Criminalistics, M.S.

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Criminalistics is an interdisciplinary field, in which the physical and natural sciences are employed to analyze and evaluate physical evidence in a judicial context. The Criminalistics program provides advanced, discipline specific knowledge for those wishing to enter the field of criminalistics. The Master of Science Degree program emphasizes current analytical and scientific methods. A broad understanding of the concepts underlying the forensic sciences is provided through a sequence of required and effective courses.

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants must hold a baccalaureate in one of the natural or physical sciences. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission to the master’s program.

Students are advised that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment (NIJ Report NCJ 203099 – “Qualifications for a Career in Forensic Science.” PP. 7-10)

Prerequisites

The following courses or their equivalents may be taken concurrently.

These courses are not included in the 52 units required for the masters degree.

The following courses or their equivalents must have been completed prior to admission to graduate study.

These courses are not included in the 52 units required for the master’s degree.

Requirements for the Degree (56 units)

A total of 56 units is required, with at least 28 in 500-level courses.

Required Courses (44 units)

Electives (8 units)

With adviser approval, select 8 units in Criminal Justice or related fields from the following.

*Check catalog for prerequisite courses.

ANTH 463 - Forensic Anthropology (4)
BIOL 408 - Experimental Design and Advanced Biometry (4)
BIOL 413 - Molecular Diagnostics (4) *
BIOL 415 - Population Genetics (4) *
BIOL 416 - Molecular Genetics (4) *
BIOL 417 - Gene Manipulation (4) *
BIOL 432 - Fundamentals of Toxicology (4) *
CHEM 435 - Introduction to Biochemistry (4) *
CHEM 463† - Biomedical Microanalysis (4) *
GEOL 400 - Optical Mineralogy (4) *
GEOL 422 - Environmental & Forensic Geochemistry (4) *
CRIM 496 - Firearms and Toolmark Examination (4)
CRIM 595 - Directed Field Work (1–8) (1-8)
CRIM 598 - Graduate Directed Study (1–5)

Thesis (4)

Students are required to take the Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT) during the spring quarter of their second year. The FSAT is an on-site examination that is administered by the program director or another faculty member. The test consists of 220 multiple-choice questions of which 200 will be scored. The remaining 20 questions are being piloted for future FSAT examinations. This is not a pass/fail test. A numerical score out of a possible 1200 points will be provided to the student.

The thesis may only be selected after approval from the school graduate committee. The results of the thesis will be presented orally in a public forum for evaluation.

CRIM 599 - Thesis (1–4) (4)

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