The Master of Science in Forensic Science degree program emphasizes extensive learning in the scientific and laboratory skills necessary for application in a modern forensic laboratory. The program also offers concentration focuses in areas of forensic investigation and includes exposure to the breadth of forensic disciplines, including the principles, practices, and contexts of science as they relate to specialized forensic topics. This academic program requires previous completion of a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

 

The Forensic Science program is a 45-hour Master's of Science Program, with the option of completing a research thesis or a comprehensive written exam. Students from various undergraduate backgrounds may pursue either of two concentrations within the program: The Forensic Chemistry concentration or the Forensic Investigation concentration. Note: Students pursuing the Forensic Chemistry concentration must have a Bachelor's degree in a forensic or natural science, i.e., biology or chemistry.

 

Complete course requirements are available in the forensic science program student handbook and course descriptions are located here.

 

Please note that program courses are located both on main campus and at the Institute for Forensic Science (located off-campus).

 

NOTE: Felonies and certain criminal, traffic, and civil convictions can disqualify a graduate from obtaining some positions in the law enforcement or criminal justice professions. Students should be aware that practice in the field of forensic science often includes criminal background checks. A prior criminal conviction may limit program internship and/or career possibilities.

 

How to Apply

Failure to adhere to these requirements and procedures may result in your application being rejected or not reviewed.

 

Go to the Graduate School at Texas Tech for further information and for application instructions. Sending materials directly to the program may result in delayed processing of your application or the materials not being reviewed.

 

In addition to the Graduate School application, the program requires the following documents to be submitted through the Graduate School Applicant Portal:

 

• GRE test scores (Code: 6827) - Minimum 50th percentile
• Letter of Intent
• This should address which concentration you are applying to (Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Investigation), your career goals, personal statement, and why you believe this program is a good fit for you.
• For the Forensic Chemistry track, the applicant's Bachelor's degree must be in a forensic or natural science, i.e., Chemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science.
• Three letters of recommendation
• Two must be from academic faculty (i.e., college or university) who served as your instructor of record, written on institutional letterhead
• Curriculum Vita or Resume

 

Application Deadlines

Applications for program admission are accepted twice a year. The application deadline for Fall admission is March 18 and the deadline for Spring admission is September 30.

 

Applicant Interviews

Applicants who are being considered for admission will be interviewed prior to acceptance. Interviews may be conducted in person, via Skype, or via telephone.

 

More Information

For more information, please contact Dr. Prada-Tiedemann at paola.tiedemann@ttu.edu.