2023-2024 Graduate Catalog
The Master of Science in Forensic Science and Law is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), ensuring the highest quality of education. Graduates from this program have secured career opportunities within renowned federal agencies such as the FBI, Secret Service, U.S. Army, and U.S. Border Patrol. Moreover, they have achieved success in obtaining employment in government and private forensic science laboratories, some specializing in the field of crime scene investigation. Notably, approximately 15 percent of graduates have furthered their education by pursuing advanced degrees in medical school, law school, or engaging in cutting-edge research. With a distinguished faculty comprised of professors from the Sciences, Forensic Sciences, and Law School, students embark on a multidisciplinary journey that unveils the endless possibilities of scientific discovery in the pursuit of truth. The comprehensive curriculum allows students to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Biology or Biochemistry after the fourth year, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey.
Curriculum
Program Requirements
Our curriculum integrates specialized coursework with practical training, paving the
path for your success. By combining theoretical foundations with hands-on experiences,
we ensure that you are well-prepared to thrive in the ever-evolving world of forensic
science. Below is a list of the required courses for the program. Please note: The
MS/BS requires 162 credits, while the MS/BA requires 159 credits.
Forensic Science and Law Requirements: 48 credits
| Courses | Credits |
|
FORE 101 Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminal Law |
2 cr. |
Forensic Science and Law Electives: 6 credits
| Courses | Credits |
| FORE 230 History of Forensic Science FORE 350 True Crime and the Justice of God |
3 cr. 3 cr. |
Biology Requirements: 23/26 credits
| Courses | Credits |
| BIOL 111/112 Biology I and II & Lab BIOL 212/212R Cell and Molecular Biology & Recitation BIOL 479 Forensic Molecular Biology BIOL 568 Human Genetics BIOL 530W DNA Methods Population Genetics BIOL 490 Seminar BIOL 300+ Biology Elective* |
8 cr. 4 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 4 cr. 1 cr. 3 cr. |
Chemistry Requirements: 38 credits
| Courses | Credits |
| CHEM 151 Atomic & Molecular Principles CHEM 151L Intro to Chemistry Lab I CHEM 152 Quantitative Analysis CHEM 152L Quantitative Analysis Lab II CHEM 211/212 Organic Chemistry I and II CHEM 211L/212L Organic Chemistry I and II Lab CHEM 301 Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences CHEM 305L/305R Advanced Lab Skills & Recitation CHEM 340 Instrumental Analysis CHEM 371W Forensic Chemistry Lab & Recitation CHEM 401/402 Biochemistry I and II CHEM 514W Advanced Forensic Chemistry Lab & Recitation CHEM 691 Seminar** |
4 cr. |
Mathematics Requirements: 14 credits
| Courses | Credits |
| MATH 115/116 Calculus I and II MATH 225 Introduction to Biostatistics MATH 335 Biostatistics II |
8 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. |
Physics Requirements: 8 credits
| Courses | Credits |
| PHYS 201/202 Physics for Life Science I and II PHYS 201L/202L Physics for Life Science Laboratory I and II |
6 cr. 2 cr. |
University CORE Requirement
Academic Policies
Academic Policies for the Duquesne University Forensic Science and Law Program
To gain admittance into the fifth and graduate year of the program, applicants must meet the following four criteria:
- Attainment of a 3.0 cumulative GRADUATE and UNDERGRADUATE Quality Point Average (QPA) upon completion of the undergraduate portion of the MSFSL program.
- Demonstrated research progress with a minimum grade of "C" in FORE 420 Professional Development IV.
- A clean academic record with no instances of academic integrity issues.
- Adherence to the University and Bayer School Academic Integrity and Student Code of Conduct Policies throughout the undergraduate years. Any violation will render the student ineligible for entry into the fifth and graduate year of the program.
The following policies apply to graduate students:
- Instances of academic integrity violations will result in immediate dismissal from the program.
- Any student receiving an "F" in graduate coursework will be dismissed from the program.
- Graduate students must maintain a minimum letter grade average of "B" (3.00 QPA) during their coursework.
- Students who achieve a final quality point average lower than 3.00 upon completion of their coursework will be ineligible for graduation.