Admission Requirements

Admission Policy

Entrance into the Forensic Science Program is restricted to the fall semester only. Applicant materials should be submitted as early as possible for priority consideration for the fall term. The program observes a rolling admission policy so that individuals may apply at any time. Applicants will be considered for admission while openings remain available for the program. Students who apply early have a better chance of admission than those who apply later in the admission cycle; however, it is not uncommon for applicants to be notified throughout the year.

The complete application process includes:

1. Submission of the Marshall University graduate application available online at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission.
2. Completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible at www.fafsa.gov.
3. Submission of official transcript(s) documenting that the applicant has:
   1. Completed a bachelor’s degree in a forensic or natural science, computer science, computer electronic or electrical engineering, information systems or information technology (or its equivalent coursework in a relevant field) from an accepted, accredited institution of higher learning.
   2. Achieved an overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
   3. Completed 1 academic year of biology and its associated labs with no grade of less than a C.
   4. Completed 1 academic year of general chemistry and its associated labs with no grade of less than C.
   5. Completed 1 academic year of organic chemistry and its associated labs with no grade of less than C.
   6. Completed 1 academic year of physics and its associated labs with no grade of less than C.
   7. It should be noted that successful completion of an undergraduate course in biochemistry is recommended, but not required, prior to entry into this program.
4. Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
   Applicants should achieve a score of 150 or higher on the verbal and quantitative sections and a score of 3.5 or higher on the analytical writing section.
5. Formal Letters
   1. Applicant’s personal statement providing reasons why he or she should be admitted to the Forensic Science program.
   2. 3 letters of recommendation on formal letterhead from individuals familiar with applicants’ moral character, academic acumen and aptitude, integrity, and work ethic.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA and/or GRE requirements may be considered for provisional admission, at the discretion of the program, when the capacity to admit provisional applicants exists. Full admission to the program, once an offer is made, is also contingent on successful completion of a background check, documentation of hepatitis B vaccination/titer or formal declination of vaccination, and receipt of other documentation required for enrollment.

Early Assurance Pathway

The Marshall University Forensic Science Graduate Program Early Assurance Pathway allows incoming high school seniors and College of Science undergraduate students to apply for acceptance into the Master of Science in Forensic Science Program.  Successful applicants will be guaranteed a seat pending completion of all undergraduate requirements, earning a natural science degree, and satisfying program pre-requisites. 

Admissions Requirements for Early Assurance

• Cumulative High School GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Three letters of reference/recommendation from high school or college teachers in STEM-related classes. 
• Minimum composite ACT of 24 or SAT composite score of 1160
• Personal statement discussing why the student wants to pursue Forensic Science as a career. 

Continuing Requirements

• Students must declare an undergraduate major in a natural science.
• Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester (students may fall below a 3.0 GPA for a maximum of one semester during their undergraduate degree), achieve an overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
• Students should receive a B or higher on the pre-requisite courses however they may receive no more than 3 C’s in the following courses: biology 1 lecture & lab, biology 2 lecture & lab, chemistry 1 lecture & lab, chemistry 2 lecture & lab, organic chemistry 1 lecture & lab, organic chemistry 2 lecture & lab, physics 1 lecture & lab, and physics 2 lecture & lab. A grade of D or F in a pre-requisite course is not permitted. Prerequisite courses required may be completed through Advanced Placement (AP) prior to graduating high school.  
• Students who are accepted to the Early Assurance program and meet the admissions requirements for progression into the MSFS will not have to take the GRE.

Application Process

• Students must apply and be accepted to Marshall University prior to applying to the Forensic Science Graduate Program.
• Students must complete the Early Assurance application and submit supporting materials to MU MSFS Admissions Committee, 1401 Forensic Science Dr., Huntington, WV 25701.
• Application must include:
  • Online application form
  • Personal statement discussing why the student wants to pursue Forensic Science as a career
  • Official high school transcript
  • Official undergraduate transcript (if applicable)
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Three letters of reference/recommendation from high school or college teachers in STEM-related classes