Professional Master's of Science in Forensic Science

Mission

Forensic science is a multidisciplinary endeavor that increasingly requires employees fluent in broad areas of the natural sciences (chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics) and social sciences such as criminology and law to enable the development of new technologies and products based on the unique applications of the crime laboratory. The Professional Master’s Degree in Forensic Science at the California State University, Fresno offers students, who are fundamentally educated in various scientific disciplines, the opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills required to comprehend and implement these emerging technologies and provide reliable evaluation of evidence and testimony for our justice system.

Overview

The unique properties of a professional master’s degree, especially in forensic science, are both the interdisciplinary nature of study and the strong applications approach expected in the thesis or project serving as the culminating experience.  This program  involves curricula contained in the following academic units:  the College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Social Sciences.  Within these Colleges the primary departments participating in this program are: Chemistry, Biology and Criminology. 

The Professional Master’s of Science degree program in Forensic Science is designed to prepare individuals for careers in forensic science. The field of forensic science is based primarily in chemistry, but there are important science components from biology, physics, math and related behavioral and legal issues in psychology, anthropology and criminology. The forensic science degree program is a two-year program that consists of core coursework that gives a strong foundation in the sciences that make up Forensic Science, and also trains the student in the application of that knowledge. If applicants have completed the prerequisites for this program, they already meet all current requirements for employment by crime laboratories as criminalists or forensic scientists. After completion of this Professional MS degree and with the requisite experience, they will have a more solid foundation in forensic science applications and will be qualified for leadership positions.

This website was developed and is maintained by Yosemite Computer Consultants [e-mail] [website].