Admission
Application Packet
Admission considerations include:
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in chemistry or biology; or a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a forensic or natural science with the equivalent of a minor in either chemistry or biology
- Test scores from the Graduate Record Examination
- Three letters of recommendation, at least two from academic sources
- Official transcripts of all academic work previously undertaken
- TOEFL scores for international students
Students are accepted in the Fall semester only. All application materials must be received by December 31st for consideration the following academic year. A holistic review of each student's application file will be completed on a competitive basis. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
A number of undergraduate courses in chemistry and biology are helpful in pursuing a graduate degree in forensic science. For more information read the model career path.
Because forensic science is part of the criminal justice system, personal honesty, integrity, and scientific objectivity are paramount.Those seeking careers in this field should be aware that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment. The following may be conducted and/or reviewed before an employment offer is made and may remain as ongoing conditions of employment (this list is not all inclusive):
- Drug tests
- Criminal history
- History of drug use
Please note that all MSFS students are required to complete a 10 week full-time internship at a crime laboratory. All students complete an internal criminal background check as part of the placement process.
For general information on graduate applications contact the Office of Graduate Studies online at
www.shsu.edu/~grs_www/forms/gradadm.html or by telephone at 936-294-1971.
For specific information on the Forensic Science Program please contact us. Be sure to download the MSFS Application Packet.