The Department of Forensic Sciences at George Washington University offers a Master of Forensic Science degree with a forensic toxicology concentration. Among the 36 required credits are courses in medicinal chemistry and criminal law. Of those 36 credits, six credits of electives can be taken in pharmacology or in forensic sciences practicum. Students pursuing forensic toxicology should complete a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology with coursework in instrumental analysis. Because of its location in Washington, D.C., the department coordinates internships with the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. GWU's program has relationships with and encourages forensic sciences graduates to apply not only to the FBI and NCIS but also to the departments of Defense and Treasury, among many other organizations. Applications are judged individually by GWU's Office of Admissions.
George Washington University
Department of Forensic Science
2100 Foxhall Road, NW
Washington DC 20007
202-242-5758
gwu.edu/~forensic
The University of Florida offers a master of science and a graduate certificate in forensic toxicology through its College of Veterinary Medicine. Included in the 32 credits required for the master's are classes in postmortem toxicology and pharmacology. Certificate students must take five courses in toxicology and toxicity. Only grades of C or higher in these courses count toward the degree. Grades of C or C+ only count if students have earned a B- or higher in at least the same number of courses in which they have earned a C or C+. No more than nine transfer credits count toward the master's or six toward the certificate.
Master's students must have completed an accredited undergraduate degree in science with a GPA of 3.0 or better in upper-division classes. UF sets no minimum GRE score, but competitive applicants should score at least 500 on both its verbal and quantitative parts. Students wanting to earn the certificate must already be enrolled at UF.
University of Florida Forensic Science
Office of Registrar
201 Criser Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611
801-504-6192
forensicscience.ufl.edu
Boston University's School of Medicine offers a Master of Science in forensic science. Included in the 26 credits of core curriculum are classes in forensic pathology, forensic chemistry and trace evidence analysis. Electives include courses in advanced crime scene investigation and DNA analysis. Graduate assistantships that give students experience teaching or working as laboratory assistants are available. Students applying must have an undergraduate degree in a biological or natural science with two semesters of general as well as organic chemistry, and one semester of biochemistry, cell/molecular biology and general biology. Either GRE or MCAT scores are also required. Applicants should highlight their research and laboratory experience. Students with outstanding academic achievement could receive an admission scholarship.
Boston University
Biomedical Forensic Sciences
School of Medicine
72 E. Concord St., R806
Boston, MA 02118
bumc.bu.edu/biomedforensic