How to Apply & Program Requirements

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.

Program Requirements

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 about these prerequisites. 

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

  • 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 prerequisite 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 prerequisite courses as a non-degree or second-degree undergraduate student.

Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree at an English-speaking institution must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report. John Jay College’s TOEFL code number is 2115-99. The required minimum TOEFL scores are 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, and 79-80 for the Internet-based test. Students can also take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A score of 70 is required on the IELTS.

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

Contact Information

Professor Marta Concheiro-Guisan
Program Director

Office: 5.66.05 New Building

Email: mconcheiro-guisan@jjay.cuny.edu 

Phone: 212-237-8492 

Lindsay Lerner
College Assistant

Office: 5.66.05 New Building

Email: llerner@jjay.cuny.edu