Master of Science – Forensic Science & Toxicology – Lateral Entry (M.Sc. – F & T)

What Is Forensic Science?

Forensic Science is the application of hard sciences including physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, or engineering to matters of law or criminal justice. Scientists work with law enforcement to investigate things such as the physics of blood spatter or to source trace amounts of drugs with chemistry.

The information and expertise provided by forensic scientists can help provide hard evidence for investigators. Each crime science provides its own unique challenges, which is why investigators must have a strong academic background and critical thinking abilities.

Duration: One year (1year)

How Much Money Can I Earn Working in Forensic Science?

Forensic science is a highly specialized field and the skills that students in these programs develop are always in high demand. Entry-level forensic science technicians earn an average of around $58,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Technicians who hold Master’s degree are more likely to earn closer to $75,000-$80,000 per year.

There are currently more than 15,400 people working in this field in the United States, and the BLS expects a 17 percent growth (much faster than average) in this job market over the coming decade. That translates to more than 2,600 new job openings! All waiting for someone with the right credentials.

Why Choose a Master’s in Forensic Science?

Master’s degrees give students more options than undergraduate programs can offers. By delving further into their field of choice, students can learn whether or not they prefer the academic or professional aspects of subjects like forensic science.

As mentioned above, master’s graduates who wish to begin their professional careers can enter the field with a salary at least $20,000 more compared to students with just a bachelor’s. And students who find the academic side of the subject more fulfilling will be prepared to enter doctoral programs that can lead to teaching jobs or highly specialized work in the area of their dissertation.

Scope of Forensic Science Forensic Biology/DNA

Fingerprint analysis and DNA profiling are the commonly used forensic techniques in criminal investigations. DNA is unique to an individual, just as fingerprints, and helps forensic professionals in identifying an unidentified person, or to eliminate suspects from a list of accused. The biological evidence most commonly used for DNA profiling includes blood, saliva, semen, skin, urine and hair. However, DNA fingerprints are usually never used as a single piece of evidence in the court of law.

Forensic Odontology

Forensic Odontology helps in the identification of victims when the body is left in an unrecognizable state. This is achieved through an examination of their teeth, the alignment, and overall structure of the mouth. Forensic dentists or odontologists aid in the comparative identification of a person by examining the development and anatomy of the teeth, including any restorative dental corrections such as filling. It is often applied to criminal investigations for bite mark analysis.

Controlled Substances

Chemicals that are legally recognized as having the potential for abuse are called controlled substances. This includes street drugs such as ecstasy or heroin, and prescription drugs such as oxycodone. The ability to detect and identify such controlled substances plays a crucial role in aiding law enforcement agencies in their fight against drug abuse and drug-based violence.

Forensic Toxicology

Forensic Toxicology involves analysis of biological samples to check for the presence of toxins and drugs. This branch of forensic science is of prime importance in road accidents, poisoning, sexual violence etc. The toxicology reports furnish key information about the nature of substances present in an individual pertaining to an incidence. It also determines whether the quantity of substances consumed is normal as per therapeutic dosage or exceeds the permissible level. Since new variants of drugs are developed each day, this branch of forensic science is ever-evolving and demands up-to-date approach.

Forensic Anthropology

It deals with the examination of compromised human remains or skeletons to determine the age, height, gender and ancestry. It also helps in establishing the time elapsed since the time of death by identification and examination of injuries, if any. The analysis provides valuable leads on identifying victims, especially in cases where the bodies are beyond recognition.

Forensic Pathology and Medicolegal Death Investigation

Forensic pathology helps in determination of the cause of death by examining the corpse. Forensic medicine involves collection and analysis of medical samples to deduce facts admissible in the court of law. For instance, identification of wound patterns can help determine the weapons used to inflict the wound. Additionally, forensic pathologists can examine exit and entry wounds in deaths pertaining to the use of firearms or other projectiles. A forensic pathologist can, therefore, draw crucial inferences on whether the death is natural, criminal or accidental.

Impression and Pattern Evidence

Impression evidence is the evidence created when two objects come in contact with enough force to create an “impression”. This could involve a two-dimensional impression such as a fingerprint or three-dimensional one such as the marks of a bullet. Pattern evidence analysis involves identification and analysis of additional information within an impression. Impression and pattern evidence, when used in conjunction, can help in establishing vital links between a suspect/tool to a crime scene.

Trace Evidence

Evidences such as fibers, soil, hair, gunshot residue, wood, and pollen are some of the many examples of trace evidence. It derives its name from its tendency to be easily transferrable between objects, people or the environment during a crime. Trace evidence often plays a pivotal role in establishing the link between the suspect and the victim. For instance, a soil sample obtained from the shoes of a victim can give critical clues on the location of the crime, thus helping in tracing the perpetrator.

Cyber Forensics

Cyber Forensics involves the analysis of evidence found in computers and digital storage media like pen drives hard disks etc. Its major objective is identifying, preserving, recovering, analyzing, and presenting facts and opinions about digital information. It is mostly used for the investigation of cyber-crimes, and civil proceedings.

Cyber Forensics has been in use in criminal law since the mid-1980s; some notable cases being the Sharon Lopatka homicide case and the conviction of Dennis Rader, Dr. Conrad Murray – Michael Jackson’s personal physician, and Joseph E. Duncan III.

Ballistics

Ballistics is a specialized forensic science that deals with the motion, behavior, dynamics, angular movement and effects of projectiles, such as bullets, rockets, missiles, bombs etc. Ballistics is mainly used in criminal investigations. For instance, the examination of the bullet found at a crime scene can reveal the type of gun that was used to fire it, and if it was associated with any other crime in the past. In fact, ballistic details are documented in a large database that is accessible by law enforcement agencies across the globe.