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Grade Point Average
To receive a Master of Science degree, students must have a GPA of not less than 3.0 in all current work completed at Marshall University . In addition, the student must have a least a 3.0 in the major. All grades of C or less are counted in computing averages, but no more than six (6) hours of C and no grades below C may be applied toward a master’s degree in forensic science. Receipt of a grade below C or more than two grades of C in the program is grounds for program dismissal.

Multiple Degrees
Forensic science students who wish to earn additional Master of Science degrees at Marshall University must list the Forensic Science Program as the primary degree.
Application for Graduation 
Applicants for Graduation must be filed in the Office of the Graduate Dean (113 Old Main , Huntington) no later than the date printed in the calendar of the final term or semester in which the degree requirements will be completed.  Forms for applying for graduation may be obtained from the above office.  For Master of Science students, a diploma fee is assessed, payable at the Bursar’s Office, and must be attached to the application before it will be accepted.
Background Check Considerations
Students may be asked to submit to background checks by internship sponsors and potential employers. Such background checks may require months to complete. For this reason, students must plan accordingly should they wish to apply for internships or employment with agencies requiring such procedures. Due to the need to under go and complete background checks, it is suggested students begin their internship search as early as October of their first term in the program.

Similarly, students should begin their job search by the first summer term in the program. Students should also be aware the background investigation may include employment history, educational background, an accountable timeline, social companions, personal references, military history, drug use, motor vehicle, criminal record, financial history, medical and mental health history, along with personal weapons records. Personality tests, work samples, interviews, medical examinations, drug tests, and polygraph tests may also be used during the background investigation. Several months may be required to complete the full process.

Formal Filing of Grievances
The Forensic Science Program has a formal grievance procedure for handling complaints with certain assurance for the proper dissemination of such information to its faculty, staff, and students. A formal grievance should be filed when the student advisor and faculty committee through their policies and practices have violated certain student rights. To file a formal complaint, the student should provide their complaint in writing to be sent to their academic advisor. All complaints will be maintained on file for a minimum of 5 years. In consultation with the student and the Forensic Science Faculty, the academic advisor will provide a written response describing any action(s) taken.  Should the response or action taken be unacceptable to the student, then the student may request a hearing of their concerns through the Forensic Science Graduate Studies Committee. Students are referred to the Graduate Catalog for more details on grievance procedures.
Definitions of Accreditation and Certification
Accreditation: is a process by which educational programs, as well as laboratories, demonstrate that they have met standards set form by accrediting agencies. Accreditation is a voluntary process of external peer review in which an accrediting agency grants public recognition to a program of study, institution, or laboratory that meets established qualifications and standards.

Marshall University is accredited by the North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and Schools.  The Forensic Science Center ’s CODIS Laboratory is accredited by Forensic Quality Services International (FSQ-I), ISO 17025 as a testing laboratory and by Forensic Quality Services (FQS) as a convicted offender databasing laboratory. The Center is also currently undergoing NFSTC accreditation review to perform forensic casework. The Center’s Paternity Testing Laboratory is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).  The Forensic Science Academic Program is currently 1 of 3 graduate degree programs fully-accredited in the nation by the American Academy of Forensic Science’s Forensic Educational Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).

Certification: is a process whereby an individual receives public recognition by a professional certification agency for having met established qualifications and educational standards. Generally, individuals become “certified” by passing a certification examination such as given by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC). Graduates are encouraged to seek certification by the ABC.

Special Activities Forms
Complete, maintain, and submit a SAF each time you participate in a special activity. Examples of special activities are; seminar slide presentations, poster presentations, conference or meeting presentations, internship interviews, job interviews, undergoing agency background checks, visiting various agencies, GA and work study positions, independent studies, external agency positions, etc. These activity records will be kept in your student file so that the Program can provide “personalized” letters of recommendation, now and in the future, as you request them. Maintaining this practice for your own personal records will assist you in creating a powerful resume now and throughout your professional career.

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
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