Forensic Science

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 35.9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 51 k / Year(s) Deadline: Feb 1, 2025
StudyQA ranking:4557 Duration:2 years

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Students gain advanced knowledge the biological and physical sciences as used in the collection, analysis and interpretation of evidence, as well as an understanding of the logic and workings of the legal system necessary for careers as forensic scientists in crime laboratories. This is a self-supporting program, and receives no subsidies from the State of California. Tuition is set by the program per unit. Books, supplies, lab materials and other program costs are not included in the tuition. (Tuition fee subject to change.)

The UC Davis Forensic Science Graduate Program offers two academic emphases—Forensic DNA and Forensic Criminalistics—in addition to the core curricula required for all students. These specialty tracks consist of a separate curriculum each of which is tailored to provide in-depth education within the specialty. The Forensic DNA track focuses on molecular biology and DNA courses, while the Forensic Criminalistics track emphasizes chemistry and instrumental analysis. Graduate students in one track can take courses from the other track and use these courses to satisfy the elective requirements. Moreover, students may choose to complete the academic requirements in both tracks to specialize in two areas of forensic science.

Core Curriculum

  • FOR200 Fundamental Concepts of Forensic Science
  • FOR210 Personal Identification Methods in Forensic Science
  • FOR212 Scientific Evidence and Courtroom Testimony
  • FOR218 Technical Writing in Forensic Science
  • FOR240 Homicide Crime Scene Investigation
  • FOR290 Seminar Series (Fall and Winter)

Forensic DNA Track

Graduate students can specialize in the methodologies, applications and interpretation of forensic DNA analysis. Through scholarly coursework and research, graduate students will be well prepared for forensic case work and meet the National DNA Advisory Board’s recommendation for DNA Technical Managers or Leaders.

Forensic DNA Courses

  • FOR278 Molecular Biology Techniques
  • FOR280 Forensic DNA Analysis
  • FOR281 Principles and Practice of Forensic DNA Typing
  • FOR289 Survey of Forensic Science

Criminalistics Track

Graduate students can specialize in the methodologies, applications and interpretations of forensic instrumental analysis, drug chemistry and toxicology. Through scholarly coursework and research, graduate students will be well prepared for forensic casework in government and private laboratories.

Criminalistics Courses

  • FOR205 Microscopy and Microanalytical Methods in Forensic Science
  • FOR207 Advanced Spectroscopy
  • FOR220 Analysis of Toxicants
  • FOR221L Forensic Science Analytical Instrumentation

Requirements

  1. Applicants must be pursuing or have already completed a bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in a science or engineering field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Applicants must have completed the minimum equivalent of the following UC Davis courses:
    • General Chemistry with lab (15 quarter units, CHE 2A/B/C)
    • Organic Chemistry with lab (12 quarter units, CHE 118A/B/C)
    • Physics with lab (12 quarter units, PHY 7A/B/C)
    • Calculus (9 quarter units, MAT 16A/B/C)
    • Statistics (4 quarter units, STA 13)
  3. Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a four-point scale
    In addition to overall GPA, applicants will be evaluated on their technical GPA which is calculated based on science and math classes only. Applicants with a technical GPA of 3.0 or higher on a four-point scale are better prepared for entrance into a Master of Science program.
  4. English language proficiency
    Applicants from countries whose official language is not English must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English language proficiency. TOEFL scores must be 105 or above, with speaking and writing scores of 25 or above. IELTS scores must be 7.5 or above. Applicants who have completed a degree at an institution where English is the sole language of instruction are exempt from this requirement.
  5. Academic Transcripts. UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended, including transcripts from study abroad programs and community college courses. You will be instructed to upload copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application.
  6. Three letters are required to complete the application. Letters must be submitted electronically by the recommender via the online application system.
  7. Application Fee: $105 for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents; $125 for all other applicants.

Scholarships

  • University Fellowships
  • Graduate Group Fellowships
  • Teaching Assistantships (TA Appointments)
  • Global Education

 

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