The Rutgers–Camden MSFS is a research-based graduate program that builds new forensic technologies, procedures and knowledge while preparing a future-focused forensic workforce. Students learn the scientific process while solving grand forensic challenges. Rutgers’ forensic science program teaches students two key skills that are coincident with the responsibilities held by crime-lab personnel:
- how to generate data able to distinguish forensically-relevant hypotheses; and
- how to interpret that data using forensic propositions.
Program Highlights
We are a scientifically rigorous program engaging in Stage I to Stage IV level research led by renowned forensic science and STEM faculty.
- In the first semester the student will be introduced to all major forensic disciplines and be assigned to a research lab in which they will explore solutions to solve a grand forensic challenge.
- The following semesters are a mixture of course and research activities wherein the student will continue to work with their assigned research team.
- In the final semester the student presents the outcome of their work, showing what contribution they made to the forensic domain.
Questions about Research Assignments? Contact:
Catherine M. Grgicak,
Associate Professor & Program Director
MSFS Degree Requirements
- A candidate for the Master’s degree must complete a total of at least 38 credits of graduate work, comprising:
- 30 credits of coursework
- 8 credits research that culminates into a final presentation and document, describing the forensic gap filled
Up to 9 graduate credits in Forensic Science, Natural Science or Engineering may be transferred from other institutions. Only one C or C+ at a maximum of 9 credits may be counted towards the 38 credits. To remain in good standing, students may only receive one C+ grade or lower during their course of study. Students who receive more than two C+ grades will be dismissed from the program. Please note that certain states require Forensic Chemists or related careers to have taken Quantitative Analysis or Analytical Chemistry. Students interested in careers in Forensic DNA Analysis should consult the DNA Advisory Board Requirements, which articulate that Forensic DNA Analysts must have taken the following courses: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Recombinant DNA Technology, Population Genetics or Statistics, and Genetics. Year 1 – Fall Semester (11 total credits toward degree) Year 1 – Spring Semester (11 total credits toward degree) Year 1 – Summer Session (0 credits) Year 2 – Fall Semester (9 total credits towards degree) Electives include any from the following list: Year 2 – Spring Semester (7 total credits towards degree) Electives include any from the following list: Year 2 – Summer Semester (0 credits)4-semester sequence of courses for students beginning Fall 2024:
56:412:525, Forensic Science: theory & policy – 3 credits
56:115:530, Forensic and Analytical Molecular Biology – 3 credits
56:115:531, Forensic DNA Analysis Lab – 1 credit
56:160:580, Forensic Chemistry – 3 credits
56:160:682, Forensic Chemistry Lab – 1 credit
Research Placement – mid-October, based on student’s responses to Research Placement Questionnaire and background
56:160:523, Statistical Methods in Chemistry or 56:121:520, Essentials of Biomathematics – 3 credits
56:160:584, Forensic Toxicology or 56:160:611, Fundamentals of Pharmacology & Pharmacokinetics – 3 credits
56:412:527, Forensic Pattern Evidence – 3 credits
56:412:700, Forensic Science Research – 2 credits
Research continues
56:412:526, Crime Scene Investigation – 3 credits
Graduate Elective* – 3 credits
56:160:601, Seminar in Chemistry – 1 credit
56:412:701, Research in Forensic Science – 2 credits
Graduate Elective* – 3 credits
56:412:702, Research in Forensic Science and Capstone Presentation – 4 credits
If Spring graduation is anticipated, prepare by completing the following:
Step 1: Hand in Capstone to Research Advisor for review and revision – Early-February or mutually agreed upon timeline using University Thesis Style Guide
Step 2: Submit final version of Capstone to Committee for review, revision and approval – Mid-March or mutually agreed upon timeline
Step 3: Present capstone project in public forum – Mid-April. Specific dates set by Program Director
Step 4: Upon approval of the capstone by the committee, submit final version of capstone through the Electronic Thesis & Dissertations Portal by the Due Date
Step 5: Submit Online Diploma Application & Application for Admission to Candidacy for Degree by Due Date – Due Dates and Applications available at Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
If Summer graduation is anticipated, prepare by completing the following:
Step 1: Hand in Capstone to Research Advisor for review and revision – Early-June or mutually agreed upon timeline using University Thesis Style Guide
Step 2: Submit final version of Capstone to Committee for review, revision and approval – Mid-July or mutually agreed upon timeline
Step 3: Present capstone project in public forum – Mid-August. Specific dates set by Program Director
Step 4: Upon approval of the capstone by the committee, submit final version of capstone through the Electronic Thesis & Dissertations Portal by the Due Date
Step 5: Submit Online Diploma Application & Application for Admission to Candidacy for Degree by Due Date – Due Dates and Applications available at Graduate School of Arts and Sciences