MSC-Criminalistics

INTRODUCTION

The primary goal of the Master of Science in Criminalistics is to provide students with a theoretical foundation, while focusing on criminal investigative techniques and practical application. With hands-on experience, students will be able to apply terms, skills and techniques utilized in the field of Criminal Justice. There are currently 1.5 million full-time law enforcement officers in the United States. With the increased professionalization of the Criminal Justice field, many state and local police departments are beginning to require bachelor degrees, with graduate degrees being crucial to promotion. Furthermore, to be competitive, federal agents are increasingly in need of a graduate degree. Popular career paths include local and state police departments in addition to federal agencies such as FBI, DEA, and ATF.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants interested in the Master of Science in Criminalistics must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The undergraduate degree does not have to be in criminal justice, but applicants are required to demonstrate a basic understanding and awareness of the criminal justice system.

• Submit graduate application

• Submit final, official, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

• Submit three letters of recommendation

• Submit an updated resume

• Undergraduate degree (or expected completion of the undergraduate degree prior to enrollment) preferably in criminal justice, natural science, computer science or related field.

• Successful completion of undergraduate-level coursework in the following courses, achieving a minimum grade of “C” in each: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Investigative Concepts, Natural Science course

• Minimum 2.75 overall GPA, 3.00 in prerequisite courses

• Act 33/34 and FBI background check clearance is needed for full acceptance

• A personal interview may be required. The student will be contacted to schedule an interview.

• All application materials must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office no later than August 1 (for Fall admission), November 1 (for Spring admission), or May 1 (for Summer Admission).

• The graduate assistantship deadline is March 15.

ASSISTANTSHIPS

Graduate Assistantships are available for full-time and part-time students. Potential responsibilities of Graduate Assistants include:

• Assisting experienced faculty members with research

• Assisting faculty members with teaching responsibilities

• Helping to manage the Forensic Investigation Center

• Assisting with various programmatic duties

4+1 MS CRIMINALISTICS DEGREE PROGRAM

The 4+1 MS degree program is designed to allow outstanding undergraduate students the opportunity to earn both an undergraduate degree in various disciplines and a Master’s Degree in Criminalistics within a five year period. Students from any major may apply and should do so in their junior year. Working with both the undergraduate advisor and Criminalistics Program Director, the student will customize a schedule in which they will take graduate courses during their senior year. Students are able to complete up to 12 credits of graduate coursework as an undergraduate student. Students who successfully complete these courses may apply to continue into the MS in Criminalistics to complete the remaining credits. Applicants to the program must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Retention in the program requires that the student maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for their undergraduate studies.