The Forensic Biology MS program has been updated to the Forensic Science Investigation and Management MS program as of Fall 2021. The new program requirements are reflected below. Students who were admitted to the prior Forensic Biology MS program as of Summer 2021 and prior should view the degree requirements available at the 2021 Forensic Science Investigation and Management MS program page.
This degree program involves a unique collaboration between the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center and the Department of Biological Sciences in training scientists with state-of-the-art knowledge and laboratory expertise in forensics.
General Requirements
A minimum of 40 graduate credits is required for the master's degree.
- Required core courses (28 credits):
- Bio 515a Responsible Conduct and Skills in Research (1)
- Bio 515b Responsible Conduct and Skills in Scientific Communication (1)
- Bio 524 Advanced Molecular Biology (3)
- Bio 552 Forensic Genetics (3)
- Bio 557 Forensic Science Seminar (0)
- Bio 575 Forensic Biology I (3)
- Bio 577 Forensic Science (3)
- Bio 578 Instrumental and Biochemical Analysis (2)
- Bio 579 Forensic Biology II (3)
- Bio 580 Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology (3)
- Bio 627 Courtroom Testimony for Forensic Scientists (1)
- Bio 631 Interpretation of DNA Evidence (2)
- Crj 626 Law and Science in Criminal Justice (3)
- Students who have not had an undergraduate course in Statistics, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Immunology will be required to make up the deficiency by taking the appropriate undergraduate or graduate courses.
- Internship: Bio 698 Internship in Forensic Science (6 credits): Satisfactory completion of an internship in forensic science laboratory for which 6 credits will be awarded. The results obtained during the internship will be the subject of a substantial written report which will be examined by a committee of three members, approved by the Graduate Examinations Committee.
- Management Policy courses (6 credits):
- Itm 510 Advanced Excel with Visual Basic for Applications (1)
- Itm 520 Database Management (1)
- Mgt 513 Organizational Behavior and Managerial Skills (3)
- Mgt 514 Human Resources Management (3)
- Pad 610 Managing Behavior in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
- Pad 618 Public Personnel Administration (3)
- Satisfactory completion of core and final examinations in Forensic Science. The written internship report will serve as the final examination.
Admission for M.S. Programs
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited University or College, and are required to submit a University at Albany standard graduate application, 3 letters of recommendation, and all transcripts. Students applying for the Forensic Science Investigation and Management program must have received a bachelor's degree in a natural science or Forensic Science from an accredited University or College. Each student in the program must have completed a 3-credit undergraduate lecture course with a grade of C or better in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and statistics, but these deficient courses may be completed as additional coursework after enrollment to this program.
Core and Final Examinations in Forensic Science
The following courses will be required for the M.S in Forensic Science Investigation and Management written Comprehensive Core Examination: Bio 524 Advanced Molecular Biology, Bio 575 Forensic Biology I, Bio 577 Forensic Science, and Crj 626 Law and Science in Criminal Justice. Each student in the program will have to pass the Core Examination at the end of the second semester with a “B” (3.0) or better to enroll in a 6-credit internship project in a laboratory that offers expertise in Forensic Biology and the other Forensic Science disciplines. All students must also submit for Bio 698 (6 credit) Forensic Science Internship a substantial report and provide a presentation to their peers.
Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.