Navigating the UCF Forensic Science Master's Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a comprehensive Master of Science (MS) degree in Forensic Science, designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills for a successful career in this interdisciplinary field. This article provides a detailed overview of the program's requirements, concentrations, and application process.

General Admission Requirements

Prospective students should first familiarize themselves with the general UCF graduate admission requirements outlined in the Graduate Catalog's Admissions section. The application process is entirely online, and all necessary materials must be submitted by the specified deadline. It is essential to check the "Admissions Requirements" section of the program for any required admissions tests, such as the GRE or GMAT. Many programs may also have specific prerequisites that applicants must meet. For any questions or assistance, the Graduate Admission Team is available to help.

Master of Science in Digital Forensics

UCF also offers a Master of Science in Digital Forensics degree, a collaborative effort between various UCF academic departments including Computer Science, Forensic Science of Chemistry, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, and the National Center for Forensic Science. Ranked No. 1 online master’s in computer forensics program in 2020 by intelligent.com. Job growth for digital forensics grads is projected to increase 12% nationwide.

Curriculum and Focus

The master’s in digital forensics program provides you with the latest techniques and hands-on approaches to analyzing computers and other types of digital media. The program’s coursework examines the various methods used to determine whether something has been used for illegal or unauthorized activities, or has fallen victim to an illegal attack. Explore legal issues regarding seizure and chain of custody, and technical issues in acquiring computer evidence.

Career Prospects

Upon graduating, you’ll have the knowledge and skills required to work as an examiner in the field or continue on to a doctoral degree or law school. Gain employment in a number of industries from government to law enforcement to the private sector. Prepare for a career in digital forensics examination, forensic tool development, tool verification, and validation, security and forensics administration, or pursue advanced studies. Harness the full potential of forensic science to make an impact in crime resolution.

Online Availability

Designed to help you balance school, work and life, the UCF Online digital forensics program is available 100 percent online. Please note that if you choose the thesis option, you will be required to have a one-time on-campus thesis defense before you can graduate.

Chemistry, MS - Forensic Science Track

UCF Online’s Chemistry, MS - Forensic Science track was developed as an innovative program that is responsive to our deepening understanding of how science and technology can be leveraged to resolve crimes. This online program is designed for both practicing professionals and full-time students. Led by internationally recognized experts in the field, your master’s in forensic science will prepare you to advance within this highly interdisciplinary science. With both thesis and nonthesis options, you can earn your degree in forensic science in as little as two years. Gain a deeper understanding of the modern analytical methods and protocols for the forensic analysis of ignitable liquids.

Concentrations Offered

The Chemistry MS, Forensic Science Track is comprised of 32 or 34 credit hours of study beyond the BS degree with an intensive specialization in one of three concentrations: Forensic Analysis, Forensic Biochemistry or Forensic Professional.

The program in Forensic Analysis and Forensic Biochemistry is research-based and requires original and independent research resulting in a written thesis to be defended before a committee consisting of two UCF graduate faculty members and at least one other acknowledged forensic expert in the field. These concentrations require 32 credit hours, including 9 credit hours of required core courses, 15 credit hours of concentration courses, and 8 credit hours of Thesis.

The program in Forensic Professional requires 34 credit hours, including 9 hours of required courses and 24 hours of elective courses and one credit hour of independent study as the capstone experience. This concentration does not require an original laboratory-based research project. Students not in residence at UCF should consult the catalog for courses with online offerings.

Forensic Analysis Concentration

The Forensic Analysis concentration emphasizes the application of modern chromatographic, spectroscopic and micro-analytical techniques to problems in forensic science.

Forensic Biochemistry Concentration

The Forensic Biochemistry concentration has a strong biochemistry-DNA focus to serve the needs of supervisory personnel in DNA sections of crime laboratories. National DNA standards mandate that such personnel have advanced degrees.

Forensic Professional Concentration

The Forensic Professional concentration is comprised of 34 credit hours of study beyond the Bachelor of Science degree but does not require an original laboratory-based research project. The Forensic Professional concentration culminates in a one-credit-hour independent study capstone project performed under the direction of one of the faculty members in the program.

Program Length

Full-time students should complete the degree in two years of continuous full-time study, while part-time students will generally finish the degree in four years.

Suitable Backgrounds

Students with undergraduate degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, forensic science, statistics and physics are encouraged to apply. Students applying to this program with a forensic science undergraduate degree, please be aware that this program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic biochemistry applications.

Alternative Programs

Students interested in pursuing careers in any of the following forensic disciplines should apply to a more appropriate program:

Forensic Psychology, you should apply to a graduate Psychology program.
Forensic Anthropology, you should apply to a graduate Anthropology program.
Crime Scene Investigation, you should apply to a graduate Criminal Justice program.
Forensic Pathology or Medical Examination, you should apply to a Medical School.
Forensic Engineering, you should apply to a graduate Engineering program.

