Forensic Sciences, DFS
Requirements for Students Matriculating in or before Academic Year 2026-2027. Learn more about Graduate College Academic Regulation 7.0.
Total Hours: 60
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| FRNS 5013 | Survey of Forensic Sciences | 3 |
| FRNS 5653 | The Law and Expert Evidence | 3 |
| FRNS 5743 | Forensic Science Seminar | 3 |
| FRNS 6800 | Critical Readings in Forensic Sciences (Maximum of 9 hours can apply to this degree sheet) | 3 |
| FRNS 6980 | Doctoral Capstone Experience in Forensic Sciences (Maximum of 3 hours can apply to this degree sheet - satisfies the non-thesis/creative component requirement) | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 45 hours from the following: | 45 | |
| Ethical Research and Scientific Writing | ||
| Quality Assurance in Forensic Science | ||
| Ethics in Forensic Leadership | ||
| Internship in Forensic Sciences (maximum of 6 hours can apply to this degree sheet) | ||
| The Chemistry of Pyrotechnics | ||
| Essential Science for Explosive Operators | ||
| Fire Dynamics in Forensic Investigations | ||
| Ordnance Identification and Recognition | ||
| Methods in Fire and Explosion Investigation NFPA 921/1033 | ||
| Explosives Research, Testing and Evaluation Methods | ||
| Computer Fire Modeling | ||
| Molecular Biology for the Forensic Scientist | ||
| