Welcome

Forensic science - the application of the methods of science to legal matters - is an exciting, complex and multidisciplinary program of study. In it one employs the principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics, as well as social science theory and law, to help solve crimes and serve justice. Forensic science offers students who have a bachelor's degree in a natural or physical science an opportunity to apply their knowledge to serve justice.

Michigan State University has long been recognized as a premier institution for research and education in forensic science. Professor Ralph Turner first established a criminalistics program in 1947 in the School of Police Administration (now the School of Criminal Justice). Over time the Bachelors program evolved into a graduate specialization, then a Master of Science in Forensic Science program in 2002. Our Program was among the first to be accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Committee (FEPAC) in 2004 and has retained accreditation since then.

The Forensic Science Masters program is designed to give students a broad theoretical and practical background in the scientific, legal, and investigative aspects of forensic science while providing the opportunity to study forensic chemistry in depth.