Forensic Science, PSM
Administration, Crime Lab, Crime Scene Investigator, Governance, Lab, Laboratory, Manager, Science, Scientist, crime scene, forensic, professional, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
Are you looking to advance your career in forensic science, law enforcement or medicolegal or other closely related fields? Develop new skills in supervision and management that can propel your career.
The Master of Professional Science program in forensic science readies students for career advancement by providing them with educational depth and breadth in the forensic sciences and helps them develop new competencies related to laboratory supervision. This includes an understanding of how to work with regulatory bodies that provide the framework for oversight in forensic laboratories, consistent with the guiding principles of the National Professional Science Master's Association.
Students develop deeper scientific inquiry skills in biology, chemistry, genetics and related topics, as well as critical laboratory leadership skill sets.
Successful graduates are armed with the tools and experiences required for administrative and other advancement opportunities within and beyond the forensic science laboratory in both government and private sectors.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (FOR 593)
Required Core (9 credit hours)
FOR 525 Forensic Science and Governance (3)
FOR 550 Ethics in Forensic Science (3)
FOR 565 Laboratory Leadership, Policy and Practice (3)
Other Requirement (18 credit hours)
FOR 501 Forensic Toxicology (3) or FOR 532 Principles of Pharmacology (3)
FOR 502 Advanced Forensic Botany (3) or FOR 503 Forensic Entomology (3)
FOR 540 Advanced Topics in Human Forensic DNA Typing (3)
FOR 560 Quantitative Methods in Forensic Science Research (3), BMI 515 Applied Biostatistics in Medicine and Informatics (3) or HCD 501 Population Health Data Management and Analysis (3)
FOR 578 Capstone in Forensic Science I (3)
PSY 546 Advanced Forensic Psychology (3) or CRJ 537 Criminal Procedure of Investigations for Social and Forensic Scientists (3)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
FOR 579 Capstone in Forensic Science II (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
Other requirement courses may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in an appropriate physical, biological or computer science or related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- two letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The statement of purpose should describe the applicant's educational background, scholarly interests, and academic and professional goals.
It is preferred that the letters of recommendation be from individuals in supervisory or professional roles.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
The PSM program in forensic science provides leadership training in the field of forensic science to practicing professionals in science and forensic science, criminalistics and medical examiner offices; to office personnel; and to members of the law enforcement and legal communities. Program graduates have the skills and experience to pursue a new career path or to advance in their current careers. Graduates with a master's degree in forensic science have gone on to careers that include jobs such as:
- biomedical researcher
- crime scene investigator
- crime or forensic laboratory director, manager or supervisor
- forensic anthropologist
- forensic engineer
- forensic nurse
- forensic scientist or criminalist
- forensic toxicologist
- law enforcement officer or supervisor
- military service member
- pharmaceutical researcher
Some graduates go on to professional schools and further graduate education, including PhD programs.
School of Interdisciplinary Forensics
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FAB N101
NCGradOnline@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
