| _Introduction & Overview |           
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 Forensic science is a rapidly evolving discipline, spanning many industries and public services, which applies a wide variety of scientific principles to enhance our legal system. In the past, most forensic laboratories were staffed primarily with graduates of chemistry and biology programs. Once hired into a forensics laboratory, they were trained through workshops and courses offered by various agencies.With the increasing introduction of scientific results into court testimony and the demands for formal training that includes hands-on experiences, Marshall University’s Forensic Science Program satisfies national standards and guidelines to enable its graduates to enter this fascinating field. The Forensic Science Program can trace its origin back to 1992 when graduate level courses were first offered to the West Virginia State Police as part of their continuing education program. Since its beginnings as a continuing education program the program has evolved into a nationally-recognized Master of Science Degree Program. The Master of Science Degree Program includes a five semester core curriculum with both thesis and non-thesis options. In addition to this strong, broad-based core curriculum, four areas of emphasis are offered to gain more in-depth education and training. Students may elect to complete all areas of emphasis in the standard five semester program. These areas of emphasis include DNA Analysis, Computer Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and Forensic Chemistry. Forensic laboratories at the Marshall University Forensic Science Center (MUFSC) provide students with on-premise, real-world experience. These on-site laboratories include the MUFSC Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Laboratory, Parentage Testing Laboratory, DNA Case Work Laboratory, Forensic Chemistry Lab, Computer Forensics Lab, Microscopy & Comparative Laboratory, and Microbial Forensics Laboratory, all of which sets this academic program apart from any other in the state or nation.  In February of 2005, Marshall University’s Forensic Science Degree Program was awarded full accreditation by the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) through the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). This accreditation is for a length of five years, making the MUFSC Master of Science degree program one of the few in the country to be FEPAC accredited.
Overview Marshall University’s Master of Science Degree Program is a nationally-recognized leader in forensic science education. Our students receive instruction using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, preparing them for a bright future and exciting careers. The goal of the Master of Science Degree Program is to provide the forensic science community with graduates who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities sought by crime labs and other law enforcement entities and to assist these agencies in reducing the requirement for employer-based, on-the-job training.  The Master of Science Degree Program is designed to provide a broad-based, multi-disciplinary forensic science education enhanced by areas of emphasis in DNA Analysis, Computer Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and Forensic Chemistry. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. Core requirements for the program include:
The success of any program is measured by the success of its graduates. Graduates of the Forensic Science Program are well received by the forensic science community. Alumni are employed by the FBI, Secret Service, Armed Forces, state and local crime laboratories, private laboratories, state bureaus of investigation, insurance agencies, and the Marshall University DNA Laboratory. While some graduates have utilized their Master of Science degree in Forensic Science as a stepping stone to pursue Ph.D., J.D., and M.D. degrees. The future is bright for the Marshall University Forensic Science Program, its students and graduates. FEPAC accredited Master of Science Degree Program |
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Marshall University Forensic Science Center
1401 Forensic Science Drive, Huntington, WV, 25701 Telephone: 304-690-4363 Fax: 304-690-4360 Email: forensics@marshall.edu © Copyright 2001-2009. All rights reserved |
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