| _Additional Program Information |           
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| Grade Point Average To receive the Forensic Science Master of Science degree, students must have a GPA of not less than 3.0 in all required course work. 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. In any term that the student drops below a 3.0 GPA, the student will receive notification from the Dean of the Graduate College that they have been placed on Academic Probation. As this occurs, the student and his/her academic advisor will develop a plan of action to assist the student in correcting this deficiency. 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 with the Bursar and Admissions Offices. Plan of Study Before the 18th hour of enrollment, the student is required to complete a plan of study. The student’s plan of study is a statement of courses the student must successfully complete to qualify, in part, for graduation. During the second term in the program, the student will complete the plan of study form and make an appointment to meet with his/her Academic Advisor to begin the approval process. When all appropriate signatures are obtained, the student will receive a letter from Dean of the Graduate College stating that their plan of study has been approved. Thereafter, any changes to the student’s plan of study may be made by contacting their Academic Advisor. Application for Graduation Applications 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. Professionalism and Ethics The Program promotes sound work practices and professional/ethical behaviors through several means. Individuals are encouraged to become members of various professional organizations such as MUFIA, AAFS, IAI, and other forensic science-based, and related, organizations. While enrolled, the student will become familiar with various Codes of Ethical Practice such as those published as The Code of Ethics and Conduct of the American Academy of Forensic Science, The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Code of Ethics, and the American Board of Criminalistics Code of Ethics. Background Check Requirements Students are required to undergo a background check after receiving their provisional acceptance letter to the program. Upon successful completion of this background check the student will, in most cases, receive full admission to the program. Students may also 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 that students begin their internship search as early as possible during the 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. Hepatitis B Requirements Students may be working with human body fluids during the course of their educational experience at MUFSC. For their safety the student is required to be vaccinated and have immune status confirmed by completing a Hepatitis B Titer. If the student has been vaccinated and has a confirmed immune status these official records may be submitted to the program upon application or prior to entry into the program. For those who have not been vaccinated at the time of enrollment, information will be provided on how to receive the vaccination series and titer through the Cabell Huntington Health Department. If after receiving training in safe handling of blood and body fluids the student elect not to be vaccinated, it will be necessary that the student assume this responsibility by completing the Hepatitis B Declination form. Accreditation and Certification 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 MS Forensic Science Academic Program is accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Science’s Forensic Educational Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). The Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory is accredited by Forensic Quality Services-International (FQS-I) as an ISO 17025 conformant testing laboratory for forensic casework and CODIS databasing. The Center’s DNA laboratories are also accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) for parentage and relationship testing. 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. Students are encouraged to become nationally recognized by the ABC by taking the Forensic Science Aptitude Test (FSAT) prior to graduation. Graduates are encouraged to become certified as a Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI), a national certification offered through the International Association of Identification (IAI). In addition to successful completion of this certification exam, documentation of one year of crime scene investigation duties is required. 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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