Mission
Our objective is to offer students in our five-year program the finest education in forensic science. We are committed to delivering a top-tier learning experience in the natural and forensic sciences, promoting scientific advancement, and enhancing society through research and education. By doing so, we contribute to the overarching mission of Duquesne University.
Goals
Throughout your academic journey, you will acquire comprehensive knowledge in laboratory-based natural biology, biochemistry, and the fundamental principles of forensic science and law. Equipped with this strong foundation, you will be well-prepared to embark on a successful career in the forensic sciences upon graduation. Moreover, you will develop a thorough understanding of the legal principles that pertain to forensic science.
Objectives
As a student in our program, you will achieve the following objectives:
- Foster an early grasp of professional and ethical concepts during your college education.
- Comprehend the intersection between forensic science and the law.
- Establish a solid educational background in science and mathematics to excel in advanced courses.
- Apply scientific principles to solve forensic problems in a laboratory setting.
- Gain exposure to the diverse and expansive forensic community by actively engaging in local, regional, and national professional organizations and meetings.
- Embrace the continuous advancements and changes in the field of forensic sciences and adapt accordingly.
- Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to make significant contributions to the advancement of forensic science upon graduation.
Academic Policies
Undergraduate Academic Policies
Students are expected to remain in good standing and maintain a 3.0 cumulative QPA and a 2.5 QPA in math and science while in course work. Any student who falls below the 3.0 cumulative QPA and 2.5 QPA math & science upon completion of the second year is subject to the following guidelines:
- Academic Warning if their cumulative QPA is between 2.85 to 2.99. Those students on Academic Warning are permitted to continue progress towards their degree while on Academic Warning. However, for admittance into the 5th yr of the program the cumulative QPA must be raised to 3.0 or higher and the math and science QPA must be at 2.5 or higher.
- Academic Probation if their cumulative QPA is between 2.75 to 2.84. Those students on Academic Probation are permitted to continue. If the cumulative QPA has not been raised to 2.85 or higher the student may be subject to Academic Dismissal from the program.
- Dismissal from the Program. If the cumulative QPA is less than 2.75. If an "F" is received in a 500 level course.
Admittance to the fifth year of the program
Admittance to the fifth and graduate year of the program is based on the following criteria:
- A 3.0 cumulative graduate and undergraduate QPA upon graduation from the MSFSL undergraduate portion of the program.
- Research Progress with a minimum grade of "B" in FORE 420 Professional Development IV.
- A grade of "B" or better in BIOL 530W DNA Methods Population Genetics.
- An absence of any academic integrity issue.
- An undergraduate record of full compliance with the University and School of Science and Engineering Academic Integrity and Student Code of Conduct Policies. Any violation will result in student ineligibility to enter the fifth and graduate year of the program.
Graduate Academic Policies
- Academic integrity violations will result in student dismissal from the program.
- Any student receiving an "F" in graduate course work will be dismissed from the program.
- Graduate students must maintain a letter grade average not lower than "B" (3.00 QPA) while in course work.
- Students earning less than a 3.00 as the final quality point average at the conclusion of course work will be ineligible for graduation.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission.
- The Forensic Science and Law Master Degree Program is fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission. Our program is one of an elite group of forensic science programs to be accredited at the master's level. First obtained in 2009, our accreditation has been renewed twice.
- FEPAC is sponsored by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), which awards the designation after a strict evaluation every five years. FEPAC-accredited programs have been rigorously reviewed and found to meet the standards for high quality forensic science education.
- By choosing our accredited program, you will have the added assurance that your education will assist you in establishing a career in forensic sciences.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for the Master's in Forensic Science and Law program are as follows:
- MS/BS candidates must complete a total of 159 credits.
- MS/BA candidates are required to fulfill 156 credits.
