How to Apply

To apply, submit an application online.

Call (212-237-8863) or email (graduateadmissions@jjay.cuny.edu) the Graduate Admissions Office at the college for any questions regarding the admissions review process.

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program accepts applications for the Fall semester only. Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution, or international equivalent, with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, and a calculated Math/Science GPA of 3.0 or higher. International students should contact us on these prerequisites. 

In addition, applicants should have successfully completed the following undergraduate STEM coursework:

(Students who are deficient in three courses or less may qualify for conditional acceptance).

  • two semesters of General Biology, (Typically - General Biology I and II)
  • two semesters of General Chemistry, (Typically - General Chemistry I and II)
  • two semesters of Organic Chemistry, (Typically - Organic Chemistry I and II)
  • two semesters of Calculus, (Typically - Calculus I and II; Pre-calculus does not count)
  • two semesters of Physics, (Typically - Physics I and Physics II)
  • one semester of Biochemistry, (combined courses do not count)
  • one semester of Statistics (must be a mathematically based Statistics course)

 

Students may be conditionally accepted while missing up to three of the 12 pre-requisite courses, provided that these courses are successfully completed in parallel to their graduate coursework. Students who are deficient in more than three courses should contact the college assistant, Lindsay Lerner (llerner@jjay.cuny.edu), to discuss the option of taking pre-requisite courses as a non-degree or second-degree undergraduate student.

For more information on our program, please take a look at our program booklet: (2023/2024 Booklet)

In addition to having a strong interest in natural sciences and applied research, a solid undergraduate background in a STEM field, and enthusiasm for public service, Forensic Science master’s students are committed to a high standard of personal conduct. The following is an excerpt from the National Institute of Justice 2004 report on education and training in forensic science:

Because forensic science is part of the criminal justice system, personal honesty, integrity, and scientific objectivity are paramount. Those seeking careers in this field should be aware that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment. The following may be conducted and/or reviewed before an employment offer is made and may remain as ongoing conditions of employment (this list is not all inclusive):

  • Drug tests
  • History of drug use
  • Criminal history
  • Personal associations
  • Polygraph examination
  • Driving record
  • Past work performance
  • Credit history
  • Medical or physical examination