Emporia State University

What you'll study

The program requires 40 total graduate credit hours and covers analytical methods across forensic biology, forensic chemistry, toxicology, and trace evidence, together with research and professional practice. Required courses include:

• FO 702 Biological and Physical Evidence — 3 hours
• FO 710 Forensic Microscopy — 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
• CH 732 Communication in the Sciences — 2 hours

Electives at or above the 500 level bring the program to 40 hours. Research options (minimum 3 hours) include FO 803 Current Research in Forensic Science (3), FO 809 Graduate Project in Forensic Science (1–6), FO 886 Internship: Forensic Science (3), or FO 890 Thesis, MSFS (1–6).

Entry requirements

Applicants must submit a Graduate School application, departmental application, unofficial bachelor’s transcript at application time, and three letters of reference (online forms). Official bachelor’s degree transcripts showing at least 60 credit hours and final grades are required for admission processing. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required; applicants with lower GPAs may be reviewed case-by-case and admitted on probation. The program does not require the GRE. Candidates should have at least one semester of general biology (or equivalent) and one semester of general chemistry (or equivalent); the admissions committee may require deficit courses if a background is incomplete. Applications are reviewed individually and the program admits students for fall or spring start terms.

Career prospects

Graduates work in state and regional crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, and academic research facilities. While enrolled, students often present research at meetings, publish, participate in community outreach and student societies (The Locard Society of Forensic Science and Delta Delta Epsilon – Alpha Alpha Chapter), and may serve on the Student Crime Scene Response Team in partnership with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. Note: internship or employment in crime labs typically requires extensive background checks; certain arrests or convictions and untruthfulness in application materials can disqualify candidates.

Scholarships & funding angle

Scholarships are available for Biology students at Emporia State University; prospective applicants should contact the program director or the Graduate School for specific funding opportunities and eligibility.