Master of Forensic Sciences in the Field of Forensic Molecular Biology

As part of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences’ natural, mathematical and biomedical sciences programs, the forensic sciences program provides an understanding of the integration of forensic disciplines with the investigation of criminal activity, along with an overview of the analytical methods, procedures, equipment and data used by forensic specialists. Coursework emphasizes the identification and analysis of evidence as well as the interpretation and reporting of the results.

The molecular biology program prepares students to work in crime laboratories as DNA analysts and technical leaders. Students learn chemical, physical, immunological and microscopic methods using state-of-the-art lab facilities, and the theoretical and practical aspects of advanced methods, such as DNA extraction and data interpretation. The program is particularly strong in population genetics and human genetic variation.

This is a STEM-designated degree program.

Visit the program website for additional information.
 

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Admission deadlines:	Fall - February 1: Priority consideration for admission and funding; April 1: Guaranteed review for admission and consideration for funding, if available. (Applications for admission will continue to be accepted after April 1, when space remains available in the program.)
Standardized test scores:	GRE not required.
	The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction.
	Minimum scores for the program are:
	- Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0; or
	- TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based; or
	- PTE Academic: 68
Recommendations required:	Two (2) recommendations
Prerequisite requirements:	An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological sciences. Applicants must have completed 12 credit hours in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology or molecular genetics, and statistics or population genetics.
Prior academic records:	Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.
	If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translation alone should be uploaded into your application.
Statement of purpose:	In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application.
International applicants only:	Please follow this link - https://columbian.gwu.edu/international-graduate-applicants - to review the International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College  of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

37 credits, including 31 credits in required courses and 6 credits in elective courses selected in consultation with the advisor. Successful completion of an independent study project and a master's comprehensive examination also is required.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
FORS 6004	Fundamentals of Forensic Science I
FORS 6005	Fundamentals of Forensic Science II
FORS 6020	Ethics, Professional Responsibility, and Quality Assurance
FORS 6201	Forensic Biology
FORS 6224	Criminal Law for Forensic Scientists
FORS 6225	Statistics for Forensic Scientists
FORS 6241	Forensic Molecular Biology I
FORS 6242	Forensic Molecular Biology II
FORS 6243	Forensic Molecular Biology III
FORS 6247	Population Genetics
FORS 6292	Graduate Seminar (taken twice) *
Electives
Six additional credits selected in consultation with the departmental advisor
Other requirements
Successful completion of an independent research project is required.
Successful completion of a master’s comprehensive examination is required.
*Students must register for FORS 6292 in their first semester and again after or during the completion of the required independent research project.