695
Earn at least 8 credits from the following: Choose one of FOR 795, CHE 795 or BIO 695. Thesis research is a repeatable course. Students may distribute the 6 required credit hours across multiple semesters under their selected prefix. Option B:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 699 | Thesis Seminar and Defense | 2 |
| FOR 795 or CHE 795 | Research Thesis in Forensic Science or Research Thesis in Chemistry | 1-12 |
| Total and select ONE of FOR 795, CHE795, or BIO 695 | 6 credits | |
Project Option
Complete at least 1 of the following courses: Master's project is a repeatable course. Students may distribute the 4 required credit hours across multiple semesters under their selected prefix.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FOR 690 | Masters Project | 1-4 |
| CHE 690 | Master's Project | 1-4 |
| Total Project Option | 4 credits | |
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