
Overview
Forty-two-credit professional master's in forensic science at University Park for applicants with a science bachelor's degree.
- Official program name
- Forensic Science, M.P.S.
- Awarded degree
- Master of Professional Studies · major: Forensic ScienceSource: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Degree level
- Master's
- Subject focus
- Dedicated degreeThe degree itself is in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science or a closely related justice subject.Source: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Forensic type
- Laboratory forensic scienceA natural-science degree built around chemistry, biology and laboratory analysis of evidence. Laboratory and prerequisite requirements are listed on the profile.Source: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- School
- Location
- University Park, PA
- Subjects
- Forensic Science — core of the degree
- Tracks / concentrations
- Chemistry Emphasis · Molecular Biology EmphasisSource: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Required credits
- A minimum of 42 creditsSource: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Duration
- Not verified
Why this program is listed
Dedicated Master of Professional Studies in Forensic Science with chemistry and molecular biology emphases.
Dedicated Master of Professional Studies in Forensic Science with chemistry and molecular biology emphases.
Source: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026We list associate, bachelor's, master's and research-doctorate programs in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science and related subjects at institutionally accredited US schools — degrees in the subject and formal concentrations, never certificates or one-elective degrees. Eligibility rules
Format and attendance
- Formats offered
- On campusSource: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Internship
- Internship requirement: not verified
- Study intensity
- Not verified
Curriculum
Capstone
- A research project with a publication-quality paper and oral presentation is the culminating experience.Source: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Science prerequisites
- The program is described as appropriate for applicants with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, chemistry or a related field.Source: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Careers and licensure
Career and licensure statements for this program: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
A degree does not guarantee police academy admission, sworn officer certification, federal employment, a security clearance, a position with a named agency, a forensic laboratory job or eligibility to practice as a psychologist. Those have separate training, scientific prerequisites, examinations or hiring requirements set by the agency, state or licensing board. Academic degrees vs police academy training
Admissions
- Minimum GPA
- RequiredMinimum 3 — Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00.Source: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Recommendation letters
- Required2 letters — Two letters of reference.Source: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Interview
- OptionalApplicants may be selected for an interview with forensic science faculty.Source: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Tests
- GRE General Test
- OptionalSource: bulletins.psu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate admission chances.
Start dates and deadlines
Application deadlines: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
Tuition and fees
Tuition for this program: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
Scholarships and funding
Program-specific scholarships: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
Accreditation
Institutional accreditation
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) — accreditedSource: ope.ed.gov · verified October 10, 2026
FEPAC program accreditation
This program does not appear in FEPAC's accredited-program list. FEPAC accredits forensic science programs only and is optional; its absence is not a sign that a program is illegitimate, and the school's other programs or institutional accreditation do not imply it.
Sources and verification
- bulletins.psu.edu/graduate/programs/majors/forensic-science/ — Official catalog / bulletin, verified October 24, 2026
- DAPIP — MSCHE institutional accreditation record (data files downloaded 2026-10-10) — U.S. Department of Education dataset (IPEDS / DAPIP), verified October 10, 2026
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Similar programs at other schools
Same degree level and focus. Listed for discovery, not ranked.
Master of Science in Forensic Science
Master of Forensic Sciences
Criminal Justice Degrees is independent and not affiliated with Penn State University. Information is collected from official pages and directories and can change; confirm requirements, costs and deadlines with the school.