Program Requirements

As part of the overall redesign of the program all course numbers were placed in blocks related to course type or concentration. The new course numbers, within parenthesis, will go into effect Fall 2005. Note: old course numbers precede new course numbers in this document. Read the following for effective changes.

Requirements Applicable to ALL Degree Candidates

   1. Refer to the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (http://www.gwu.edu/~bulletin/grad/csas.html).
   2. Students must complete a program of study consisting of 36 credit hours of approved course work.
   3. Within the 36 hour credit requirement, all candidates are required to take a minimum of one credit of FORS 295 (Research) in their area of concentration
   4. Students must pass a written Master's Comprehensive Examination in their concentration.

Master of Forensic Science

Expanded Prerequisites: a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a minimum of one year of college biology and one year of college chemistry or permission of the department.

Curriculum
FORS 220(211): Physical aspects of Forensic Sciences, 221(212): Biological Aspects of Forensic Science, 224(221): Criminal Law I and 225(222): Criminal Law II: Evidence or 251(223): Criminal Law III: Moot Court are required of all students (12 credits). FORS 224, 225, 251 (221, 222, 223, respectively) may be waived for students having a LL.B. or J.D. degree from an accredited law school. The following are also required:

         1. 9 hours selected from FORS 201: Forensic Biology, 202: Instrumental Analysis, 203: Examination of Questioned Documents, 204: Firearms and Toolmark Identification, 254 (206): Trace Evidence Analysis, 268(207): Photography in the Forensic Sciences, and 254(208): Terrorism - Theory & Practice;
         2. 9 hours selected from FORS 265(234): Medicinal Chemistry I, 269(236): Forensic Toxicology I, 214(254): Forensic Psychiatry, and 261(256): Forensic Pathology; and
         3. remaining credit hours must be selected in consultation with the advisor.

It is strongly recommended that students participate in Forensic Sciences Practicum (FORS 298).

Master of Forensic Science - Forensic Molecular Biology Concentration

Updated Prerequisite: a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences (e.g. biology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.) from an accredited university. To meet the FBI standards for a forensic DNA technical leader, the students must have 12 credits of course work either as an undergraduate or graduate student in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology/molecular genetics, statistics and/or population genetics. The department requires a course in Population Genetics [BISC 228 (FORS 228)]. These courses may be taken as part of the undergraduate curriculum or as part of the 36 credit hours of approved course work.

Curriculum

FORS 201: Forensic Biology, 220(211): Physical Aspects of Forensic Science, 224(221): Criminal Law I, 251(223): Criminal Law III - Moot Court, and 254(241): DNA Profiling are required of all students (15 credits). FORS 271(242): Forensic Molecular Biology is highly recommended for those not working in a DNA laboratory. Electives such as 254(206): Trace Evidence Analysis and 268(207): Photography in Forensic Sciences are also recommended. (max. 21 credits). It is strongly recommended that students participate in Forensic Sciences Practicum (FORS 298).

Master of Forensic Sciences - Forensic Chemistry Concentration

Prerequisite: a bachelor's degree in chemistry from an accredited university with course work through instrumental analysis or permission of the department. Preference will be given to students who have extensive laboratory experience with instrumentation (e.g. undergraduate research, internships, and work-study programs).

Curriculum

FORS 220(211) - Physical Aspects of Forensic Science, 224(221) - Criminal Law I, and 251(223) - Criminal Law III: Moot Court are required (9 credits). Concentration course titles include FORS 254(206): Trace Evidence Analysis, 265(234): Medicinal Chemistry I, 270(235): Medicinal Chemistry II, 273(238): Forensic Chemistry I and 280(239): Forensic Chemistry II (15 credits), with two additional courses selected from FORS 204: Firearms and Toolmark Identification, 221(212): Biological Aspects of Forensic Science and 295: Research or CHEM 218, 220, 221, 258 or 259 (6 credits total). Additional appropriate courses may be selected from other courses offered by the Department of Forensic Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, etc. (up to 6 credits). It is strongly recommended that students participate in Forensic Sciences Practicum (FORS 298).

Master of Forensic Sciences - Forensic Toxicology Concentration

Prerequisite: A bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology from an accredited university with course work through instrumental analysis or permission of the department.

Curriculum

FORS 220(211): Physical Aspects of Forensic Science, 221(212): Biological Aspects of Forensic Science, 224(221): Criminal Law I), 251(223): Criminal Law III: Moot Court are required (12 credits), concentration courses include FORS 240(231): Principles of Toxicology, 245(232): Analytical Toxicology, 265(234): Medicinal Chemistry I, 270(235): Medicinal Chemistry II, 269(236): Forensic Toxicology I, and 272(237): Forensic Toxicology II (18 credits) are required of all students. Additional appropriate courses may be selected from other courses offered by the Department of Forensic Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, etc. (up to 6 credits). It is strongly recommended that students participate in Forensic Sciences Practicum (FORS 298).