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Combined MS in Forensic Science/PhD in Biology Pathway

Our Master of Science in Forensic Science degree equips students with a solid foundation in biology, forensic biology and chemistry, as well as forensic analysis methods. Our PhD in Biology allows students to further develop the research they initiated in the master’s program.

The Department of Biological Sciences, in conjunction with the Global Forensic and Justice Center, offers a Combined MS in Forensic Science/PhD in Biology Pathway. The program is designed for BS in Biology graduates who are interested in pursuing a research-based graduate curriculum that prepares future researchers in the biological sciences with a particular emphasis in forensic biology. 

Student who pursue this degree will be enrolled in a continuous program; however, upon completion of all the requirements of the MS in Forensic Science, students will be awarded a master's degree as they transition toward their PhD.

Admissions

All application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions via the online Graduate Application. Use the graduate admission checklist to get started. Please note that the checklist may not reflect our program’s deadlines and requirements; compare it with the information on this page.

  • Deadlines
    The deadline for applications is Jan. 5 for the following fall.
  • Requirements
    • GPA: 3.0
    • GRE: Required
    • Applicant Statement/Letter of Intent: Required
    • Letters of Recommendation: Required, 3 Letters 
    • Hold a bachelor's degree in a natural science from a college or university
    • International graduate student applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a score for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or for the International English Language Testing System (IETLS). A score of 80 on the iBT TOEFL or 6.5 overall on the IETLS is required.

    As these candidates will be dually enrolled in two graduate degree programs, candidates must complete minimum of 32 credit hours towards their MS in Forensic Science degree with a grade of ‘C’ or higher and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. The report option must be completed and accepted by the University before full transition towards the PhD. 

    For additional requirements, consult the Graduate Catalog.

  • Funding