Graduate
Admissions
Forensic and Investigative Sciences, M.S.
The M.S. Program in Forensic Science, which awards an Indiana University degree, requires 30 credit hours of study beyond the baccalaureate level. It is designed for students seeking careers as professional forensic scientists who desire employment in the criminal justice field or a related area. There are two ways to complete the M.S., the thesis M.S. or the non-thesis, accelerated MS. The M.S. Thesis Program is FEPAC-accredited.
The admission requirements are as follows:
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the physical or life sciences including chemistry, biology, forensic science, pharmacology/toxicology, or a related science
- A minimum GPA of 3.00 for all undergraduate work
The program will serve full-time students who meet the above requirements. The non-thesis program can accommodate part-time students as well.
Students must apply in one of the following concentrations: forensic biology or forensic chemistry. All students take a core of required courses which include an overview of crime scene investigation, professional issues course, and a law course. Each concentration contains specific required courses taken by students in that concentration.
The full-time thesis M.S. program consists of 30 semester credit hours. It is anticipated that the program will be completed within two years. The thesis program requires 18 credit hours of course work and 12 credit hours of thesis completion and defense (research). Students who desire a non-thesis M.S. degree (full- or part-time) must complete 30 credit hours of coursework approved by the department and it is expected the program will be completed within 12 calendar months for full-time students. This may include up to six credits of internship.
How to Apply for the Full-Time Thesis M.S.
Application to the program can be done completely online. Information about the online application can be found here.
You will be directed to create an account to begin your application. The application can be filled out in stages and saved along the way so you can return to it later. The eApp has provisions for uploading your personal statement, supplemental questions, and listing contact names for two letters of recommendation. These people will automatically be emailed and asked to input their letters of recommendation. These people will automatically be emailed and asked to input their letters of recommendation.
Please arrange for your previous academic institutions to send official, sealed transcripts to FIS Graduate Admissions, 402 N. Blackford St., LD 326, Indianapolis, IN 46202. International applicants will need to provide transcripts in both native language and English, as well as a certificate of diploma. The Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program accepts applications once a year for beginning matriculation in the Fall semester. The deadline for applying to the program is December 15 of the year you wish to start. Applications must be complete by December 15 or they will not be considered. Applicants must submit the following:
- The completed application which will also require
- Two letters of recommendation. These would normally be from professors who can evaluate your ability to successfully complete graduate work in forensic science
- A personal statement that discusses your educational and work background, interest and experience (if any) in forensic science, and research interests if you are full time. Supplemental questions requests information about which degree (thesis or non-thesis) and track (forensic biology or forensic chemistry) is applied for along with requiring a list of relevant coursework.
- Official final transcripts from all higher education institutions that you attended.
Applications are not normally considered on a rolling basis. They are generally considered en masse after the December 15th deadline. You will be notified within a few weeks after the decision is made. If your application is not successful for the thesis program, it will be automatically considered for the non-thesis program.
How to Apply for the Non-Thesis M.S.
Application to the program can be done completely online. Information about the online application can be found here.
You will be directed to create an account to begin your application. The application can be filled out in stages and saved along the way so you can return to it later. The CAS system has provisions for uploading your personal statement, supplemental questions for, and listing contact names for two letters of recommendation. These people will automatically be emailed and asked to input their letters of recommendation.
The Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program review of applications will begin in late February and will continue on a rolling basis until the March 15 deadline. Applications received after March 15 will be considered if positions are available. Applications will also be considered for the Spring term if there is availability (completed applications by October 1).
Applicants must submit the following:
- The completed application which will also require
- Two letters of recommendation. These would normally be from professors who can evaluate your ability to successfully complete graduate work in forensic science.
- A personal statement that discusses your educational and work background, interest and experience (if any) in forensic science, and research interests if you are full time. Supplemental questions requests information about which degree (thesis or non-thesis) and track (forensic biology or forensic chemistry) is applied for along with requiring a list of relevant coursework.
- Official final transcripts from all higher education institutions that you attended.
