Forensic Medicine Programs

The Pathway Program is an online summer preparatory course designed to prepare students for entry into our master's program. The program is offered 100 percent online.

The Master of Science in Forensic Medicine program is designed for individuals who have an undergraduate degree and background in the sciences. The highly experiential forensic medicine program focuses on the evaluation of live and deceased victims. The program provides students with a baseline of analytic and critical thinking skills that will prepare them to become medical and legal death investigators.

PCOM students engage in a broad—and very active—study of the forensic field covering topics including forensic pathology; forensic anthropology (identification and investigation of human remains); forensic odontology (dental evidence); forensic entomology (insect evidence); ballistics, fingerprint, crime scene and blood spatter analysis; toxicology; DNA; arson and fire investigation; evaluation of sexual assault victims and more.

The program welcomes and trains both newcomers and professionals currently in forensic medicine, preparing them for a variety of rewarding careers in the field. Typically, our enrolled students have backgrounds as:

• Physicians
• Physician Assistants
• Nurses (BSN and beyond, e.g. Nurse Practitioner)
• Paramedics
• Criminal Investigators
• Coroners
• Law Enforcement Professionals
  
  

Doctor of Osteopathic medicine students may pursue a dual DO/MS degree during an extended second year in which students complete forensic medicine coursework.

Career Options

Post-medical school (DO program) careers include:

• pediatrician (concentration in child abuse)
• geriatrician (concentration in elder abuse)
• emergency medicine
• medical examiner

Students in the MS in Biomedical Sciences program may pursue a concentration in forensic medicine after completing foundation year coursework.