Department of Chemistry
M.S. in Forensic Science
Dr. David Frank, Department Chair
Dr. Kevin Miller, Graduate Program Director
- Program Objectives | Program Strengths | Graduates in Demand | Profile of Our Student Population | Faculty | Quick Facts
Program Objectives
To provide the forensic community with highly qualified professionals who have been prepared through education and experience to be successful in both entry-level and advanced positions at the intersection of science and law. These outcomes will be achieved through the instruction of graduate courses that will provide an understanding of fundamental principals of forensic science that meet employment requirements for crime laboratories through; Engagement in active research on forensic related issues with faculty who have real world experience in nationally accredited crime laboratories and have recognized research publications; Interfacing through collaboration with campus and local crime laboratories and their practicing forensic scientists in the form of internships, research and field trips; And, through application by attending seminars and workshops that address current issues in forensic science.
Program Strengths
Students will engage in an application focused learning experience that steps away from traditional programs. During their studies, they will work with professors that have real world experience in nationally accredited crime laboratories and have internationally recognized publications. In addition, they may collaborate with practicing forensic scientists in the California Department of Justice Crime Laboratory located in the California State University, Fresno campus science complex and with Fresno county crime labs. Upon completion of the master's program, students with have incurred the background needed for both entry-level and advance positions in forensic science.
This program is strengthened by a multidisciplinary approach fluent in broad areas of natural and social science such as chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, criminology and law, which enable the development of new technologies based on the unique applications of the crime laboratory. The Master of Science in Forensic Science is an integrated program including: instruction, active research, collaboration with local crime laboratories and application samples, and a Forensic Science Internship.
Graduates in Demand
Student interest has come primarily from the San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Area, and Los Angeles including recent graduates from bachelor's programs, practicing scientists interested in a career change to forensics, and practicing forensic scientists interested in developing their careers. As the only Forensic Science program in the San Joaquin Valley, and one of three Forensic Science "Professional Science Master's" programs in the country, California State University, Fresno is a significant source of incoming students.
Profile of Our Student Population
As a student engaged in the Forensic Science master's degree you will get a jump start on achieving your career goals. Your hands-on learning experience, with a low faculty-student ratio and connecting with practicing forensic scientists, will help you prepare for an intrinsically rewarding career where you make a clear difference in your community every day you work.
As a student in the Forensic Science program, you will work with recent graduates and scientists seeking new careers from the central valley and current state and local crime laboratory infrastructures. We are also uniquely positioned in the West and through out the Pacific Rim to offer quality forensic training. Careers in Forensic Science are intrinsically rewarding where scientists can make a clear difference in their communities every day they work. These careers offer ample opportunities for professional development and personal growth.
Program Objectives | Program Strengths | Graduates in Demand | Profile of Our Student Population | Faculty | Quick Facts