
Virginia Commonwealth University
Forensic Science, Master of Science (M.S.)
Overview
Forty-two-credit full-time Master of Science in Forensic Science with laboratory coursework, a directed research project and five concentrations.
- Official program name
- Forensic Science, Master of Science (M.S.)
- Awarded degree
- Master of Science · major: Forensic ScienceSource: bulletin.vcu.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: bulletin.vcu.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: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- School
- Location
- Richmond, VA
- Subjects
- Forensic Science — core of the degreeDigital Forensics — formal concentration / track (“Digital Forensics and Incident Response”)
- Tracks / concentrations
- Digital forensics and incident response · Forensic biology · Forensic chemistry/drugs and toxicology · Forensic chemistry/trace · Forensic physical analysisSource: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Required credits
- 42 graduate credit hours, 21 core and 21 specializedSource: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Duration
- Full-time, two-year programSource: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Why this program is listed
Dedicated Master of Science in Forensic Science with five concentrations, including digital forensics and incident response.
Dedicated Master of Science in Forensic Science with five concentrations, including digital forensics and incident response.
Source: bulletin.vcu.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: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Internship
- Internship requirement: not verified
- Study intensity
- Full-timeSource: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Curriculum
Capstone
- Required coursework includes a directed research project conducted within a forensic laboratory setting.Source: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Science prerequisites
- Forensic biology applicants need nine upper-level credit hours in biological or biochemical sciences, including general biochemistry.Source: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Laboratory components
- Several laboratory courses are taught by practicing forensic scientists at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Central Laboratory.Source: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Digital evidence focus
- The digital forensics and incident response concentration has its own admission requirements in information technology and computer science.Source: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Other
- The page states the accreditation status of the concentrations by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, excluding digital forensics and incident response.Source: bulletin.vcu.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
- Prior degree
- RequiredBachelor's degree in a discipline appropriate to the concentration, or equivalent course work.Source: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Minimum GPA
- RequiredMinimum 2.9 — Undergraduate GPA that exceeds 2.9 on a 4.0 scale.Source: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Statement / essay
- RequiredPersonal statement.Source: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Recommendation letters
- Required3 letters — Three letters of recommendation.Source: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Tests
Entrance and English-language test policy: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate admission chances.
Start dates and deadlines
- Year not printed
Application deadline
Mar 1 · for Fall
The school does not print a year with this date.
Source: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
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
Graduate teaching assistantships Assistantship
Eligibility: All applicants are automatically considered.
Source: bulletin.vcu.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Accreditation
Institutional accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) — accreditedSource: ope.ed.gov · verified October 10, 2026
FEPAC program accreditation
Accredited by FEPAC — listed as “Forensic Science (Masters), Full Accreditation” · since January 1, 2022Source: aafs.org · verified October 24, 2026
Sources and verification
- bulletin.vcu.edu/graduate/college-humanities-sciences/forensic-science/forensic-science-ms-concentra — Official catalog / bulletin, verified October 24, 2026
- bulletin.vcu.edu/graduate/college-humanities-sciences/forensic-science/forensic-science-ms-concentra — Official catalog / bulletin, verified October 24, 2026
- DAPIP — SACSCOC institutional accreditation record (data files downloaded 2026-10-10) — U.S. Department of Education dataset (IPEDS / DAPIP), verified October 10, 2026
- FEPAC-accredited programs (AAFS) — Accreditor directory, verified October 24, 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 Virginia Commonwealth University. Information is collected from official pages and directories and can change; confirm requirements, costs and deadlines with the school.