students working in an on-campus forensic science laboratory, evaluating mock ballistics evidence

Advanced Study in Forensic Science

By continuing your education at Syracuse University's Forensic and National Security Studies Institute, you can prepare for a career in one of many forensic disciplines. An array of degree and course options, dedicated faculty and state-of-the art laboratories will aid in your success.

Career Outcomes - More than 90% of employed graduates are working in an area related to their field of study.
Customizable Curriculum - Select from advanced courses and concentrations that fit your professional goals. For example, choose a concentration in national security, forensic biology or crime scene investigation.
Expert Instruction - Learn from dedicated faculty who bring their real-world experiences to our classrooms and laboratories.

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a person wearing PPE pulls up a sample using a glass pipetter

M.S. in Forensic Science, Advanced Laboratory

This degree program is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). You’ll prepare to work in laboratory settings in fields such as DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, toxicology or microbial forensics.

Two students use a microscope in a forensic science lab. A black and white image from their microscope is shown on a computer monitor next to them.

M.S. in Forensic Science

Prepare for a career in crime scene investigation, medicolegal death investigation, latent prints, firearms analysis, federal intelligence or law enforcement. Your instructors will have a real-world experience in many areas of forensic science and guide you as you embark on your unique career path.

M.S. in Biomedical Forensic Science

This program offers training and coursework that will prepare you for careers in pathology, toxicology, microbial forensics and related fields. A degree in biomedical forensic science can also enhance your medical school application, making this program particularly attractive to pre-med students.

A person types on a computer. Additional monitors show lines of code.

M.S. in Digital Forensics

Receive training and experience in the collection, preservation, examination, analysis and reporting of digital evidence in this joint program offered between the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute and Syracuse University School of Information Studies. Digital forensics is the fastest-growing field in forensic science and is used to investigate every type of criminal activity.

Two students wearing gloves and white laboratory suits analyze a mock crime scene using crime scene markers and a measuring tape.

M.S. in Medicolegal Death Investigation

Take advantage of coursework and internship experiences specifically designed to prepare you for a career in death investigation. For example, choose from elective courses on pathology, crime scene investigation and medicolegal death investigation.

A student sitting at a desk in a campus library, facing away from the camera. The back of his shirt reads, "Real lawyers wear orange."

J.D./M.S. Option

This joint degree program provides law students a unique opportunity to gain insights into forensic evidence analysis without added tuition costs. Become an attractive candidate for a career as a prosecutor, defense advocate or federal agent; these employers value candidates with experience in both law and forensics.

full and part-time faculty members committed to student success

classes offered each academic year

research areas

At Syracuse, I learned about liquid-liquid extractions, GC-MS analysis, and data review, which are all extremely helpful and important to my current work as a forensic toxicologist. Now, I use these skills almost every day for both casework and research.
Emily Ortega G'23, Forensic Science