About the Program
Chemistry Department
SAMC 164 (716) 878-5204
https://chemistry.buffalostate.edu/
The master of science in forensic science provides advanced education in the scientific and laboratory methods utilized in a modern forensic laboratory. The program unites current theory and practices in forensic science with advanced laboratory training and an exploration of issues in the related disciplines of law enforcement and ethics.
Important Note: Individuals seeking employment in a forensic science laboratory may be required to undergo an extensive background check including a lie detector test, fingerprinting, and drug testing.
The curriculum for the program is structured around a core of advanced forensic science lecture and laboratory courses supplemented by electives in specialized sub-disciplines. The program includes a seminar component and culminates in a master’s thesis or project based upon original scholarship carried out by the student.
Successful completion of this program requires that students have a strong background in math and science including laboratory experience in chemistry and biology upon admission. The program consists of 30-31 credit hours and should take two years to complete.
Admission Requirements
1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale).
2. An official transcript of the applicant’s undergraduate program showing successful completion of 48 credit hours of college science and mathematics courses, including the following coursework: one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry with laboratory, a course in analytical chemistry, one year of general biology (including cell biology), a course in genetics or population genetics, and a course in either molecular biology or biochemistry.
3. A minimum GPA in the required chemistry and biology coursework of 2.9 (on a 4.0-point scale).
4. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s academic record.
5. A written statement concerning the applicant’s academic background, future plans, and areas of research interest.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
1. develop expertise in areas of scientific knowledge that are essential to forensic scientists
2. acquire skills and experience in the application of basic forensic science concepts and of specialty knowledge to problem solving
3. be oriented in professional values, concepts and ethics
4. acquire the basic knowledge necessary for effective testimony as an expert witness
5. demonstrate effective oral communication of scientific information
6. demonstrate integration of knowledge and skills through a capstone experience
Program Requirements
Required Courses (17 credit hours)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
FOR612 PRINCIPLES OF FORENSIC SCIENCE | 3 - Credit Hours
FOR614 FORENSIC APPLICATIONS OF INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS | 4 - Credit Hours
FOR616 MICROSCOPY IN FORENSIC SCIENCE | 2 - Credit Hours
FOR618 DRUG CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY | 3 - Credit Hours
CHE698 JOURNAL SEMINAR | 1 - Credit Hours
BIO672 FORENSIC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY | 4 - Credit Hours
OR CHE672 FORENSIC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY | 4 - Credit Hours
Approved Electives (5-9 credit hours)
Complete course(s) and earn 5 - 9 credit(s) from the following:
CHE572 ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY | 3 - Credit Hours
FOR598 GRADUATE MICROCOURSE | 1 - 3 Credit Hours
CHE626 SYMMETRY, GROUP THEORY, AND VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY | 1 - Credit Hours
CHE627 X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHY | 1 - Credit Hours
CHE628 NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY | 1 - Credit Hours
CHE629 MASS SPECTROMETRY | 1 - Credit Hours
CHE670 BIOMOLECULES: PROTEINS, NUCLEIC ACIDS, AND ENZYMES | 3 - Credit Hours
CHE680 ADVANCED ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 - Credit Hours
BIO601 FOUNDATIONS OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY | 3 - Credit Hours
BIO608 MOLECULAR GENETICS | 3 - Credit Hours
GES513 APPLIED FORENSIC GEOSCIENCE | 3 - Credit Hours
CRJ630 CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE | 3 - Credit Hours
A maximum of 3 credit hours of FOR 598 may be applied toward the elective course requirement.
Students selecting the Thesis Option below must complete 5 credits of electives; students selecting the Project Option below must complete 9 credits of electives.
Research Credit (4-8 credit hours)
Choose Either Option A: Thesis Option (8 credit hours) or Option B: Project Option (4 credit hours). Each Option is listed below:
Option A: Thesis Option (8 credit hours)
Students must take CHE 699 (2 credit hours) and select ONE of FOR 795, CHE795, or BIO 695 (6 credit hours)
Earn at least 8 credits from the following:
CHE699 THESIS SEMINAR AND DEFENSE | 2 - Credit Hours
FOR795 RESEARCH THESIS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE | 1 - 12 Credit Hours
OR CHE795 RESEARCH THESIS IN CHEMISTRY | 1 - 12 Credit Hours
OR BIO695 RESEARCH THESIS IN BIOLOGY | 1 - 6 Credit Hours
Thesis research is a repeatable course. Students may distribute the 6 required credit hours across multiple semesters under their selected prefix.
Option B: Project Option (4 credit hours)
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
FOR690 MASTERS PROJECT | 1 - 4 Credit Hours
CHE690 MASTER'S PROJECT | 1 - 4 Credit Hours
Master's project is a repeatable course. Students may distribute the 4 required credit hours across multiple semesters under their selected prefix.
30 Total Credit Hours