Forensic Studies

Description

Forensic Studies Program Description

The Master of Science in Forensic Studies is designed for students who have interests that overlap the Master of Science in Investigation and either the Master of Science in Forensic Accounting or the Master of Science in Digital Forensics. This program enables students who are interested in careers that have general knowledge of accounting or of digital forensics to combine that interest with investigations and take course in both areas. This program may be appropriate for investigators who need a general understanding of accounting or digital forensics that might fall under their areas of responsibility. 

Objectives

Forensic Studies Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Forensic Studies, graduates will be able to achieve the objectives of the Master of Science in Forensic Investigation in combination with at least one or more of the objectives from the Master of Science in Digital Forensics or the Master of Science in Forensic Accounting depending upon which of the two disciplines the student selects. Upon completion of the Master of Science in Forensic Studies, graduates will be able to:

  • Evaluate the merits of an allegation and prepare an investigative plan, if warranted.
  • Conduct effective interviews and interrogations. 
  • Evaluate documentary and testimonial evidence.
  • Synthesize analyses of facts and law into coherent, defensible conclusions. 
  • Communicate findings, analysis, conclusions and recommendations effectively, both orally and in writing. 

AND

Program Outcomes of the Master of Science in Digital Forensics:

  • Collect, handle and preserve digital evidence. 
  • Design a comprehensive methodology to cover the acquisition, preservation and analysis of various forms of digital evidence.
  • Analyze and interpret file systems data, operative system data and application data.
  • Synthesize analyses of facts and law into coherent, defensible conclusions.
  • Communicate findings, analysis, conclusions and recommendations effectively, both orally and in writing. 

OR

Program Outcomes of the Master of Science in Forensic Accounting:

  • Examine financial statements for false and/or misleading statements.
  • Assess fraud risk and adequacy of internal control structures. 
  • Evaluate financial evidence.
  • Synthesize analyses of facts and law into coherent, defensible conclusions.
  • Communicate findings, analysis, conclusions and recommendations effectively, both orally and in writing.

Requirements

Forensic Accounting - Program Completion

FSAACTwo Forensic Accounting Electives

6 credits

FSIS/FSAACThree Digital Forensics or Forensic Accounting Electives

9 credits

Digital Forensics - Program Completion

FSISTwo Digital Forensics Electives

6 credits

FSIS/FSAACThree Digital Forensics or Forensic Accounting Electives

9 credits

Required Courses

FSCOR 601Foundations of Justice

3 credits

FSCOR 604Evidence

3 credits

FSCOR 606Forensic Journal Research and Review

3 credits

FSINV 600Investigative Techniques/Interviewing

3 credits

FSINV 605Investigative Techniques/Physical Evidence

3 credits

FSCOR 702Mock Trial Capstone

6 credits

Policies

Forensic Studies Program 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.

Students are required to take and successfully complete FSCOR 601, Criminal Justice; FSCOR 604, Evidence; and FSCOR 606, Forensic Journal Research and Review, before enrolling in other courses.

Course Descriptions

See Forensic Studies Course Descriptions