Master of Science in the Field of Crime Scene Investigation

Increased proficiency in crime scene investigation is essential to all forensic sciences. GW's master of science in crime scene investigation program teaches the scientific knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to investigative work. Designed for investigators, detectives, lawyers, special agents, medicolegal death investigators, crime scene technicians, and aspiring forensic investigators, the program trains students in techniques used to document crime scenes and collect evidence. Students emerge from the program with skills in homicide investigation, forensic pathology, trace evidence analysis, crime scene photography, and examination of questioned documents, among other areas.

This is a STEM-designated program.

Visit the program website for additional information.
 

Visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences website for application requirements.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact for questions:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

36 credits, including 27 credits in required courses and 9 credits in elective courses. In addition, successful completion of a master's comprehensive examination is required.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
FORS 6005	Fundamentals of Forensic Science II
FORS 6207	Photography in the Forensic Sciences
FORS 6215	Latent Print Comparisons I
FORS 6219	Digital Image Processing
FORS 6224	Criminal Law for Forensic Scientists
FORS 6251	Crime Scene Investigation I
FORS 6252	Crime Scene Investigation II
FORS 6256	Forensic Pathology
FORS 6010	Bloodstain Pattern Analysis and Crime Scene Reconstruction
Electives
9 credits selected in consultation with the departmental advisor. Suggested electives include:
FORS 6257	Medicolegal Death Investigation
FORS 6203	Examination of Questioned Documents
FORS 6204	Firearms and Toolmark Identification
FORS 6290	Selected Topics (Crime Scene Investigation III)
FORS 6201	Forensic Biology
FORS 6206	Trace Evidence Analysis
FORS 6238	Forensic Chemistry I
FORS 6240	Forensic Drug Analysis
Other requirements
Successful completion of a master’s comprehensive examination is required.