Emporia State University

What you'll study

The program requires 40 total credit hours and includes core and elective coursework, plus a research or practicum component. Students gain experience across forensic biology and related analytical areas.

• Required courses: CH 732 Communication in the Sciences; FO 702 Biological and Physical Evidence (3 hours); FO 711 Forensic Microscopy Laboratory (1 hour); FO 730 Ethics and Professionalism in Forensic Science (1 hour); FO 770 Graduate Research Seminar (1–2 hours); FO 771 Forensic Science Seminar (1–2 hours); FO 850 Molecular Techniques for Forensic Science (3 hours).
• Electives: additional courses at or above the 500 level to reach the 40‑hour program total.
• Research/practicum options (minimum 3 hours): FO 803 Current Research in Forensic Science (3 hours); FO 809 Graduate Project in Forensic Science (1–6 hours); FO 886 Internship: Forensic Science (3 hours); FO 890 Thesis, MSFS (1–6 hours).
• Coursework available covers forensic biology, forensic chemistry, toxicology, trace evidence, and molecular techniques; statistics/population genetics and related topics are available at ESU to meet DNA analyst personnel standards.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in a natural or forensic science with relevant preparatory coursework for the chosen area of study. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required; applicants below that threshold may be considered case‑by‑case and admitted on probation. The GRE is not required.

• Application materials: Graduate School application with departmental application section, three letters of reference (online form), and unofficial bachelor’s transcript at submission.
• Official transcripts: bachelor’s degree transcripts with at least 60 credit hours and final grades; any post‑baccalaureate credits to be used for transfer or last‑60 GPA must be submitted officially to the Graduate Office.
• Program start: fall or spring semesters.
• Note on background: internship or employment in crime laboratories requires extensive background checks; certain arrests or convictions (for example alcohol/drug violations, property or violent crimes, firearms offenses, moral turpitude, serious traffic or credit problems) may disqualify candidates for internships or employment. Applicants should discuss concerns with the program director before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates have gone on to work in state and regional crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, and academic research facilities. The program’s practitioner input and laboratory training are intended to prepare students for forensic laboratory roles, DNA analysis (given completion of required coursework in biochemistry, genetics/molecular biology, and statistics/population genetics), and research positions.

Scholarships & funding angle

ESU notes that scholarships are available for Biology students; prospective applicants should contact the MSFS Program Director or the Graduate School for information on available departmental or university funding and any application deadlines.