2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Aug 04, 2025

2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Forensic Science, MS

Contact

Deepika Das, ddas06@syr.edu, 315-443-1036

Assistant Teaching Professor, Director of Curricular Programs for the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute at Syracuse University

Faculty

Kathleen Corrado, James Crill, Deepika Das, James Hewett, Michael Marciano, Natalie Novotna, Maria Pettolina, James T. Spencer, Michael B. Sponsler

Program Description

The Masters of Science in Forensic Science is a 36-credit hour program of study designed to offer students both a global perspective and an opportunity for in-depth study at the graduate level in forensic science. The degree provides students with a fundamental understanding of the concepts and principles involved in the application of scientific techniques to forensic investigations and to the criminal justice system. The graduate MS in Forensic science offers a comprehensive exploration of various forensic science areas, along with the opportunity for in-depth focus in specific sub-disciplines based on the chosen concentration. The required research/internship experience allows students to gain real-world experience in the field of forensic science. This program is well-suited for students interested in crime scene investigation, latent prints, firearms analysis, local or federal law enforcement, and other related fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

Forensic Science MS

1. SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND PRINCIPLES - Apply the scientific foundational principles of forensic science in the criminal justice and national security realms.

2.a RESEARCH AND CRITICAL THINKING - Identify needs for research in forensic science and critique empirical scientific studies as they relate to the reliability, accuracy, and limitations of forensic practices.

2.b RESEARCH AND CRITICAL THINKING - Use a rationale-based approach to evaluate and analyze a situation and/or in problem solving.

3. ETHICS and QUALITY - Assess and apply ethical standards, integrity, professionalism, and quality assurance protocols and standards in the field of forensic science.

4. COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION - Effectively communicate scientific principles with objectivity and transparency to stakeholders, including scientists and non-scientists.

5. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION - Investigate evidence using various analytical techniques. Apply forensic science principles in research or an internship.

Program Requirements

I. Gateway Courses - 15 Credits Required

FSC 606 - Advanced Forensic Science 3 credit(s)
FSC 631 - Statistics for Forensic Science 3 credit(s)
FSC 632 - Research and Career Resources 3 credit(s)
FSC 633 - Quality Assurance and Ethics 3 credit(s)
FSC 668 - Crime Scene Investigation with lab 3 credit(s)

II. Electives - 18 Credits Required

At least 9 elective credits must be a part of a designated concentration. Student-specific concentrations, potentially including FSC 690 , may be allowed by petition.

Forensic Chemistry Concentration

Course marked with * is a required course in this concentration.

FSC 644 - Forensic Chemical Analysis 3 credit(s)
* FSC 657 - Principles of Human Toxicology 3 credit(s)
CHE 575 - Organic Spectroscopy 3 credit(s)
CHE 677 - Proteins and Nucleic Acids Lab 3 credit(s)
FSC 645 - Forensic Biochemical Analysis with lab 3 credit(s)
FSC 646 - Instrumental Forensic Chemical Analysis Laboratory 3 credit(s)

Impressions Evidence Concentration

FSC 661 - Firearms and Impression Evidence 3 credit(s)
FSC 664 - Latent Print Processing with lab 3 credit(s)
FSC 665 - Latent Prints with practicum 3 credit(s)
FSC 671 - Firearms and Impressions Evidence II 3 credit(s)
FSC 673 - Mechanics of Modern Firearms with lab 3 credit(s)
FSC 675 - Latent Prints II 3 credit(s)

Jurisprudence Concentration

LAW 604 - Criminal Law 3 credit(s)
LAW 708 - Constitutional Criminal Procedure - Investigative 3 credit(s)
LAW 718 - Evidence 4 credit(s)
LAW 759 - Computer Crimes 3 credit(s)
LAW 796 - Constitutional Criminal Procedure - Adjudicative 3 credit(s)

Linguistics Concentration

LIN 601 - Introductory Linguistic Analysis 3 credit(s)
LIN 631 - Phonological Analysis 3 credit(s)
LIN 671 - Dimensions of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism 3 credit(s)
LIN 675 - Forensic Linguistics 3 credit(s)

Medicolegal Death Investigation Concentration

FSC 634 - Anatomy & Physiology for Forensic Medicine 3 credit(s)
FSC 635 - Medicolegal Death Investigation I 3 credit(s)
FSC 651 - Forensic Pathology 3 credit(s)

National Security Concentration

FSC 669 - Science of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction 3 credit(s)
LAW 700 - National Security Law 3 credit(s)
LAW 790 - Counterterrorism and the Law 3 credit(s)
LAW 832 - Cyber Security Law and Policy 3 credit(s)
NUC 520 - Radiochemistry, Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing and Nonproliferation 3 credit(s)
PAI 738 - US Intelligence Community: Governance & Practice 3 credit(s)
PAI 739 - US Defense Strategy, Resources, & Military Operations 3 credit(s)

Psychiatry & Behavioral Science Concentration

FSC 652 - Forensic Mental Health 3 credit(s)
PSY 674 - Advanced Social Psychology 3 credit(s)
SWK 626 - Persons in Social Context 3 credit(s)
SWK 724 - Psychopathology 3 credit(s)

Toxicology Concentration