Forensic Science Master’s Degrees

Career Ramifications

For those who hope to obtain advanced positions within the field of forensic science, a master’s degree in this discipline is vital. Master’s degrees allow professionals to specialize in their area of work, and allow them to obtain positions that will grant greater salaries and benefits. For instance, it is fairly common for those who choose to concentrate on working as a crime lab scientist with their forensic science education to pursue graduate studies in disciplines that are relevant to this line of work. Graduate degrees can be obtained in subjects in which molecular biology, population genetics, or biochemistry are integral to one’s education. Another fairly popular area of specialization for those who seek master’s degrees within this field is firearm examination, which pertains to how firearms are used within crimes and criminal investigations.

Additionally, master’s degrees allow candidates to be eligible to pursue doctoral degrees in the field of forensic science. Once candidates have obtained a doctoral degree, they are generally eligible to teach in sophisticated postsecondary settings such as in colleges or in universities. It may also be possible for candidates with master’s degrees to teach aspects of forensic science in some postsecondary settings, perhaps in trade, technical, or vocational schools (BLS).  

Coursework

Classes for masters and doctoral degree programs are generally held at traditional four-year colleges and universities. In general, these programs can be found at the same postsecondary educational institutions that offer bachelor’s degrees. Master’s degrees usually take two to three years of full-time study to successfully complete. The specific classes that students will take generally pertain to the subfield of forensic science that they choose to specialize in, and are largely based on principles of mathematics and science. Furthermore, it is quite possible that one can be sent to school to obtain a master’s degree by one’s job, which may actually pay for a student’s education to assist both him or her as well at that particular place of employment. Or, employers may choose to finance classes that can eventually be used towards a student’s credits in pursuing a master’s degree in this field. Doctoral degrees usually require students to take more classes in specific facets of math and science related to their area of specialty, but also necessitate that they complete a dissertation in order to graduate. Dissertations are longform research documents about a particular aspect of one’s area of study (BLS).