Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Forensic Medicine

Program Description

The Certificate Program of Advanced Graduate Study in Forensic Medicine was created for working professionals in the field of forensics who want additional skills, knowledge and certification. PCOM's Graduate Programs in Forensic Medicine is one of a few in the country that focus on the forensic aspects of both medicolegal death investigation and clinical forensics of the living. It is the only program of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region.

If you have experience in the field of forensics and want additional certification, this program is for you. This 20-credit program leads to a certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS) in forensic medicine and is completed in one year. Some course material covers topics such as ballistics, toxicology, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology and legal studies.

• Courses are taught by experienced, board certified forensic pathologists and forensic experts in their fields
• You will gain hands-on clinical experience through internship that enhance your classroom learning
• You will prepare for a career in a field that is in high demand
• Your career opportunities will be expanded and earning power strengthened
• Program prepares graduates for certification as a death scene investigator
• You will gain a thorough knowledge of the basic sciences that can be applied in obtaining an advanced degree

• Broader base of curriculum to reach other forensic/first-responder personnel
• Certificate students will be in same classroom as MS students
• Executive style format with meetings one weekend a month for one year
• Greater community exposure

• FMED 501 - Principles in Forensic Medicine I, 6 credits
• FMED 502 - Principles in Forensic Medicine II, 6 credits
• FMED 507 - Clinical Internship, 8 credits
  *These three courses can be completed in one academic year.

Note: If a student has completed the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study(CAGS) in the Forensic Medicine curriculum, credits may be transferred to the Master of Science program if done within five years of the starting date in the program.

Who should apply?
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Forensic Medicine; Anyone with a Bachelors degree and an interest in Forensic Medicine. For example, PAs, NPS, Nurses, EMT-Paramedics, Attorneys, Criminal Investigators, Coroners, Social Workers, DOs and MDs.

How do I get an Application?
An application may be requested from the Office of Admissions by e-mailing Admissions@pcom.edu or by calling 215-871-6700 (800-999-6998 if out of Pennsylvania).

Can I Apply Online?
To complete an application on-line click here.

For an application for admissions:
- Application Form
- Reference Form

• Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Official academic transcripts of prior scholastic work
• Current professional, state or federal license, certificate or registration documentation if applicable
• Narrative statement of interest

Clinical Internship Sites
Medical Examiner Offices, Law Enforcement Agencies, Forensic Labs, and District Attorney Offices

How long will it take to complete the program?
This is a part time program that we estimate will take most students 12 months to complete.

Should you have any questions, please contact us via email at: gradadmissions@pcom.edu