Curriculum
Year 1
- IFSL 100 Undergraduate Seminar l (1 credit)
- FORE 105 FIRST Colloquium (1 credit)
- CHEM 151 Atomic and Molecular Principles (4 credits)
- CHEM 151L Intro Chemistry Lab I (1 credit)
- MATH 115 Calculus I (4 credits)
- BIOL 111/L Biology I/Lab (4 credits)
- BRDG 101 Writing and Analysis (3 credits)
- BRDG 100 Research & Information Skills (1 credit)
- FORE 106 FIRST Colloquium (1 credit)
- CHEM 152 Quantitative Analysis (4 credits)
- CHEM 152L Quantitative Analysis Lab II 1
- MATH 116 Calculus II (4 credits)
- BIOL 112/L Biology II/Lab (4 credits)
- BRDG 102 Writing and Literature (3 credits)
- FORE 101 Forensic Science & Criminal Law
Year 2
- FORE 205 FIRST Colloquium (1 credit)
- CHEM 211/L Organic Chemistry I/Lab (4 credits)
- PHYS 201/L Physics for Life Sciences I/Lab (4 credits)
- ENGL 302W Scientific Writing (3 credits)
- EQ xxx Essential Questions Seminar (3 credits)
- MATH 225 Biostatistics I (3 credits)
- IFSL 200 Undergraduate Seminar ll (1 credit)
- FORE 206 FIRST Colloquium (1 credit)
- CHEM 212/L Organic Chemistry II/Lab (4 credits)
- PHYS 202/L Physics for Life Sciences II/Lab (4 credits
- BIOL 212/R Cellular & Molecular Biology & Recitation (4 credits)
- FORE 201 Phil Ethics of Law (2 credits)
- Forensic Science and Law Undergraduate Seminar Il (1 credit)
- FORE 320 Professional Development Il (0/1 credit)
Year 3
- CHEM 340 Instrumental Analysis (3 credits)
- CHEM 401 Biochemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 301 Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences (4 credits)
- MATH 335 Biostatistics II (3 credits)
- FORE 410 Forensic Investigation I (2 credits)
- FORE 301W Wrongful Convictions (2 credits)
- FORE 300 Professional Development I (0/1 credit)
- CHEM 371W/R
- Forensic Chemistry Laboratory & Recitation (3 credits)
- CHEM 402 Biochemistry II (3 credits)
- CHEM 305/305R Advanced Skills Lab (1 credit)
- BIOL 479 Forensic Molecular Biology (3 credits)
- FORE 411 Forensic Investigation II (2 credits)
- BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
- FORE 320 Professional Development Il (0/1 credit)
Year 4
- CHEM 514W/R Advanced Forensic Chemistry Laboratory & Recitation (3 credits)
- BIOL 530W DNA Methods/Population Genetics (4 credits)
- FORE 402 Torts (1 credit)
- BIOL 568 Human Genetics (3 credits)
- BRDG Cultural Fluency & Responsiveness (3 credits)
- SPRG 108 Service Learning in Science (0/1 credit)
- FORE 400w Professional Development III (1 credit)
- FORE 480 Independent Research Forensics (1 credit)
- CHEM 691* Seminar (0 credits)
- FORE 510 Ethics in Forensic Science & Professional Responsibilities (1 credit)
- FORE 522 Quality Assurance & Lab Administration Management (2 credit)
- BRDG Social & Historical Reasoning (3 credits)
- GEN General Elective or THEO/PHIL (3 credits)
- FORE 420W Professional Development IV (1 credit)
- FORE 480 Independent Research Forensics (1 credit)
- BIOL 490 Seminar (1 credit)
- BIOL Elective (300+, BS trk)** (3 credits)
Year 5
- FORE 501 Trace Evidence & Environmental (3 credits)
- FORE 521 Forensic DNA Analysis/Interpretation/Statistics (3 credits)
- FORE 540 Constitutional Criminal Procedure (1 credit)
- FORE 541 Latent Print Analysis (1 credit)
- FORE 550 Journal Club/Research (1 credit)
- FORE 610 Trace Evidence Application Lab (1 credit)
- FORE 620 Serology/DNA Application Lab (1 credit)
- FORE 650 Adv DNA Tpcs/Non-Human DNA (1 credit)
- IFSL 565 Forensic Pathology (1 credit)
- FORE 500 Internship (optional) (0 credits)
- FORE 511 Forensic Drug Analysis (2 credits)
- FORE 513 Firearms & Toolmarks (2 credits)
- FORE 525 Forensic Toxicology (2 credits)
- FORE 535 Evidence/Case Management (1 credit)
- FORE 545 Explosives & Arson Investigations (2 credits)
- FORE 555 Expert Qualification (1 credit)
- FORE 630 Chemistry/Toxicology/Arson Application Lab (1 credit)
- FORE 640 Research Defense (1 credit)
- IFSL 600 Graduate Professional Seminar (1 credit)