Review answers to frequently asked questions about the Master of Science (MS) and Pathway programs in forensic medicine at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Career paths and, in some cases, volunteer opportunities for graduates of the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program may include the following:
The Pathway Program is a preparatory course designed for students who are interested entering the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program but whose bachelor’s degrees are in a non-science-related field, e.g. criminal justice, sociology, etc. This 3-credit, pass-fail summer course is a basic primer in general biology and human anatomy and physiology. Courses for the Pathway Program are offered 100 percent online. Upon successful completion of the Pathway Program, the student will enter the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program beginning the fall semester immediately following.
The Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program curriculum may be found in the course catalog.
In total, completion of the program takes approximately 24 months.
The curriculum at PCOM is on a tri-semester basis.
For the first year of the program (August through May), classes are held approximately one weekend per month, Friday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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.
NOTE: The Pathway Program is held the summer prior to the start of the first year of the program. Learn more about the Pathway Program.
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program are considered half-time students. Half-time students 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.
Candidates with a bachelor's degree lacking a science background—e.g. criminal justice, sociology, etc.—can apply for admission through the Pathway Program, a 10-week course in general biology and human anatomy and physiology, which lasts from June 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 no degree is awarded upon completion of the Pathway program.)
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:
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.
PCOM does not offer student housing. We do provide off-campus housing information as a courtesy to prospective students:
Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program candidates will begin their studies in the fall term (mid-August start). Pathway Program candidates enter in the summer term. 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.
As Admissions works on a rolling basis, it is strongly recommended that candidates for admission submit their completed applications early. 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.
Yes, interviews are indeed a component of the admissions process for all Forensic Medicine degree programs. Interviews are conducted on-campus from September through April for Pathway Program enrollment and September to July for Master of Science in Forensic Medicine enrollment.
Due to COVID-19, we will conduct online interviews with applicants for all PCOM locations.
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