Description
Forensic science is an interdisciplinary and applied course of study which plays a crucial role in the legal justice system. Advances in instrumentation and technology have opened up new approaches to solving crime, and the need for individuals trained in both science and the law is growing. Courses are offered in a combination of traditional and online formats and taught by accomplished faculty. The curriculum is designed to provide students with specific skills in the many applied scientific areas used by forensic scientists. Graduates of the program will be prepared for employment in local, state, or federal government crime laboratories, forensics laboratories, DNA testing facilities, the biotechnology industry, and/or continued study at the doctoral level.
The forensic sciences program is the only one of its kind to be offered in partnership with the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division. Stevenson's partnership with the Maryland State Police (MSP) and Baltimore County Crime Lab means that students in the program are being trained by some of the top experts in the field.
This program is offered on-site with some courses offered online.
Objectives
The forensic sciences program is competency-based and successful graduates will demonstrate proficiency in specific laboratory skills as well as a mastery of the academic material. It is required that the graduates of this Master of Science in Forensic Sciences (MSFS) program achieve the relevant cognitive, skills (psychomotor) and affective performance objectives specified below.
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Forensic Sciences, graduates will be able to
Cognitive Domain - demonstrate mastery of the academic material/knowledge specific to forensic science.
- List and describe the steps in collecting and processing evidence, including trace evidence, that may be available at a crime scene.
- Evaluate a given crime scene and select the appropriate steps to be followed in collecting and processing evidence.
- Describe the toxicology and analytical chemistry relevant to isolating and identifying drugs and toxic substances.
- Explain the science underlying DNA analysis and describe the performance of laboratory analysis of DNA.
- Describe quality assurance and accrediting requirements as they pertain to operating forensic science laboratories.
- Describe the criminal justice system, including specific procedures relating to the provision of expert testimony and limitations placed on the admissibility of evidence.
- Cite, apply, and interpret statutory, regulatory, and case law pertinent to forensic science.
Skills Domain - demonstrate an acceptable standard of competency/proficiency in the relevant motor skill sets necessary for operating instruments, running experiments, assuring quality, etc.
- Collect evidence from a crime scene according to established legal and scientific protocols.
- Photograph and sketch a crime scene according to established legal and scientific protocols.
- Demonstrate proficiency in performing the molecular biological techniques relevant to examining evidence.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using the microscope to identify evidence.
- Demonstrate proficiency in performing the analytical chemical techniques relevant to examining evidence.
- Demonstrate proficiency in collecting latent prints and processing firearms for trace evidence, and compare the crime scene evidence to the records in established databases.
- Demonstrate mastery of quality control and quality assurance practices.
- Provide expert testimony in a moot court of law.
- Demonstrate compliance with safety protocols in the laboratory.
- Analyze, interpret, and evaluate evidence for presentation in both written and oral formats.
- Write a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on a topic in forensic science.
- Formulate a hypothesis, and plan and execute a research project (following the tenets of the scientific method).
- Write a master's thesis that demonstrates analysis and interpretation of data, evaluation of results in the context of the scientific literature, and formulation of novel suggestions for further study in the field.
Affective Domain - demonstrates the emotions, values, and attitudes that we expect to see in graduates of our program.
- Adhere to the ethical standards established for forensic scientists and enforced by the law.
- Collect, process, and report evidence ethically and honestly.
- Evaluate scientific journal articles in terms of their scientific merit and their ethical, societal, and global implications.
- Demonstrate professional conduct at all times.
- Display strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Recognize and act upon the need for continuing education.
Policies
The grade of "C" is the lowest acceptable grade, and only one can be awarded during the program. A student may repeat one course in a graduate program one time. Once a student has repeated a course, the student will not be permitted to repeat any other courses. If a student repeats a course, only the latter grade is used in computing the grade point average. However, all courses taken become a part of the student's academic record. Further, a student may withdraw from each graduate course one time only.
A minimum cumulative 3.00 grade point average on all graduate work attempted is required for graduation. Only one grade of "C" may be applied toward the GPA requirement. Degree requirements must be completed within seven years after the first course applied to the degree was completed.
Prerequisite Requirements
Students who wish to enter the master's program in forensic sciences must have a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other equivalent natural science, or forensic science - with a cumulative and science/math grade point average of 3.00 or higher on a four-point scale and must meet the following course prerequisites.
The degree programs mentioned above should have the minimum natural science core requirements consisting of the following:
- General chemistry I and II and lab for science majors (8 credit hours)
- Organic chemistry I and II and lab (8 credit hours)
- Biology I for science majors (4 credit hours)
- Physics I and II for science majors and lab (8 credit hours)
- Calculus (3 credit hours)
- Statistics (3 credit hours)
Applicants interested in the forensic chemistry track should have the following course work:
- Analytical/Quantitative chemistry
- Instrumental analysis
- Physical chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
Note: The above courses should have a laboratory component.
Applicants interested in the forensic biology track should have the following course work:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Population statistics
- Cell biology
- Microbiology
Note: Two of the above courses should have a laboratory component.
Requirements
The curriculum for the forensic sciences program follows and is designed to be completed in as few as two years. Students must complete all core courses. In addition, students must elect a track and complete all courses in the selected track.
Core Courses:
Biology Track:
| FSCI 640 | Serology and Immunology | 4 |
| FSCI 645 | DNA Analysis | 3 |
| FSCI 660 | Forensic DNA Computer Applications | 3 |
| FSCI/FS Elective | Forensic Science or Forensic Studies Elective | |
Chemistry Track:
| FSCI 617 | Trace Evidence | 4 |
| FSCI 620 | Drug Analysis | 3 |
| FSCI 670 | Forensic Toxicology | 3 |
| FSCI/FS Elective | Forensic Science or Forensic Studies Elective | |
Crime Scene Investigation Track:
| FSCI 630 | Crime Scene Investigation | 4 |
| FSCI 632 | Pattern Analysis | 3 |
| ART 540 | Crime Scene Photography | 3 credits |
| FSCI/FS Elective | Forensic Science or Forensic Studies Elective | |
Course Descriptions
See Forensic Science Course Descriptions