About the Program
- Highly selective program for academically talented students
- Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Forensic Science in five years
- Rigorous scientific foundation for a career in forensic science
- One of the first FEPAC-accredited programs in Forensic Science
- Guaranteed internship with nation’s premier forensic scientists
- Arcadia University-sponsored student participation in professional meetings
- State-of-the-art laboratory facilities
- Personal attention from faculty advisers
- Active research programs in various forensic science disciplines
- Opportunity to attend autopsies and visit Forensic Science laboratories
- Curriculum aligned with guidelines from the DNA Advisory Board (DAB), Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG) and the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
This program provides an accelerated pathway through the Undergraduate Curriculum into Arcadia’s master’s degree program in Forensic Science.
During the first three years of study, a student takes prerequisite coursework and Undergraduate Curriculum requirements. In the fourth year of study, the student completes the Senior Seminar and Capstone requirements for the undergraduate degree and begins graduate coursework, which is completed in the fifth year.
In addition to courses in chemistry and biology, graduate courses concern both general and specific topics in forensic science. The fifth year of the accelerated program includes certain common courses as well as specialization in chemical, biological, and toxicological coursework. Students also complete an internship and independent research project. The University sponsors student participation in professional meetings in the final year of the program.
This pathway allows a student to fulfill all of the Undergraduate Curriculum and major requirements (including completing 128 undergraduate credits) and the requirements of the Master of Science in Forensic Science (38 to 70 credits) in five years. The 3+2 program provides a pathway to ensure that the undergraduate coursework taken by the student meets the expected prerequisites and required background knowledge for the master’s program in Forensic Science at Arcadia University.
Arcadia’s FEPAC-Accredited Master’s Program in Forensic Science
Forensic science is the application of science to the purposes of law. It is highly interdisciplinary by nature and has become a vital part of the judicial and regulatory system in America. Practicing forensic scientists, law enforcement personnel, and criminal justice professionals all recognize the growing need for highly qualified specialists who can execute established and appropriate techniques in the collection, preservation, analysis, and presentation of forensic evidence. The Arcadia University Master of Science in Forensic Science (M.S.F.S.) program is nationally accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Arcadia University is one of only a select few institutions in the country to hold this accreditation which recognizes the high quality graduate forensic science curriculum offered through this program.
The Master of Science in Forensic Science (M.S.F.S.) degree is offered by Arcadia University in partnership with the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education and in collaboration with NMS Labs, one of the nation’s premier ASCLD-LAB and ISO 17025 accredited forensic science laboratories. This alliance provides a source of adjunct instructors, a forensic library, invaluable links to the forensic science community and guaranteed internships with some of the nation’s premier forensic scientists. State-of-the-art laboratory equipment and facilities are provided in nearby Willow Grove, Pa.
Advising: Each student admitted into the program is assigned a faculty adviser in either the Biology or Chemistry department. The adviser is involved in helping the student to take the prescribed coursework for admission into the master’s program while completing the Undergraduate Curriculum and major requirements necessary for completion of the bachelor’s degree. The Director of the Forensic Science program also assists each student with questions and advises him or her.
Expert graduate seminars: The fourth year features 1-credit seminars in which forensic experts address key issues in their fields.
Summer project/internship: After the fourth year, students engage in a summer research project mentored by a faculty member affiliated with the University or its partners. At this time, students may also participate in a summer internship experience with one of the University’s affiliated laboratories. This is in addition to the guaranteed internship offered in the Spring semester of the fifth year.
Admission to the 3+2 Accelerated Program
Students must apply for admission into the 3+2 program directly from high school. Highly selective admissions criteria are used to select academically talented students capable of handling the accelerated schedule.
Matriculated students will not normally be accepted into the 3+2 program. (Note: Matriculated students can follow the 4+2 Forensic Science program, which prepares students for admission into Arcadia’s master’s program and offers assured admission for select qualified students.)
The profile of the typical successful candidate includes the following:
- B or better in all Math and Science courses
- AP Biology or AP Chemistry (based on major- if Biology major, must have taken AP Biology, if Chemistry major, must have taken AP Chemistry)A college-prep math course in each year of high school
- 640 Evidence-based Reading and Writing and 650 Math SAT or 26/27 ACT composite and in math/science ACT
- Students need a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better to be considered
- Class rank in top 10-15%
At the completion of each semester of undergraduate study, students will be evaluated to ensure that they meet the qualifications to continue on in the accelerated degree program. These criteria include:
- Maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better and a GPA of 3.0 in the major.
- Have received no less than a “B-” in any of the science or math courses in the prerequisite major. If a C or C+ is earned in a required course, it may be repeated one time only with the Forensic Science Director’s permission. No additional Cs will be permitted in required coursework).
At the completion of the third year of undergraduate study, students will be evaluated to ensure that they meet the qualifications to begin graduate coursework. At this point the students must have met the following additional criteria:
- Completed all major and Undergraduate Curriculum requirements (with the exception of the following courses: BI 340 , CH 404, BI 490 and CH 490 ).
- Earned at least 112 semester hours by the end of the third year.
- Met with the Director of Forensic Science to discuss their intention to start the M.S.F.S program in Fall of the 4th year.
Students who meet these requirements are permitted to begin graduate coursework in their fourth year of study and enter into the Master of Science in Forensic Science program without having to take the GRE exam.
Students who do not meet these requirements can continue on with their undergraduate education in their fourth year and then apply to the M.S.F.S. program upon completion of their undergraduate degree following standard application requirements.
4+2 Program: Since the 3+2 program is highly accelerated, students who choose to participate at the traditional pace may transfer to the 4+2 program, completing the undergraduate degree in four years while completing requirements for admission in the master’s program. Assured admission into the master’s program is available for select qualified 4+2 students.
Structure of the B.A./B.S. in Biology and the M.S. in Forensic Science
Students completing the 3+2 B.A./B.S. in Biology and the M.S. in Forensic Science will complete all degree requirements in five years. In years one to four, students complete all Undergraduate Curriculum requirements and major requirements, including senior thesis/capstone project. In year four, students also commence graduate study and after successful completion of this year, will receive a bachelor’s degree. In year five, students will complete the remaining Forensic Science coursework. Students must work closely with an academic advisor to ensure all of the undergraduate requirements are met by the end of year four.
The First Year
Fall Semester (16 credits)
- BI 101 General Biology I (4 credits)
- CH 111 Conceptual Chemistry I (4 credits)
- EN 101 Thought and Expression I (4 credits)
- A First-Year Seminar (4 credits)
Spring Semester (16 credits)
- BI 102 General Biology II (4 credits)
- CH 112 Conceptual Chemistry II (4 credits)
- MA 141 Elementary Statistics (4 credits)
- An Undergraduate Curriculum requirement (4 credits)
The Second Year
Fall Semester (18 credits)
- BI 190 Evolution and Population Biology (4 credits)
- BI 211 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology (4 credits)
- BI 242 Reading and Writing in Biology (4 credits)
- CH201: Organic Chemistry I: Structures, Mechanisms and Reactions (4 credits)
- An Undergraduate Curriculum requirement (4 credits)
Spring Semester (20 credits)
- BI 204 Genetics (4 credits)
- BI 201 Evolution and Population Biology (4 credits)
- CH 202 Organic Chemistry II: Structures, Mechanisms and Reactions (4 credits)
- An Undergraduate Curriculum requirement (4 credits)
- An Elective or an Undergraduate Curriculum requirement (4 credits)
The Third Year
Fall Semester (20 credits)
- BI 325 Cell Biology (4 credits)
- A 300-level biology elective with a lab form the Ecology, Evolution, and Population biology grouping (4 credits)
- CH 203 Equilibrium and Analysis (4 credits)
- Two Elective or an Undergraduate Curriculum requirements (4 credits each)
Spring Semester (18 credits)
- BI 290 Junior Seminar in Biology or FS 290 Junior Seminar in Forensic Science (2 credits)
- BI 333 Molecular Biology (4 credits)
- BI 340 Biochemistry (4 credits)
- Two Electives or Undergraduate Curriculum requirements (4 credits each)
The Fourth Year
Fall Semester (4 undergraduate credits; 15 graduate credits)
- CH 518 Instrumental Analysis in Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry (3 credits)
- CH 518L Instrumental Analysis in Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
- FS 518 Crime Scene Analysis (3 credits) with FS518L Crime Scene Analysis Laboratory (1 credit)
- FS 540 Statistical Analysis and Biostatistics (3 credits)
- FS 570 Criminal Law and Ethics (3 credits)
- FS 561a Professional Seminar I (1 credit)
Spring Semester (8 undergraduate credits, 15 graduate credits)
- An Undergraduate Curriculum requirement course, such as a Research Writing-designated course
- (4 credits)
- BI 490 Senior Seminar in Biology (4 credits)
- FS 504 General Principles of Pharmacology (3 credits)
- FS 515 Research Methods (1 credit)
- FS 530 Forensic Biology (3 credits)
- FS 532 Forensic Microscopy (3 credits)
- FS 532L Forensic Microscopy Lab (1 credit)
- FS 535 Forensic Chemistry (3 credits)
- FS 561b Professinoal Seminar II (1 credit)
Summer Semester (5 graduate credits)
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (6 credits)
- or FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (6 credits)
- or FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (6 credits)
- or FS599 Research in Forensic Toxicology (6 credits)
The Fifth Year
Fall Semester (15 graduate credits)
- FS 525 Forensic Toxicology I and II (3 credits)
- FS 525L Forensic Toxicology Lab (1 credit)
- FS 531 Forensic Biology II (3 credits)
- FS 531L Forensic Biology II Lab (1 credit)
- FS 536 Forensic Chemistry II (3 credits)
- FS536L Forensic Chemistry II Laboratory (1 credit)
- FS 562A Forensic Comprehensive Exam I (1 credit)
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (2 credits)
- or FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (2 credits)
- or FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (2 credits)
- or FS599 Research in Forensic Toxicology (2 credits)
Spring Semester (8-10 graduate credits)
- FS 520 Moot Court (1 credit)
- FS 562B Forensic Comprehension Exam II (1 credit)
- FS 583 Graduate Internship in Forensic Science (6 credits)
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (2 credits) as needed
- or FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (2 credits) as needed
- or FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (2 credits)as needed
- or FS599 Research in Forensic Toxicology (2 credits) as needed
Structure of the B.S. in Chemistry and the M.S. in Forensic Science
- Students completing the 3+2 B.S. in Chemistry and the M.S. in Forensic Science will complete all degree requirements in five years. In years one to four, students complete all Undergraduate Curriculum requirements and major requirements, including senior thesis/capstone project. In year four, students also commence graduate study and after successful completion of this year, will receive a bachelor’s degree. In year five, students will complete the remaining Forensic Science coursework. Students must work closely with an academic advisor to ensure all undergraduate requirements are met by the end of year four.
The First Year
- Fall Semester (16 credits)
- CH 111 Conceptual Chemistry I (4 credits)
- EN 101 Thought and Expression I (4 credits)
- BI 101 General Biology I (4 credits)
- A First-Year Seminar course (4 credits)
Spring Semester (16 credits)
- BI 102 General Biology II (4 credits)
- CH 112 Conceptual Chemistry II (4 credits)
- MA 201 Calculus I (4 credits)
- A University Seminar (4 credits)
The Second Year
Fall Semester (20 credits)
- PH 211 Conceptual Physics I (4 credits)
- CH 201 Organic Chemistry I: Structures, Mechanisms and Reactions (4 credits)
- MA 202 Calculus II (4 credits)
- CH 203 Equilibrium and Analysis (4 credits)
- A Creative Expressions (Area of Inquiry) course (4 credits)
Spring Semester (18 credits)
- PH 212 Conceptual Physics II (4 credits)
- CH 202 Organic Chemistry II: Structures, Mechanisms and Reactions (4 credits)
- A Global Connections Experience (4 credits)
- A Global Connections Reflection course (2 credits)
- A Writing for Physical Sciences course (4 credits)
The Third Year
Fall Semester (20 credits)
- CH 307 Polymers and Biopolymers (4 credits)
- CH 301 Physical Chemistry I (4 credits)
- BI 204 Genetics (4 credits)
- BI 325 Cell Biology (4 credits)
- A Modern Language course (4 credits)
Spring Semester (20 credits)
- CH 290 Junior Seminar (3 credits)
- CH 305 Inorganic Chemistry (4 credits)
- CH 302 Physical Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CH 303 Biochemistry (4 credits)
- A Global Connections (Intellectual Practices requirement) course (4 credits)
- A Modern Language course (4 credits)
The Fourth Year
Fall Semester (8 undergraduate credits; 15 graduate credits)
- CH 303 Biochemistry (4 credits)
- CH 391 Faculty Sponsored Research (2 credits)
- CH 490 Chemistry Capstone (2 credits)
- CH 518 Instrumental Analysis in Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry (3 credits)
- CH 518L Instrumental Analysis in Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
- FS 518 Crime Scene Analysis (2 credits)
- FS518L Crime Scene Analysis Laboratory (1 Credit)
- FS 540 Statistical Analysis and Biostatistics (3 credits)
- FS 570 Criminal Law and Ethics (3 credits)
- FS 561a Forensic Science Symposium (1 credit)
Spring Semester (8 undergraduate credits, 15 graduate credits)
- BI 333 Molecular Biology (4 credits)
- CH 392 Faculty Sponsored Research (2 credits)
- CH 490 Chemistry Capstone (2 credits)
- FS 504 General Principles of Pharmacology (3 credits)
- FS 515 Research Methods (1 credit)
- FS 530 Forensic Biology I (3 credits)
- FS 532 Forensic Microscopy (3 credits)
- FS 532L Forensic Microscopy Lab (1 credit)
- FS 535 Forensic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- FS 561b Professional Seminar II (1 credit)
Summer Semester (5 graduate credits)
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (6 credits)
- or FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (6 credits)
- or FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (6 credits)
- or FS 599 Research in Forensic Toxicology (6 credits)
The Fifth Year
Fall Semester (15 graduate credits)
- FS 525 Forensic Toxicology I and II (3 credits)
- FS 525L Forensic Toxicology Lab (1 credit)
- FS 531 Forensic Biology II (3 credits)
- FS 531L Forensic Biology II Lab (1 credit)
- FS 536 Forensic Chemistry II (3 credits)
- FS536L Forensic Chemistry II Laboratory (1 credit)
- FS 562A Forensic Comprehensive Exam I (1 credit)
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (2 credits)
- or FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (2 credits)
- or FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (2 credits)
- or FS 599 Research in Forensic Toxicology (2 credits) as needed
Spring Semester (20-26 graduate credits)
- FS 520 Moot Court (1 credit)
- FS 562B Forensic Comprehensive Exam II (1 credit)
- FS 583 Graduate Internship in Forensic Science (6-12 credits)
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (2 credits) as needed
- or FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (2 credits) as needed
- or FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (2 credits) as needed
- or FS599 Research in Forensic Toxicology (2 credits) as needed
Requirements for the B.A. in Chemistry and M.S. in Forensic Science
The First Year
Fall Semester (16 credits)
- CH 111 Conceptual Chemistry I (4 credits)
- EN 101 Thought and Expression I (4 credits)
- BI 101 General Biology I (4 credits)
- A First-Year Seminar course (4 credits)
Spring Semester (18 credits)BI 102 General Biology II (4 credits)CH 112 Conceptual Chemistry II (4 credits)
- MA 141 Elementary Statistics (4 credits)
- Writing for Physical Sciences course (4 credits)
- An elective (2 credits)
The Second Year
Fall Semester (19 credits)
- PH 201 Fundamental Concepts of Physics I (4 credits)
- CH 201 Organic Chemistry I: Structures, Mechanisms and Reactions (4 credits)
- BI 204 Genetics (4 credits)
- A University Seminar (4 credits)
- A Creative Expressions (Area of Inquiry) course (3 credits)
Spring Semester (18 credits)
- PH 202 Fundamental Concepts of Physics II (4 credits)
- CH 202 Organic Chemistry II: Structures, Mechanisms and Reactions (4 credits)
- A Global Connections Experience (4 credits)
- A Global Connections Reflection course (2 credits)
- A Modern Language course (4 credits)
The Third Year
Fall Semester (20 credits)
- CH 407 Polymers and Biopolymers (4 credits)
- CH 301 Physical Chemistry I (4 credits)
- CH 203 Equilibrium and Analysis (4 credits)
- BI 325 Cell Biology (4 credits)
- A University Seminar (4 credits)
Spring Semester (16 credits)
- CH 305 Inorganic Chemistry (4 credits)
- CH 302 Physical Chemistry II (4 credits)
- A Global Connections (Intellectual Practices requirement) course (4 credits)
- A Modern Language course (4 credits)
The Fourth Year
Fall Semester (8 undergraduate credits, 15 graduate credits)
- CH 403 Biochemistry (4 credits)
- CH 518 Instrumental Analysis in Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry (3 credits)
- CH 518L Instrumental Analysis in Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
- FS 518 Crime Scene Analysis (3 credits)
- FS 518L Crime Scene Analysis Laboratory (1 credit)
- FS 540 Statistical Analysis and Biostatistics (3 credits)
- FS 570 Criminal Law and Ethics (3 credits)
- FS 561a Professional Seminar I (1 credit)
Spring Semester (8 undergraduate credits, 15 graduate credits)
- BI 333 Molecular Biology (4 credits)
- CH 490 Chemistry Capstone (2 credits)
- FS 504 General Principles of Pharmacology (3 credits)
- FS 515 Research Methods (1 credit)
- FS 530 Forensic Biology I (3 credits)
- FS 532 Forensic Microscopy (3 credits)
- FS 532L Forensic Microscopy Lab (1 credit)
- FS 535 Forensic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- FS 561b Professional Seminar II (1 credit)
Summer Semester (6 graduate credits)
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (6 credits)
- or FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (6 credits)
- or FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (6 credits)
- or FS 599 Research Project in Forensic Toxicology (6 credits)
The Fifth Year
Fall Semester (15 graduate credits)
- FS 525 Forensic Toxicology I and II (3 credits)
- FS 525L Forensic Toxicology Lab (1 credit)
- FS 531 Forensic Biology II (3 credits)
- FS 531L Forensic Biology II Lab (1 credit)
- FS 536 Forensic Chemistry II (3 credits)
- FS536L Forensic Chemistry II Laboratory (1 credit)
- FS 562A Forensic Comprehensive Exam I (1 credit)
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (2 credits)
- or FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (2 credits)
- or FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (2 credits)
- or FS 599 Research in Forensic Toxicology (2 credits)
Spring Semester (8-10 graduate credits)
- FS 520 Moot Court (1 credit)
- FS 562B Forensic Science Communications II (1 credit)
- FS 583 Graduate Internship in Forensic Science (6 credits)
- FS 596 Research Project in Forensic Science (2 credits)
- or FS 597 Research Project in Forensic Chemistry (2 credits)
- or FS 598 Research Project in Forensic Biology (2 credits)
- or FS 599 Research in Forensic Toxicology (2 credits) as needed
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