Forensic Science Master's Programs in New York State

PACE University

PACE University offers a Master of Science in Forensic Science program that prepare students to enter into the criminal justice field. Students in this program will take both lecture and laboratory classes over the course of earning their master's degree, and the school has several state-of-the-art labs that where students can study DNA sequencing, crime scene reconstruction, and forensic microscopy.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program at John Jay College is designed teach students about a variety of different topics from biology to physics. The program has an emphasis on laboratory work, in order to prepare students for a future career working in a similar environment, and students can choose to specialize in criminalistics, forensic toxicology, or molecular biology.

Cedar Crest College

Cedar Crest College has a fully accredited Master of Science in Forensic Science program that can be completed in two years of full time study. The courses cover basic forensic scrience theories and principles and include lab work in special laboratories designed to teach students how to use the industry tools for pattern analysis, crime scene reconstruction, and microscopy. Three of the full-time faculty members that oversee the forensic science program have been certified by the American Board of Criminalistics.

Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers a MS in Forensic Science degree program which specializes in forensic and national security science. Students are able to get hands-on training in on-campus labs as well as at partner facilities, such as the New York State Police Crime Laboratory System. Graduates of this program could be able to pursue careers at private laboratories, crime labs, federal agencies, and many more areas.

University at Albany

The University at Albany offers a Master of Science in Forensic Biology that prepares students to work as forensic scientists in either public or private labs upon graduation. This program includes courses in topics such as forensic science techniques, courtroom testimony, criminal justice, and molecular biology.

SUNY Buffalo State

Students at Buffalo State University have the opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Forensic Science. Students can take courses in advanced biochemistry, mass spectrometry, forensic geoscience, and toxicology and drug chemistry. This graduate program designed to be completed in two years, and students will need to complete either a thesis or protract prior to graduation.

Source: *NCES

How To Earn A Master's Degree in Forensic Science

Earning a master's degree in forensic science can take anywhere from one to three years from start to finish, depending on the enrollments status of the students. As a part of a master's degree program in forensic science students may take classes like criminalistics, toxicology, and instrumental analysis.

Toxicology

A class in toxicology can teach students about different chemicals and drugs and their interactions. Toxicology classes may cover extraction techniques, chromatography, and how drugs can lead to different illnesses or death. This class will most likely be split between a lecture and a laboratory section where students can practice and demonstrate their practical skills.

Genetics

Genetics is a class that is designed to teach students about various topics, such as genetic disorders and how they relate to the modern world of science. Some other possible topics to be covered in this course include genetic variation, genetic mutation, and genetics in relation to forensic science. A genetics course may also discuss the ethical issues surrounding the field and how these issues can be avoided.

Molecular Biology

A class in molecular biology will teach students about topics like DNA, RNA, and genetics. This course may touch base on other fields that are related closely to molecular biology, such as cell biology and biochemistry. This course may be offered either on campus or online, depending on the school.

Admission Requirements

Students that wish to gain admittance into a master's degree program for forensic science will need to have previously earned a bachelor's degree. Some schools prefer applicants who with a degree in forensic science, the natural sciences, or another closely related area, while other schools may just look for candidates who completed specific science and mathematics courses. Applicants may need to take the GRE exam and have scores submitted to the schools that they wish to apply to. All previous academic transcripts will need to be submitted along with letters of recommendation. Some colleges may also require applicants to complete an interview with college faculty prior to an admission decision.

There are a number of different schools in New York that offer master's degree programs in forensic science. These programs can typically be completed in two years and often include classes in toxicology, criminalistics, and genetics.