The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS)

The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) is a research center at the University of Central Florida with an 18-year history of research and partnership with the forensic science community. NCFS was formed in support of an industrial need as expressed in the results of a 1994 survey of UCF Forensic Science graduates working in crime laboratories. The NCFS has focused on research in the areas of Physical Evidence (ignitable liquids, explosives, etc.), Biological Evidence (DNA, RNA, body fluids, etc.) and Digital Evidence (recovery of digital evidence, digital tools validation, etc.). The Chemistry Department at UCF has also developed an extensive network of partnerships with Central Florida businesses and industry. These alliances enrich the learning experience and provide unique opportunities both during and after the advanced degree programs. Companies recently offering partnership programs for UCF Chemistry students include Lucent Technologies, NASA, Lockheed-Martin Corporation, MBI International, Cirent Corporation, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, M. D.

Advising

As a graduate student you may seek advising from your selected research advisor, the graduate coordinator, and the graduate program assistant. Additionally, the graduate program handbook should serve as your main advising guide.

Accreditation

The forensic science program at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). FEPAC issues accreditations to programs of suitable quality that lead to a bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science, or a natural or computer science with a concentration in forensics. Accreditation from FEPAC ensures that the forensic science program at UCF is up to educational standards for forensic science education, that it is well-supported by the institution it belongs to, and that its faculty are appropriately educated and trained, among other things. At UCF, the forensic science program has both an undergraduate and graduate track in forensic science. The forensic science program falls into the College of Sciences in the Chemistry department. In the undergraduate major, students can choose from two tracks: chemistry and biochemistry. Graduate-level students can choose from three concentrations: Forensic Biochemistry, Forensic Analysis, and Forensic Professional.

Additional Information for International Applicants

Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. institution or English instruction institution. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 91; 7.0 IELTS; or 125 Duolingo is required. Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide one official transcript and official certification of degree, with date awarded. Additional courses may be required to correct deficiencies. International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states.

Additional Program Requirements

Anthropology, MA

Personal statement of intent (1-2 pages). Please specify your educational background and qualifications, research interest, geographical area of research (if applicable), the faculty member you would like to work with, and your future career plans. If your degree is not in anthropology, you should explain why you are seeking a degree in anthropology. An academic writing sample such as a term paper, article, or thesis chapter, demonstrating the ability to conduct graduate-level work. A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. Contact with a potential advisor is strongly recommended prior to application. Our individual faculty make the final decision as to whether applicants are accepted into the program as their advisee. Applicants are not required to have an undergraduate degree in anthropology. Supplemental course work may be recommended for students who do not have a degree in anthropology or are missing key undergraduate course work. Meeting minimum UCF admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant’s abilities, past performance, recommendations, match of this program to the applicant’s career/academic goals, availability and match to a faculty adviser, and the applicant’s potential for completing the degree. There is no automatic connection between acceptance as a non-degree-seeking student and acceptance into this degree-granting program.

Athletic Training, MAT

Applicants must apply to both UCF Graduate Admissions and the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS)..The Master of Athletic Training program participates in the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service, known as ATCAS. Prospective students must apply online using the ATCAS application. Both the ATCAS application and the UCF Graduate application must be submitted by the posted application deadline. All application materials MUST be sent directly to ATCAS. Supporting documents (transcripts, letters, etc.) should not be sent directly to the MAT program or UCF College of Graduate Studies and will not be reviewed. Admission to the MAT program is competitive. The applications open in mid-fall and are reviewed as they are received. First decisions are made January 1. Students may continue to apply after January 1 and will be evaluated (rolling admissions) until seats are filled. Pre-requisites are listed in the Graduate Catalog. Candidates with all prerequisites completed at the time of application may be given preference over those still completing courses. The bachelor’s degree may be in any discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF and may be in progress at the time of application. Admission to the program is competitive. Admissions decisions will be made only once per academic year. First decisions are made February 1. Students may continue to apply after February 1 and will be evaluated (rolling admissions) until seats are filled.

Biology, MS

Applicants do not need to have an undergraduate degree in a biological science, but are expected to have 18 hours of biological sciences, including ecology and genetics. Courses in organic chemistry, calculus, and statistics are also recommended. MS applicants should first identify faculty who match their own research interests, and then contact faculty in advance to inquire about research opportunities in faculty labs and to solicit agreement that a faculty member is interested in serving as the student’s thesis advisor.

Biomedical Engineering, MSBME

Students interested in pursuing both the MD and MSBME degrees must apply and be accepted into medical school and the Biomedical Engineering MS program. Separate applications are required, but students wishing to pursue this joint degree program should indicate this and state their reasons on both applications.

Communication, MA

Three letters of recommendation that addresses the applicant’s capabilities and likelihood of success as an M.S. A personal statement. Assessment of your application is based on your academic background, analytical skills, communication skills, and research experience. A personal statement is an opportunity to convey to the selection committee your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences that have led to your desire to attend graduate school. Include your long-term career goals and how a graduate education will help you achieve these goals.

Forensic Science, General

Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.

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