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Forensic Science, Master of Science (M.S.), Non-thesis option

Forensic Science, Master of Science (M.S.), Non-thesis option

Advance your forensic science skills for real-world careers — without a thesis

If you’re passionate about science and solving mysteries, and want a professional graduate degree that prepares you for careers in forensic labs, law enforcement support, or analytical science, this program is for you.

The Master of Science in Forensic Science (Non-thesis) at IU Indianapolis is a 30-credit, career-focused graduate degree you can typically complete in about one academic year. It’s ideal if you want practical skills and job readiness rather than research and a thesis project.

This master's is a great fit if you:

Want a career-oriented forensic science degree without a research thesis.
Enjoy working with scientific tools and evidence.
Have a STEM bachelor’s degree (e.g., biology, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacology) and a solid science foundation you’re ready to build on.
Value being in a program connected to local crime labs, courts, and law enforcement agencies, which can help with networking and internships.
Aim to enter the workforce quickly (about one year).

Forensic Science

Degree: Master of Science (M.S.), Non-thesis option
Credit hours: 30
Typical time to complete: 1 year
Delivery: On campus
Location: Indianapolis
Academic unit: Forensic & Investigative Sciences

Degree highlights »
Your learning experience »
After graduation »
How to apply »

Degree requirements

To apply and be successful in this program, you should have:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, in chemistry, biology, forensic science, pharmacology, toxicology, or another science-based discipline
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00

You'll also choose a track when you apply: Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology.

Our innovative faculty solve real-world problems. Read about some of their recent work:

New admissible evidence introduced to Indiana courtrooms by IU Indianapolis forensic scientist - John Goodpaster, Ph.D.

Genetics researcher predicts facial characteristics from Copernicus to cold cases - Susan Walsh, Ph.D.

Degree highlights

Urban location with real access - Being in Indianapolis connects you to state forensic labs, medical examiners, law enforcement agencies, and public safety organizations, giving you opportunities for internships, employment collaborations and networking.
Hands-on training - You’ll practice the skills you’ll need on the job—from evidence analysis to scientific reporting—in real lab settings.
Fast, professional pathway - Full-time students typically finish in about one academic year.
Flexible for working professionals - Part-time study is possible, so students already working in labs can balance graduate school with their careers or other commitments.
Faculty mentorship - You’ll learn from faculty with professional experience in forensic science, lab environments, and forensic applications.
Strong, scientific foundation - Even though it’s non-thesis, the curriculum still emphasizes real forensic techniques and scientific thinking that employers value.

Your learning experience

Courses that blend science, law, and professional practice into a unified curriculum

Forensic science is where science meets justice, turning evidence into answers. With this degree, you’ll learn how to:

Collect and analyze scientific evidence.
Use laboratory tools and techniques professionals rely on.
Understand how forensic evidence fits into investigations and the legal system.
Communicate results clearly, in reports, labs, and courtroom settings.

This program builds on your undergraduate foundation and helps you stand out in competitive job markets where advanced training matters.

Core knowledge

You'll build depth in:

Crime scene investigation and quality assurance
Forensic microscopy
Forensic science and the law
Laboratory management

This coursework will strengthen your scientific confidence and help you see how evidence moves from a scene to a courtroom.

Area of focus

You'll choose one track:

Forensic Chemistry - the application of chemical principals and instrumentation to evidence such as controlled substances, trace evidence (e.g., fibers, paint, glass), fire debris, explosives, and explosive devices.
Forensic Biology - the application of biological principals and instrumentation to evidence such as bodily fluids and other biological material.

Practical experience

This non-thesis option can include:

Internship credits
Project-based assignments that mimic professional forensic work
Research

These experiences help bridge classroom learning with career-ready skills.

The curriculum

This master’s degree totals 30 credit hours and includes a mix of core science, specialized forensic training, and professional skills.

18 credit hours of core and track courses
12 credit hours of lab leadership and elective courses

Core courses (both tracks)
Required foundational courses:

Crime Scene Investigation and Quality Assurance (2 credits)
Advanced Forensic Microscopy Lecture (1 credit)
Advanced Forensic Microscopy Lab (2 credits)
Forensic Science and the Law (3 credits)
Forensic Science Seminar (1 credit)

These courses give you both broad and applied skills used in labs and investigations.

If you choose the Forensic Chemistry track, you'll take these courses:

Overview of Forensic Biology (1 credit)
Forensic Chemistry I (3 credits)
Forensic Chemistry I Lab (1 credit)
Forensic Chemistry II (3 credits)
Forensic Chemistry II Lab (1 credit)

These courses build expertise in chemical analysis, from trace evidence to instrumental testing.

If you choose the Forensic Biology track, you'll take these courses:

Overview of Forensic Chemistry (1 credit)
Forensic Biology I (3 credits)
Forensic Biology I Lab (2 credits)
Population Genetics (3 credits)

These courses build skills in biological evidence, DNA analysis, and population interpretation.

You will also take courses designed to prepare you for lab leadership and practice:

Laboratory Project Design (2 credits)
Forensic Science Laboratory Management (2 credits)
Electives (8 credits), which may include:
- Internship*
- Research*
- Other approved electives that boost your skills

* Up to 6 credits of elective internship or research can count toward degree completion, giving you valuable hands-on experience.

After graduation

This degree prepares you for professional forensic science and related analytical roles, such as:

Forensic Scientist or Analyst - providing technical analysis in crime labs
Laboratory Specialist - supporting testing and quality assurance
Evidence and Case Support Professional - preparing scientific findings for investigations and legal settings
Analytical Science roles - in government labs, industry, and public safety

Because this is a professional (non-thesis) degree, it’s ideal if you want career readiness and technical skills that employers value immediately after graduation.

How to apply

Decisions are typically sent within a few weeks of application.

Application timeline

Review begins

Late February

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once review begins.

Deadline to apply for fall semester

March 15

Apply by March 15 for full consideration.

Review continues (if space is available)

After March 15

Deadline to apply for spring semester

October 1

Applications will also be considered for the spring semester if space is available. Completed applications must be submitted by October 1.

What you'll submit

Online Application - Indiana University Graduate Centralized Application System (CAS)
Two Letters of Recommendation - Provide contact information for two recommenders. These recommenders will be emailed automatically to submit their letters
Personal Statement - include your educational and professional background, interest and experience (if any) in forensic science, research interests, and track choice (chemistry or biology)
Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

Arrange for official transcripts to be mailed to:

FIS Graduate Admissions
402 N. Blackford St., LD 326
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Other supporting documents and information can be provided via the CAS application system.

Program website

Visit the Forensic & Investigative Sciences website.

Academic programs in forensic science

See all of the academic programs we offer.

Take the next step

Learn how to apply