Forensic science is a rapidly evolving discipline which applies a wide variety of scientific principles and techniques to solve crimes. 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 which includes hands-on experiences, the Forensic Science Program satisfies national standards and guidelines to enable graduates to enter this fascinating field. The goal of the Forensic Science Program is to produce forensic scientists who can immediately enter the workforce with a solid foundation in forensic science, which will reduce in-lab training.

The Forensic Science Program, through the Marshall University Graduate College and School of Medicine , offers a 5 semester program leading to a Master of Science degree. The Forensic Science Program can trace its origin back to 1994 when graduate level courses were first offered to the West Virginia State Police as part of their continuing education program. Current offering of an emphasis in DNA Analysis, Computer Forensics and Forensic Chemistry, as well as on-site CODIS and microbial forensics laboratories, also make this program unique to the state and the nation.

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 CODIS laboratory. The future is bright for Marshall University Forensic Science Program, its students and graduates.

In February of 2005 the Master of Science degree program was awarded full Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) acceditation, 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 three in the country to be FEPAC accredited.

• Crime Scene and Death Investigation
• DNA Technologies
• Forensic Biochemistry
• Forensic Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Comparative Sciences
• Forensic Microscopy and Trace Analysis
• Legal Issues in Forensic Science
• Foundations & Fundamentals of Digital Evidence 

A summer internship, between the first and second year, provides the student with real-world experiences in a variety of specialty areas. On-site internships are offered in DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, computer forensics and microbial forensics. For specialty areas not offered within MUFSC facilities, students have interned in crime laboratories across the state and nation.