Forensic Science

Master's of Science Degree in Forensic Science

Master's of Forensic Science Student Handbook [Click Here]

The Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science is a full-time program designed to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century by providing:

The necessary theoretical and practical background in all areas of criminalistics;
A meaningful forensic science research experience; and
The opportunity to develop written and oral communication skills.

The program will also focus on developing leadership skills so that graduates will be prepared to assume positions of authority in forensic science research, administration and public policy.

Faculty

The Master of Science program in Forensic Science brings together several key faculty from Cedar Crest College who have more than 50 years experience in the field, classroom and laboratory. In addition to this expertise, the faculty has produced numerous publications, presented at professional meetings, and provided courtroom testimonies.

Members of the faculty include Dr. Lawrence Quarino, who spent eleven years as a laboratory supervisor in the Department of Forensic Biology at the New York City Medical Examiner's Office, Dr. Thomas Brettell, a former laboratory director of the New Jersey State Police Forensic Science Laboratory System, Professor Brian Gestring, formerly the Director of the Forensic Science Program at Pace University, and Professor Carol Ritter who is a member of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts. Dr. Quarino, Dr. Brettell and Professor Ritter are certified with the American Board of Criminalistics.

Program Requirements

Undergraduate Prerequisites (First Year Courses)
Students in the forensic science program must have completed undergraduate coursework in biochemistry, biostatistics, genetics and instrumental analysis before registering for graduate courses. Students deficient in any of these courses must complete the course(s) during the first year. In addition, students are also required to have background coursework/experience in crime scene reconstruction, pattern evidence, trace evidence analysis, microscopy and forensic biology. Students without undergraduate background/experience in any of these areas will be required to register for the following courses in the first year:

CHE 241 Crime Scene Reconstruction and Pattern Analysis
CHE 347 Trace Evidence and Microscopy
CHE 348 Forensic Molecular Biology and Population Statistics

Students enrolled in undergraduate prerequisite courses during the first year must also register for Thesis Prospectus (2 credits) during the Spring semester.

Summer Master’s Thesis Research Program
Students will be required to perform their master’s thesis research during the summer between the first and second year. Research can be performed on campus or at an external laboratory (requires prior approval from the program director). Cedar Crest offers two summer sessions and students will be required to register for both sessions (8 credits). Students will
perform thesis research under the tutelage of a faculty member and will be expected to work 40-hours/week for a period of 15 weeks.

Graduate Year (Second Year)
The second year of the curriculum will be dedicated to completing the course work for the degree. Students will also be required to give a research seminar and to complete the writing of their thesis during the second year.

Curriculum

Fall Semester:
Separations Chemistry (2 credits)
Analytical Spectroscopy (2 credits)
Forensic Chemistry (3 credits)
Forensic Toxicology (3 credits)
Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction (2 credits)
Graduate Seminar (2 credits)

Spring Semester:
Recent Advances in Forensic Biology (3 credits)
Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Advanced Microscopy (2 credits)
Legal and Ethical Issues in the Forensic Sciences (2 credits)
Forensic Science Administration (2 credits)
Graduate Seminar (2 credits)

Academic Progress
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 each semester to remain in the program.

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

A Bachelor of Science degree from a regionally accredited college or university in a natural or forensic science (or equivalent coursework in a relevant field) including the following courses:
- Two semesters of general (freshman) chemistry and two semesters of organic chemistry
- Two semesters of calculus (differential and integral preferred)
- Two semesters of physics - Two semesters of general (freshman) biology
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Completion of the GRE General Test (scores must be received by March 1st).
Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s scientific ability. Students under consideration for admission must successfully interview with members of the forensic science faculty before acceptance to the program. Applications received by January 2nd will be given admissions preference.

Maximum Period of Candidacy
Although all efforts will be made to ensure that students finish their degree in the desired timeframe, it is recognized that exigent circumstances may prevent some students from completing the program on time. Students requesting additional time to complete the program must submit a formal written request to the program director explaining the reasons for the extension request. Students granted the extension will be given a maximum of three academic years (beyond the expected graduation year) to complete the program.

Transfer Credits
Students entering the program may transfer up to six graduate credits. Only courses listed in the curriculum will be considered.

Financial Aid
Students accepted to the Master of Forensic Science Program may apply for graduate level federal Stafford Loans. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at 610-740-3785 for more information.

For Additional Information contact:
The Center for Lifelong Learning
Phone: 610-740-3770 or
Email: lifelong@cedarcrest.edu

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