The forensic medicine program at PCOM allows students to explore the rapidly growing field of forensics. Designed for the working professional, courses are offered in a combination of weekend and online sessions. These courses cover aspects of forensic medicine, forensic pathology, death scene investigation and clinical pathology skills.
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All applicants for the forensic medicine program must have completed a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.
Please review the descriptions in the below sections to determine the option for which you qualify. If you are unsure, simply submit the application for that which seems most appropriate. The Forensic Medicine Admissions Committee will determine the applicant's start date and program level based on submitted application materials and the admissions decision will reflect any change necessary.
The Forensic Medicine Pathway online course is designed for those who are interested in forensic medicine and who possess a bachelor's degree in a forensic-related field (i.e. criminal justice, psychology, sociology or anthropology) but lack coursework in the core sciences (biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology). This course was developed to allow those without a strong science background to receive the necessary information to be successful in the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine program. Candidates requiring the Pathway option will be admitted to the MS degree program contingent upon completion of the Pathway preparatory course.
The Pathway is a 10-week online course in general biology and human anatomy and physiology, which lasts from May to August. Once completed and successfully passed, the student will continue in the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program in the fall term. Please note that this is a pass/fail course and no degree is awarded upon completion of the Pathway course. PCOM will no longer offer a Pathway option AFTER the enrollment of students for the Summer 2025 start term. All 2026 enrollments into the Forensic Medicine program will be for the full MS program with no Pathway option.
The degree program is a 40-credit program leading to a Master of Science in Forensic Medicine. Applicants to the program will have a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and anatomy and physiology. It provides a solid foundation in the theory, concepts and principles of forensic medicine, the medico-legal and technical aspects of death scene investigations and clinical pathology skills. The emerging demands, roles and responsibilities of medico-legal investigators and clinical forensic specialists are also addressed.
Please note that a strong health care and/or law enforcement background is recommended to apply directly to the MS degree program.
This academic program operates on a rolling admissions basis. The application for Summer or Fall 2025 enrollment closes on Friday, August 22, 2025, but an early application is highly recommended.
Prospective students may submit their application through PCOM's online application management system. Additional details, including application availability and instructions, are available on the application portal.
Official college transcripts from all colleges/universities/schools attended must be sent directly to:
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
We will accept electronic transcripts via mail from Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse.
Letters of recommendation can be sent through the PCOM application portal or directly to PCOM Admissions in PDF format to recommend@pcom.edu. Recommenders can be directed to our "For Recommenders" page for guidance.
Once your application has been submitted, you will be contacted via email with a confirmation of its receipt including reminders of the appropriate steps to complete the application process. Note that there is no institutional application fee to PCOM.
Your application will be processed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Admissions only after the receipt of:
This academic program operates on a rolling admissions basis. The application closes on Friday, August 22, 2025, but an early application is highly recommended.
Interviews are not conducted for admission into the forensic medicine program.
Classes begin for each program as follows:
The College requires a criminal background check for all program applicants and enrolled students. The PCOM Office of Admissions will facilitate a criminal background check prior to matriculation processed by a PCOM vendor of choice. Subsequent criminal background checks can occur during enrollment, including but not limited to, when the student is conducting internships, clerkships, clinical coursework, or other types of coursework that occur off campus. Should you be charged, convicted of, or plead guilty or no contest to a misdemeanor or felony crime after the date of your original application submission, you are required to notify the Dean of your program in writing within 10 business days of the occurrence. This communication should be sent by certified mail to the Dean at the address on the acceptance letter.
The Admissions Committee reserves the right to accept or reject applications to the chosen program based on merit. Following completion of the admissions process, applicants will be notified of the Admissions Committee's decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment. Once admitted, candidates who wish to enroll are asked to review and acknowledge PCOM's Technical Standards for Admission (PDF) and Matriculation along with a $150 non-refundable deposit. The acceptance packet will contain all materials required for enrollment.
Visit the Forensic Medicine Frequently Asked Questions page for further information.
Should you have any questions, please contact us via email at admissions@pcom.edu.
PCOM Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Toll Free: 800-999-6998
Local: 215-871-6700
Fax: 215-871-6719
Email: admissions@pcom.edu
X: @PCOMAdmissions
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