M.S. Forensic Science, Biochemistry/Biology Track
A candidate for the master's degree in forensic science must
complete a total of at least 49 credits of graduate coursework. Up to 9
graduate credits in forensic science, natural science, or engineering
may be transferred from other institutions.
Only one C or C+ and a maximum of 9 credits may be counted toward the 49
credits. To remain in good standing, students may only receive one C+ grade or lower during their course of study. Students with two C+ grade or lower will be placed on academic probation. Students who receive more than two C+ grades will be dismissed from the program.
Please note that students interested in careers in forensic DNA analysis
should consult the DNA Advisory Board Requirements, which articulate
that forensic DNA analysts must have the taken the following courses:
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Recombinant DNA Technology,
Population Genetics, or Statistics and Genetics.
Coursework - 33 credits of lecture coursework must be completed from:
50:640:331 Probability and Stochastic Processes (3 credits, G-Prefix)
(may be substituted with 56:121:520 Essentials of Biomathematics I [3
credits] or other equivalent course with approval from the graduate
program director)
56:412:525 Forensics Theory and Policy (3 credits)
56:412:527 Forensic Pattern Evidence (3 credits)
56:412:529 Forensic Trace Evidence (3 credits)
56:115:530 Forensic and Analytical Molecular Biology (3 credits)
56:115:531 Forensic DNA Laboratory (1 credit)
56:115 (or 120):571 Forensic Serology (3 credits)
56:115 (or 120):573 Forensic Serology Laboratory (1 credit)
56:160:584 Forensic Toxicology (3 credits) or 56:160:580 Forensic Chemistry (3 credits)
56:160:586 Forensic Toxicology Laboratory (1 credit) or 56:160:582 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
56:160 (or 120):601 Graduate Chemistry (or Biology) Seminar (1 credit)
56:160 (or 120):602 Graduate Chemistry (or Biology) Seminar (1 credit)
56:412:680 Forensic Science Symposium (1 credit)
56:412:681 Research Methods in Forensic Science (2 credits)
56:412:800-level Internship in Forensic Sciences and Moot Court (4 credits)
In addition, students must complete at least 9 credits of advanced
forensic science, biology, biochemistry, or computational and
integrative biology courses from the list below. These must be distinct
courses from the requirements listed above. Advanced courses in other
relevant subjects may be substituted with permission from the graduate program director.
56:412:500 level Any 500-level graduate forensic science course
56:120:500 level Any 500-level graduate biology lecture course
56:115:500 level Any 500-level graduate biochemistry lecture course
56:121:500 level Any 500-level graduate computational and integrative biology lecture course
56:120:500 level Any 500-level biology laboratory course
56:115:500 level Any 500-level biochemistry laboratory course
In addition, students must complete at least 7 credits of Research in
Forensic Science, which are taken under the supervision of a faculty
adviser.
56:412:700 Research in Forensic Science (variable)
56:412:701 Research in Forensic Science (variable)
56:412:702 Research in Forensic Science and Capstone Presentation (4 credits)
Note: The four credits of 56:412:702 must be taken during the final
semester in which the student will prepare a final paper in the form of a
journal article submission and will publicly present their research
project. This presentation is given during the semester in which the
student completes his or her course of study. The presentation is open
to the public and is scheduled as a research seminar.
Note: Graduate students may enroll in up to two upper-level (300 or 400
level) undergraduate 121, 120, 115, 640 (or 960), or 412 courses to
count toward this graduate program with approval of the graduate program
director and associate dean of the graduate school by using a G-Prefix
Approval Form. See the Graduate School-Camden website for details.
A diploma application must be submitted online in accordance with the
deadlines that can be found at
https://graduateschool.camden.rutgers.edu/graduation.The Application
for Admission to Candidacy for Degree (side one) should be completed by
the candidate and submitted to the graduate director prior to the
capstone. Application forms are available at
https://graduateschool.camden.rutgers.edu/graduation. The student must inform the graduate director of the intent to
complete the final capstone presentation. The capstone must be completed
in accordance with the schedule established by the Office of the Dean
of the Graduate School-Camden and the master of science in forensic
science program. In the event of an unfavorable decision, the capstone
may be repeated twice.
Graduate School-Camden 
