2020-2021 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Forensic Science, MS


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Contact:

Michael Sponsler, sponsler@syr.edu, 1-014 Center Sci & Tech, 315-443-4880



Professor of Chemistry, Director of Curricular Programs for the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute at Syracuse University

Faculty

James Hewett, James T. Spencer, Michael B. Sponsler, Robert Silver, Ulrich Englich, Michael Marciano, Jonathan Adelman, James Crill

The Masters of Science in Forensic Science is a 36 credit hour program of study designed to offer students both a global perspective and an opportunity for in-depth study at the graduate level in forensic science. The degree provides students with a fundamental understanding of the concepts and principles involved in the application of scientific techniques to forensic investigations and to the criminal justice system. Recent advances in basic scientific research have had a rapid and dramatic impact on these fields and it is only through an understanding of these critical scientific concepts that those in the legal system may be effective in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. A graduate M.S. degree in Forensic Science offers a strong complement for people interested in a focus on criminal justice as related to major areas of study such as anthropology, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, psychology, engineering, journalism, education, medicine, and law.

Students can choose to enroll in the advanced, general or nuclear forensics track.

Student Learning Outcomes


Forensic Science MS

1. Define the field of forensic science and describe how it overlaps with their particular interests

2. Describe the relationship and interplay between forensic science and the legal system

3. Explain the importance of ethical standards and describe the means through which such standards are upheld in forensic science

4. Recognize the need for research in forensic science and know the process by which research is proposed and executed

5. Propose how the professional performance of forensic analyses may be elevated through research

6. Explain the importance and structure of quality assurance protocols and standards

7. Employ statistical methods and evaluate statistical results to solve problems in forensic science and to communicate findings

Forensic Science MS (Advanced Track)

Demonstrate how evidence is identified, processed, and collected at crime scenes

Explain how the chain of custody is preserved and documented

Demonstrate how evidence is analyzed in a laboratory, including presumptive testing and confirmatory testing with various instruments

Apply quality assurance standards and protocols in laboratory or crime scene settings

Forensic Science MS (Nuclear Forensics Track)

Demonstrate safety measures and analysis procedures regarding nuclear materials

Program Requirements


Advanced Track


II. Electives - 14 Credits Required


At least 9 elective credits must be a part of a designated concentration. Student-specific concentrations, potentially including FSC 690 , may be allowed by petition.

Forensic Anthropology Concentration

Psychiatry & Behavioral Science Concentration

Full Electives List

III. Research - 3 credits required


Each student is required to participate in original research, write a detailed report of publishable quality, and successfully defend the results in front of a committee of three faculty members in a public seminar. This research should be conducted as part of an on- or off-campus research project, internship, or independent study. Additional credits of independent study or internship may be used to satisfy elective credit or concentration credit by petition.

IV. Seminar Requirement


Each student is required to participate in the FNSSI seminar program by attending at least 50% of the seminars during their semesters as an M.S. student in Syracuse.

General Track


II. Electives - 21 Credits Required


At least 9 elective credits must be a part of a designated concentration. Student-specific concentrations, potentially including FSC 690 , may be allowed by petition.

Forensic Anthropology Concentration

Psychiatry & Behavioral Science Concentration

Full Electives List

III. Internship or Independent Study Research - 3 credits required


(additional credits maybe used to satisfy elective requirements).

IV. Seminar Requirement


Each student is required to participate in the FNSSI seminar program by attending at least 50% of the seminars during their semesters as an M.S. student in Syracuse.

Nuclear Forensics Track


II. Elective Courses - 8 credits required


III. Internship with Research - 9 credits at Brookhaven National Lab. required


Each student is required to participate in original research, write a detailed report of publishable quality, and successfully defend the results in front of a committee of three faculty members in a public seminar. This research will be conducted as part of the Brookhaven internship. Additional credits of independent study or internship may be used to satisfy elective credit by petition.

As part of the Brookhaven internship, students are also required to take a course there: Nuclear Nonproliferation, Safeguards, and Security.  If the timing of the course and internship are not compatible, a different, suitable Brookhaven graduate-level course may be substituted with prior approval.

IV. Seminar Requirement


Each student is required to participate in the FNSSI seminar program by attending at least 50% of the seminars during their semesters as an M.S. student in Syracuse.

Comments


  1. Law courses are open to MS in forensic science students by consent of the instructor. Although these courses are usually held once a year (Evidence is offered every semester), the law college cannot guarantee that these courses will be offered every year, but instead offered irregularly on a demand basis within the law school. MS students should also be aware that the law school’s calendar is somewhat different from the rest of the campus and students enrolled in LAW courses will be expected to take exams and complete work based upon the law college’s academic schedule (although the Law College exempts non-law students from the application of their grading curves).

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