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Forensic Science, Master of Science (M.S.), Thesis option

Forensic Science, Master of Science (M.S.), Thesis option

Become a forensic scientist through advanced research and professional preparation

The Master of Science in Forensic Science (Thesis) at IU Indianapolis is a FEPAC-accredited graduate degree, meaning it meets rigorous national standards for forensic science education.

This two-year program combines advanced scientific training with hands-on research, preparing you for professional roles in crime labs, government agencies, or advanced academic work.

This master's is a great fit if you:

Are serious about forensic science and want advanced scientific training.
Enjoy working with scientific tools and evidence.
Enjoy research and solving real problems.
See yourself pursuing leadership roles, advanced study, or specialized forensic careers.
Want a degree with nationally recognized accreditation.

Forensic Science

Degree: Master of Science (M.S.), Thesis option, FEPAC-accredited
Credit hours: 30
Typical time to complete: 2 years
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

Location advantage - 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.
Accreditation you can trust - This program is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) and is one of only a few graduate forensic degrees in the country with this distinction. Accreditation means the program meets high standards for curriculum, faculty expertise, lab training, and preparing students for professional work.
Research and real science - Unlike a purely coursework-based degree, the thesis track lets you produce original research that contributes to the field. That experience makes you stand out when applying for jobs, internships, or future doctoral study.

Your learning experience

The program includes 30 credit hours of advanced study and research.

Forensic science is where science meets justice, using scientific methods to collect, analyze, and interpret evidence that can make a real difference in investigations and the courtroom.

You will:

Develop deeper scientific expertise beyond undergraduate training.
Conduct original research that contributes to real forensic challenges.
Position yourself for advanced forensic careers or doctoral study.

Because the degree is FEPAC-accredited, you’ll graduate with the skills and credentials that many forensic laboratories and employers recognize and respect.

Core knowledge

You’ll build on foundational science with courses such as:

Advanced crime scene investigation
Microscopy and evidence analysis
Forensic science in the legal system
Professional ethics and quality assurance

These courses deepen your understanding of how forensic science is practiced in real settings.

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.

Research emphasis

A major feature of this degree is your thesis project:

You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor to choose and refine a research topic.
Your research typically takes about one academic year to complete.
You’ll design, conduct, analyze, and defend your work, just like professional scientists do.

Many thesis projects are done in collaboration with local forensic science laboratories, giving you a chance to work on real forensic problems.

The curriculum

This master’s degree totals 30 credit hours:

18 credit hours of core and track courses
12 credit hours of thesis research

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 be required to take a thesis course:

- Thesis Research (12 credits)

Research is a major component of this degree. 12 of the 30 credit hours are devoted to the thesis.

You should work with faculty to identify your thesis topic early in the program. Plan for at least one year to complete the research and writing.

After graduation

Graduates from this thesis program go on to work in roles such as:

Forensic Scientist or Analyst - conducting evidence analysis in crime labs
Research Specialist - advancing forensic methods and technologies
Crime Lab Supervisor or Technical Leader
Ph.D. Candidate - continuing into advanced research or teaching

Because you will have completed a thesis project, you’ll be well-prepared for graduate-level work or competitive forensic science positions.

How to apply

Follow the steps below to apply to the Master of Science in Forensic Science (Thesis option) program. This option is FEPAC-accredited and designed for students seeking a research-focused graduate degree in forensic science.

Be sure to review all requirements and submit your materials by the posted deadline.

Before applying, make sure you meet the basic admissions criteria:

Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a physical or life science (e.g., chemistry, biology, forensic science, pharmacology/toxicology, or related field).
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on undergraduate work.
You must choose Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology as your degree track when you apply.

The application is completed through the Indiana University Graduate Centralized Application System (CAS).

Create an account in the CAS application system and begin your application.
You can save and return to your application if you need more time.

Required materials as part of the CAS application system:

Personal Statement — Describe your educational background, goals, and interest in forensic science; include research interests for the thesis option.
Supplemental Questions — Indicate the degree option (thesis) and track (chemistry or biology), and list relevant coursework.
Letters of Recommendation — Provide contact information for two recommenders who can evaluate your potential for graduate-level forensic science work. These recommenders will be emailed automatically to submit their letters.

Have official, sealed transcripts sent directly from every post-secondary institution you attended to:

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

International applicants must also submit transcripts in the original language and with English translations, plus a certificate of diploma.

A standard application fee is required and can be paid by credit or debit card through the online CAS application system.

Application deadline: December 15 for fall admission.
Your application must be complete by January 15 (including all documents), or it won't be considered.
Decisions are typically communicated by mid-February.

If your thesis application is not successful, it will automatically be reviewed for the non-thesis program.

Review of applications for the thesis option is not rolling. All complete applications received by the deadline are evaluated together.
If you are accepted, you’ll receive notification and next steps directly from the program.

Program website

Visit the Forensic & Investigative Sciences website.

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Take the next step

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