Students at PCOM learn forensic medicine by doing forensic medicine. Under the guidance of professional investigators, students gather in teams to conduct their own investigations—from mock crime scenes to accident reconstructions to clandestine gravesites.
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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.
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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.
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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:
Doctor of Osteopathic medicine students may pursue a dual DO/MS degree during an extended second year in which students complete forensic medicine coursework.
LEARN MOREPost-medical school (DO program) careers include:
Students in the MS in Biomedical Sciences program may pursue a concentration in forensic medicine after completing foundation year coursework.
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PCOM offers the only forensic medicine program in the region that was developed and is overseen by a board-certified forensic pathologist. With courses taught by leading experts currently working in the field, students learn from professionals who bring in-depth knowledge and years of field experience.
DOWNLOAD PROGRAM BROCHUREProgram faculty bring in-depth experience and are all current practitioners in the field, with jobs that include: chief deputy coroner, head of forensic unit, director of paramedics, FBI SWAT team member, police detective and certified bomb expert.
The forensic medicine curriculum (MS program) consists of one year of didactic (face-to-face classroom) coursework that meets one weekend per month followed by a year of online coursework as well as a capstone project.
Non-science majors who are interested in forensic medicine may first apply to the Pathway Program to receive the necessary preparation to enter the MS program. Courses for the Pathway Program are offered 100 percent online.
With a low student-to-instructor ratio, the program provides highly individualized instruction.
Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
Evans Hall, Suite 403A-6
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: 215-871-6760 | Fax: 215-871-6865
Gregory McDonald, DO, FCAP
Chair and Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
Terri Curry
Academic Coordinator
James McCans, MS, NREMT-P
Clinical Assistant Professor
Joel Garblik, DDS, MS
Clinical Assistant Professor
Detective David J. McDonald
Clinical Instructor
