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Graduate Programs in Forensic Medicine

  

The Forensic Medicine program offers a few different options to allow students to explore the rapidly growing field of forensics. Designed for the working professional, courses are given in a combination of weekend and online sessions. These courses cover aspects of forensic medicine, death scene investigation and clinical pathology skills.

All applicants to any of the Graduate Programs in Forensic Medicine must have completed a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. There is no deadline to apply as we use a rolling admissions process, however, applicants are encouraged to apply early. The Admissions Committee screens the applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects the new students.

Classes begin for each program as follows:
Pathway - Summer term only (May start)
Master of Science in Forensic Medicine - Fall term only (August start)

Click here to apply on-line.

Before applying, please review the descriptions below to determine which program for which you qualify. If you are unsure, simply submit the application for that which seems most appropriate. The Admissions Committee will determine the an applicant's start date and program level based on submitted application materials and the admissions decision will reflect any change necessary.

Pathway Program

The Pathway program is designed for those who are interested in forensic medicine and who possess a bachelor's degree in a forensic-related field (i.e. criminal justice, psychology, sociology or anthropology) but lack coursework in the core sciences (biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology). This program was devised to allow those without a strong science background to receive the necessary information to be successful in the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine. The Pathway program is a 14-week preparatory course in General Biology and Human Anatomy & Physiology, which lasts from May to August. Once completed and successfully passed, the student will enter in the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine degree program starting the following fall term. (Please note that no degree is awarded upon completion of the Pathway program.)

Requirements:

  1. Application, including autobiographical statement and $50 application fee
  2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
  3. One letter of recommendation
  4. Current professional, state or federal license, certificates or registration documents, if applicable
  5. Personal interview (at option of Admissions Committee)

Master of Science Program

The degree program is a 40-credit program leading to a Master of Science in Forensic Medicine. It provides a solid foundation in the theory, concepts and principles of forensic medicine, the medico-legal and technical aspects of death scene investigations and clinical pathology skills. The emerging demands, roles and responsibilities of medico-legal investigators and clinical forensic specialists are also addressed. Please note that a strong health care and/or law enforcement background is recommended to apply directly to the MS degree program.

Requirements:

  1. Application, including autobiographical statement and $50 application fee
  2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
  3. One letter of recommendation
  4. Current professional, state or federal license, certificates or registration documents, if applicable
  5. Personal interview (at option of Admissions Committee)

In effort to foster the safety and well-being of the entire campus community, as well as to ensure that students accepted to PCOM will be permitted to perform clerkships/internships required to successfully complete their degree requirements, PCOM requires all first year students to complete a criminal background check prior to matriculation. All students must have their criminal background checks processed through PreCheck. The Admissions Office will send notification of the process after confirmation of enrollment and must have this information on file prior to orientation; students will not be allowed to start classes without this information.


The Admissions Committee reserves the right to accept or reject applications to the chosen program based on merit. Following completion of the admissions process, applicants will be notified of the Admissions Committee's decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment. Once admitted, candidates who wish to enroll are asked to review and acknowledge PCOM's Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation along with a $150 non-refundable deposit. The acceptance packet will contain all materials required for enrollment.

Please click here to view the Forensic Medicine frequently asked questions for further information.

Should you have any questions, please contact us via email at: admissions@pcom.edu or 215-871-6700.