Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
With a Concentration in Forensic Biology
The degree track leading to a Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Sciences may be completed in two or three years and is intended for those students who wish to extend their knowledge of the biomedical sciences and to engage in mentored biomedical research or apply biomedical concepts in advanced graduate study. While the first year of the program focuses on foundation courses, for which the student is awarded a certificate of graduate study, the completion year focuses on one of three MS degree concentrations: biomedical research, forensic biology or organizational leadership in the biosciences. Learn more about the Master of Science in Biomedical Science program.
Below are the guidelines for pursuing a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in forensic biology. Applications to the MS in Biomedical Sciences with concentration in forensic biology dual track are available by contacting the program office at 215-871-6161.
Competencies
At the completion of the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree program, with a concentration in forensic biology, the student should be able to:
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Demonstrate a core foundation in theory and principles of forensic science;
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Apply basic skills of forensic pathology;
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Interpret research in forensics and design studies; and
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Show proficiency in death-scene investigation.
Application & Curriculum Guidelines
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A currently enrolled graduate student in the MS in Biomedical Sciences degree program at PCOM may apply for the forensic biology concentration. The student must be in good academic standing and must have successfully completed the first two terms of the MS in Biomedical Sciences degree curriculum.
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After completing the necessary application materials, an interview with the Forensic Medicine Program Director is required.
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24 credits of coursework beyond the foundation biomedical sciences courses is required.
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In lieu of taking a research track for the second year of the MS in Biomedical Sciences curriculum, the student will complete the didactic portion (face-to-face classroom) of the MS in Forensic Medicine curriculum and 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.
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The following criteria must be met to maintain good academic standing in this dual track:
- A cumulative 3.0 GPA or greater is required to be awarded the Master of Science degree.
- If a student does not attain a 3.0 after all coursework is completed, the student will be required to remediate coursework to increase his/her GPA for degree candidacy.
- Failure to achieve a 2.0 GPA at the end of any term will result in academic probation from the graduate school.
- Students who fail a course must repeat the course the following year and pass it. Students who do not pass the second attempt at the course will be dismissed from the entire MS degree program.
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Scheduling of coursework in the graduate school is as follows:
- Courses are offered once annually and commence in August. Classes meet one weekend per month on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from August to May, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- The sequence of coursework is: 500, 501, 502 and 508. View the course descriptions.
- The Capstone Integrated Experience (FMED 508) project must be approved of by the forensic medicine faculty and registered for in the summer term of the second year.
