Our legal and justice system is a complex network of organizations and public servants who can often impact our daily lives. Within it, criminal justice administrators are needed provide leadership and solid decision-making based on research, analysis, and forward-thinking ideas that advance the cause of liberty and justice for all.

About Salem’s Online Forensic Science MSCJ Degree

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree with a specialization in Forensic Science touches on the many parts that make up the whole of our modern criminal justice system, including policy analysis, law enforcement, community relations, and justice operations, all within a modern, global perspective. The master’s in forensic science curriculum ensures that our students who successfully complete the program have demonstrated their academic strengths in advanced forensic sciences, including biology, toxicology, and criminal profiling. This forensic science online degree specialization includes the concepts of leadership, public policy and decision-making skills that contribute to being a successful manager or administrator of a forensic science section within a criminal justice organization including police, courts and corrections. The culmination is a master’s in forensic science degree online program that can prepare you to bring innovative critical thinking and problem-solving skills into this field.

We’ve designed our master’s degree programs to be fully online, with a high-quality curriculum that aims to provide opportunities for professional growth and development; develop skills that allow you to conduct research and integrate theory and practice; and promote excellence in leadership, scholarship, work, and life. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.

What Can I Do With A Master’s Degree In Forensic Science?

A master’s degree with an emphasis in forensic science can help expand your career opportunities to include advanced and senior-level positions, like:

  • Senior Forensic Analyst
  • Supervisory Crime Scene Investigator
  • Forensic Lab Manager
  • Forensic Lab Director/Administrator
  • Crime Scene Consultant
  • Criminal Investigations and Forensics Program Manager

What Will I Learn In Salem’s MSCJ In Forensic Science?

Salem’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice — Forensic Science degree program unites theoretical research and analysis with in-depth technical skills and advanced critical-thinking and problem-solving strategies. You’ll study how to collect, detect, and interpret the presence of drugs or other toxic compounds in bodily fluids and tissues; biological data collected at crime scenes, with an emphasis on DNA analysis; and concepts and principles of criminal profiling and its use during investigations of serial and special offenders. Everything you learn with our master’s in forensic science program is brought together in a capstone sequence that combines an in-depth research project geared toward your specialization and a comprehensive portfolio review that assesses your attainment of the learning objectives.

Your master’s in forensic science courses will cover topics like:

  • Analyzing criminological theory within the context of current research findings to identify ways to improve decision-making or to implement new practices or procedures
  • Creating researchable questions and applying appropriate statistical methods to improve evidence-based decision-making
  • Understanding basic concepts of analytical chemistry for body fluid analyses and in-depth knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology encountered with common substances
  • Collecting biological data from crime scenes and the principles, methods, and techniques used in the identification and analysis of biological evidence

What Forensic Science Master’s Degree Classes Will I Take?

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program with a specialization in Forensic Science requires the completion of core semester credits that include:

  • CJU505 Criminological Theory
  • CJU510 Research Methods in Criminal Justice
  • CJU515 Criminal Justice Policy Analysis
  • CJU520 Ethics in Criminal Justice Management
  • CJU535 Management in Criminal Justice Organizations
  • CJU598 Research Project in Criminal Justice
  • CJU599 Capstone

You’ll also take credits in the forensic science specialization:

  • CJU570 Forensic Toxicology
  • CJU580 Forensic Biology
  • CJU585 Criminal Profiling

How Long Will It Take To Get My Master’s Degree In Forensic Science?

On average, a full-time student can earn their master’s in forensic science in approximately 10 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. Please contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.

Why Should I Choose Salem University?

Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:

  • Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
  • A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
  • Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
  • Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
  • A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students

Admission Requirements

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

Take The Next Step

If you’re interested in getting started on your Master of Science in Criminal Justice — Forensic Science degree from Salem University, now is a great time to request more information or, better yet, chat with us live.