Forensic Medicine 
Application Requirements

GPA requirements

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. Upper-level life science courses, such as anatomy and physiology, are required. Appropriateness of coursework for the Forensic Medicine (MS) program is up to the discretion of the program director.

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, anatomy and physiology. Appropriateness of coursework for the Forensic Medicine (MS) program is up to the discretion of the program director. The program 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 science background is recommended to apply to the program.

This academic program operates on a rolling admissions basis. The application for Fall 2026 enrollment closes on Friday, August 21, 2026, but an early application is highly recommended.

How to apply

Prospective students may submit their application through PCOM's online application management system. Additional details, including application availability and instructions, are available on our application portal.

Where do I send my college transcripts?

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.

Where do I send my letters of recommendation?

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.

What are the next steps?

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:

• Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
• One letter of recommendation
• A general autobiographical statement explaining your interest in the Forensic Medicine program as it relates to your career goals (in 500 words or less)
• Writing sample (preferably graded, APA format)
• Resume/CV
• Current professional, state or federal license, certificates or registration documents, if applicable

When is the deadline to apply?

This academic program operates on a rolling admissions basis. The application closes on Friday, August 21, 2026, but an early application is highly recommended.

Does the committee require an interview?

Interviews are not conducted for admission into the forensic medicine program.

When does the forensic medicine program begin?

The Master of Science in Forensic Medicine program begins in August.

Criminal background check requirement

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.

Other considerations

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.

Questions?

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