Frequently Asked Questions 
PCOM Forensic Medicine Program

Career paths and, in some cases, volunteer opportunities for graduates of the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program may include the following:

• Forensic investigator
• Forensic pathologist (upon completion of medical school)
• Medical examiner (upon completion of medical school)
• Social services investigator and/or advocate
• Disaster mortuary response teams, e.g. natural disasters, terrorist attacks
• Autopsy technician
• Accident scene investigators
• Transportation safety board
• Lecturer in forensic medicine
• Legal consultant
• Learn more about forensic careers.

View the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program's course curriculum.

In total, completion of the program takes approximately 24 months.

The curriculum at PCOM is on a tri-semester basis.

First year

For the first year of the program (September through June), classes are held approximately one weekend per month, Friday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Second year

For the second year of the program (late May through the following August - 15 months total), classes are held entirely online with the exception of the Capstone Integrated Experience (CIE). The CIE is based on a research project, an internship or a combination of both and requires a minimum of 112 hours.

In total, the completion of the program takes approximately 24 months.

Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program are considered half-time students and are eligible to apply for financial aid.

Candidates applying for admission to the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program need to have completed, prior to matriculation, a bachelor's degree in a science-related field.

Students taking the courses of Forensic Medicine I and II will have ample practice labs and in-class instruction in the first year before a potential internship in the second year of study. Hands-on labs are conducted in the following areas:

• Fingerprinting
• Blood-spatter
• Mock-crime scene
• Forensic anthropology
• Forensic entomology
• Ballistics
• Firearms
• Clandestine graves

In lieu of a thesis, the Capstone Integrated Experience (CIE)—which can be based on a research project, an internship or a combination of both—occurs during the second year of the program. The CIE will involve field experience and/or research in the area of forensic medicine. The objective is to afford students—via a research project and/or an internship—the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills that they have acquired through their academic coursework in an area of personal interest within the scope of forensic medicine.

The minimum time commitment for the CIE is 112 hours. This project will culminate with a final paper at the conclusion of the experience.

Local agencies have participated as internship sites for the Capstone Integrated Experience (CIE). However, students are strongly encouraged to tailor their internship to their specific goals. With faculty approval, students may design their own internship. Additionally, the CIE may be a combination of an internship and research project.

The Capstone Integrated Experience (CIE) requires a minimum of 112 hours fulfilled via a research project, an internship or a combination of both. Most of our students continue their full-time careers during the degree program and CIE.

No, the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree is a non-thesis track master's degree.

Visit our financial aid section to access cost of attendance information. Since students enrolled in the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program are considered half-time students, they are eligible to apply for financial assistance.

Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program candidates will begin their studies in the fall term (September start). Visit the application requirements page to learn more.

Below are the minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program. Please note that each application is reviewed on an individual basis.

• All candidates must have a 3.0 GPA or higher from a regionally accredited institution in order to gain admission. Applications are considered on an individual basis and the average GPAs of admitted candidates vary.
• A bachelor’s degree with a science background.
• One recommendation letter from either a faculty member or a current employer.
• An autobiographical statement that should reflect a candidate's understanding of the diverse field of forensics and prove a candidate's readiness to take on the challenge of the required fieldwork.
• A writing sample (preferably graded).
• Copies of current professional, state or federal license, certificates or registration documents, if applicable.
• Resume

The application closes in early August but an early application is highly recommended. Admissions works on a rolling basis. Interviews begin in September for enrollment the following summer or fall terms. Classes typically fill a few months prior to the start of classes.

No, standardized test scores are not required for admission to the Forensic Medicine program.

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