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.
Learning Outcomes
- Professional and ethical concepts: A student will exhibit an understanding of professional, ethical, and bias concepts throughout their college education.
- Science and the Law: The student will display an understanding of the intersect between forensic science and law and demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between law enforcement, attorneys (Prosecution and Defense), other stakeholders, and crime laboratory scientists.
- Comprehensive science and math foundations: The student will master foundational knowledge of comprehensive science and math coursework in order to advance to the 3rd year and above.
- Apply scientific principles and knowledge: The student will be able to apply scientific principles to forensic science and law problems in a research and laboratory setting.
- Adapt to Advances and Changes: The student will achieve an appreciation of the advancements and changes in the forensic sciences, particularly with regards to accreditation standards and innovative technologies, and be able to adapt to those changes.
- Forensic Community Involvement and Contribution to the Profession: The student will have skills and a level of knowledge that will allow him/her to be a significant contributor to furthering the science of forensics through active engagement in cutting edge research and presentation of their findings at local, state, regional, and national forensic and/or scientific meetings.
Forensic Science and Law Course Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| FORE 500 | Forensic Internship (Optional) | 0 |
| FORE 501 | Trace Evidence/Environmental | 3 |
| FORE 510 | Ethics in Forensic Science/Professional Responsibility | 1 |
| FORE 511 | Forensic Drug Analysis | 2 |
| FORE 513 | Firearm Examination and Identification | 2 |
| FORE 521 | Forensic DNA Analysis/Interpretation/Statistics | 3 |
| FORE 522 | Quality Assurance and Laboratory Administration/Management | 2 |
| FORE 525 | Forensic Toxicology | 3 |
| FORE 530W | DNA Methods/Population Genetics | 4 |
| FORE 535 | Evidence/Case Management | 1 |
| FORE 540 | Constitutional Criminal Procedure | 1 |
| FORE 541 | Latent Print Analysis | 1 |
| FORE 545 | Explosives and Arson Investigations | 2 |
| FORE 550 | Seminar/Journal Club | 1 |
| FORE 555 | Expert Qualifications | 1 |
| FORE 560 | Forensic Anatomy | 1 |
| FORE 565 | Forensic Pathology | 1 |
| FORE 575 | Advanced Forensic Investigations | 1 |
| FORE 585 | Criminal Case Review and Evidence Admissibility | 1 |
| FORE 610 | Trace Evidence Applications Lab | 1 |
| FORE 620 | Serology/DNA Applications Lab | 1 |
| FORE 630 | Chemistry/Toxicology/Arson Applications Laboratory | 1 |
| FORE 640 | Research Defense | 1 |
| FORE 650 | Advanced DNA Topics: Non Human DNA | 1 |
| FORE 660 | Forensic Science and Law Comprehensive | 0 |
| Total | 38 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| BIOL 577 | Forensic Human Genetics | 3 |
| CHEM 514W/R | Advanced Forensic Chemistry Lab | 3 |
| CHEM 691 | Seminar | 0 |
| Total | 6 |
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.