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Forensic Science, MS

Welcome from our program director

We are pleased that you are considering pursuing your education in the rapidly evolving field of forensic science. Our MS in forensic science program is tailored for individuals with a passion for forensic research and a desire to apply their knowledge to enhance the criminal justice system.

The interdisciplinary forensics program at Arizona State University integrates innovative research with practical application, providing you with the necessary skills to contribute to the criminal justice system. Whether your aspirations lie in crime laboratories, research endeavors, industry collaborations, or further education, our program offers a structured, adaptable, and supportive framework to facilitate your career advancement.

Our faculty members are highly experienced professionals dedicated to guiding students through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates forensic science, research methodologies, and practical applications to the field. Our diverse faculty comprises renowned researchers in a wide range of specialties. Furthermore, our collaborative community promotes meaningful connections and opportunities for professional development.

As a student in our program, you will explore topics such as:

Application of forensic biology techniques to evidence analysis.
Analysis and research in forensic chemistry and toxicology.
Research methods in a variety of forensic science disciplines.

We invite you to learn more about our MS in forensic science by exploring our website, attending an information session, or reaching out to our admissions team. We look forward to helping you take the next step in your academic and professional journey.

Warm regards,
Assistant Professor Jonathan Parrott

Campus immersion program at a glance

Location: West Valley campus
Credit Hours: 32
Schedule: Evening classes
Time to completion: 4 semesters full-time; 6 semesters part-time
When we admit: Fall; view application deadlines

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GI Bill® benefits

This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

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Application components

The ASU graduate admission application requires personal information, academic history, residency information and degree selection. After you select your degree, you will be prompted for the following supplemental materials.

If you need assistance with filling out any part of the application please visit our graduate admissions page.

Completed applications must be electronically submitted to ASU and include the following components.

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The forensic science program requires two letters of recommendation. It is preferred that letters of recommendation be from faculty members who know the applicant's work well; if these are not available, letters of recommendation from individuals in supervisory or professional roles will be accepted. If letters of recommendation from three faculty members are not available, then it is strongly preferred that at least one letter be from a faculty member.

The statement of purpose should give the committee a better picture of who you are, share your academic and professional goals, scholarly interests, as well as explain why you decided to pursue this particular graduate program.

The statement should be compelling, show off your writing skills, and include specific research interests.

Your personal statement should be no more than two pages, double-spaced.

A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework. If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements, a GRE score is required.

If you are recommended for admission by the academic unit, you will be required to provide an official transcript sent to us by mail directly from the institution. Your offer of admission and ability to register for classes will be contingent upon the receipt and verification of these official documents which must show the award of degrees where appropriate.

The unofficial transcript that is uploaded must match the official transcript we receive. Do not upload spreadsheet documents as these are not acceptable for review. Instead, you can use a screen-capture or a picture of the official transcript and copy and paste the image onto a Microsoft Word document. You are also allowed to scan and upload a copy of your official transcripts, which is the preferred method. Please include the transcript key or legend in your upload, often found on the back of the official transcript.

Arizona State University reserves the right to require official transcripts any time prior to admission review and revoke any admission decisions if the unofficial transcript(s) do not match the official transcripts.

Please make sure your unofficial transcript document includes your required bachelor's degree transcript. If you have transcripts from more than one university or have multiple degrees from the same university, please upload all transcripts in one file.

If unofficial transcripts are not uploaded at time of application, official transcripts will be required to be submitted before your application will move forward for review for admission.

International applicants should review details online to determine if a TOEFL or IELTS score must be submitted. Information can be found by visiting students.asu.edu/graduate/proficiency.

Review process

Review of applications for admission are done on a rolling basis. Typically decisions are returned within 14 calendar days from the date the application is "in review." The decision timeframe may increase during peak cycles.

Applicants can view the status of their application online via My ASU. New College may reach out to request additional information or provide updates so it is important to check your email regularly.

After submitting your application please contact New College with any questions.

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Forensic Science, MS

Welcome from our program director

Campus immersion program at a glance

Connect

Explore

GI Bill® benefits

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

Application components

Letters of recommendation

Statement of purpose

GPA requirement

Transcripts

English proficiency

Review process

Recommendations while you wait for a decision

Helpful links

Step 1 of 2

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