At Rutgers-Camden, students interested in laboratory-based careers as a serologist, forensic biologist, or a DNA analyst will find a program that integrates state-of-the-art instrumentation, training, and faculty-led research that prepares them for the modern workplace.


A candidate for the master’s degree in forensic science must complete a total of at least 38 credits of graduate coursework. Up to 9 graduate credits in forensic science, natural science, or engineering may be transferred from other institutions.

Coursework

24 credits of lecture coursework must be completed from:

  • 56:121:520 Essentials of Biomathematics I (3 credits) (may be substituted with 56:160:523 Statistical Methods in Chemistry [3 credits] or other equivalent course with approval with approval from the graduate program director)
  • 56:412:525  Forensic Theory and Policy (3 credits)
  • 56:412:527  Forensic Pattern Evidence (3 credits)
  • 56:115:530  Forensic and Analytical Molecular Biology (3 credits)
  • 56:115:531  Forensic DNA Laboratory (1 credit)
  • 56:160:580  Forensic Chemistry (3 credits)
  • 56:160:582  Forensic Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
  • 56:160:584  Forensic Toxicology (3 credits) or 56:160:611 Fundamentals of Pharmacology & Pharmacokinetics (3 credits)
  • 56:160:601  Graduate Chemistry Seminar (1 credit)

In addition, students must complete at least 6 credits of advanced forensic science, chemistry, 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.

  • 56:120:500 level  Any 500-level graduate biology lecture course
  • 56:160:500 level  Any 500-level graduate chemistry 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
  • 56:160:500 level  Any 500-level chemistry laboratory course
  • 56:115:500 level  Any 500-level biochemistry laboratory course

In addition, students must complete at least 8 credits of Research in Forensic Science, which are taken under the supervision of a faculty adviser.

  • 56:412:700  Research in Forensic Science (2 credits)
  • 56:412:701  Research in Forensic Science (2 credits)
  • 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, 160, 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.

Note: 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.

Only one C or C+ and a maximum of 9 credits may be counted toward the 38 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.

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 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.