Program Structure and Design
Our curriculum is unique in that it covers a variety of specialties, unlike other graduate programs that require a commitment to a single field of study, making for more well-rounded forensic practitioners. The curriculum involves classroom and laboratory exposure to the field of criminalistics including forensic biology, chemistry and trace analysis as well as forensic toxicology. Coursework emphasizing the development of problemsolving abilities is designed to encourage a concentration in these forensic science specialty areas and expose students to both relevant laboratory techniques and relevant medico-legal developments. An emphasis on laboratory coursework provides students with significant hands-on experiences. Students are afforded the opportunity to reinforce their laboratory skills via internship arrangements with practicing forensic laboratories, including NMS Labs in Willow Grove, PA and the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office. An internship practicum at the CFSRE is guaranteed for all students. These experiences, coupled with the completion of an independent research project, ensure that Arcadia graduates are well prepared for careers in forensic science and that they are well received by the forensic science community.
The M.S.F.S. program focuses primarily on the fields of forensic biology, chemistry, toxicology, and trace evidence analysis.
- Forensic Biology involves the analysis of biological fluids and tissues collected at crime scenes and from articles of physical evidence for the purpose of identification and individualization. A forensic biologist employs a wide range of laboratory methods and instruments for body fluid identification and forensic DNA analysis.
- Forensic Chemistry involves the forensic application of chemical theories, techniques, and instrumentation to the analysis of illicit drugs, arson, explosives, and other trace evidence materials.
- Forensic Toxicology involves the detection and characterization of chemical substances exhibiting adverse or toxic physiological effects. A forensic toxicologist uses a wide range of laboratory methods, which may include spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyses.
- Trace Analysis involves the proper collection, preservation identification and comparison of items such as glass, paint, hairs, fibers and soil. A forensic trace evidence examiner will use instrumental, mechanical, chemical and visual techniques to analyze these types of trace evidence.
Program Design
The Forensic Science program offers a variety of core and elective courses. In their first year of study, students are given the opportunity to make up any deficiencies in biology and chemistry coursework depending on their undergraduate backgrounds and have the opportunity to take advanced courses in these fields. This provides students with a strong scientific foundation which is required and essential in the field of forensic science. The remainder of the first-year courses concern both general and specific topics in forensic science. The second year of study allows for further specialization in chemical, biological, and toxicological coursework. Students also complete internship experiences and research projects in the second year.
The First Year
In their first year of study, students enrolled in the M.S.F.S. program take a set of core courses designed to develop a strong broad-based foundation in the forensic sciences. In addition to our M.S.F.S. faculty, some of the courses are taught by adjunct faculty recruited from the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, NMS Labs as well as from local and state law enforcement agencies.
Summer Term
After the first year, students will be required to engage in a research project mentored by a faculty member affiliated with the University or its partners. Research may be performed on campus or at an external laboratory.
The Second Year
In the second year students obtain additional depth of knowledge by taking specialized coursework in forensic biology, forensic toxicology, forensic chemistry and trace evidence analysis. Students must also complete a laboratory practicum/internship and research project mentored by a faculty member affiliated with the University or its partners.
Degree Requirements
(59-61 credits)
(The program includes at least 48 credits of required graduate coursework, in addition to 8 to 10 semester hours of research, 6 semester hours of practicum/internship, plus mandatory participation in a symposium/seminar series.
Students working full-time with two or more years of relevant laboratory experience at a forensic laboratory who are completing the program on a part-time basis may have the practicum/internship requirement waived with approval of the Program Director.
First-Year Coursework: Fall Semester (15 credits)
- CH 518 Instrumental Analysis in Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry (3 credits)
- CH 518L Instrumental Analysis in Forensic Toxicology & Chemistry Lab (1 credit)
- FS 518 Crime Scene Analysis (3 credits)
- FS 518L Crime Scene Analysis Laboratory (1 credit)
- FS 540 Statistical Analysis and Biostatistics (3 credits)
- FS 561A Professional Seminar (1 credit)
- FS 570 Criminal Law and Ethics (3 credits)
- BI 204 Genetics (0 credits, as needed)
First-Year Coursework: Spring Semester (15 credits)
- FS 515 Research Methods in Forensic Science (1 credit)
- FS 504 General Principles of Pharmacology (3 credits)
- FS 530 Forensic Biology I (3 credits)
- FS 532 Forensic Microscopy (3 credits)
- FS 532L Forensic Microscopy Lab (1 credit)
- FS 535 Forensic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- FS 561B Professional Seminar II (1 credit)
- BI 333 Molecular Biology (0 credits as needed)
First-Year Coursework: Summer Coursework (6 credits)
One of the following
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (6 credits) as needed
- FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (6 credits) as needed
- FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (6 credits) as needed
- FS 599 Research in Forensic Toxicology (6 credits) as needed
- BI 440 Biochemistry (0 Credits, as needed)
Second-Year Coursework: Fall Semester (15 credits)
- FS 525 Forensic Toxicology (3 credits)
- FS 525L Forensic Toxicology Lab (1 credit)
- FS 531 Forensic Biology II (3 credits)
- FS 531L Forensic Biology Lab II (1 credit)
- FS 536 Forensic Chemistry II (3 credits)
- FS 562A Forensic Science Comprehensive Exam I (1 credit)
One of the following:
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (2 credits) as needed
- FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (2 credits) as needed
- FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (2 credits) as needed
- FS 599 Research in Forensic Toxicology (2 credits) as needed
Second-Year Coursework: Spring Semester (8-10 credits)
- FS 520 Moot Court (1 credit)
- FS 562B Forensic Comprehensive Exam II (1 credit)
- FS 583 Graduate Internship in Forensic Science (6 credits)
One of the following:
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (2 credits)
- FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (2 credits)
- FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (2 credits)
- FS 599 Research Project in Forensic Toxicology (2 credits)
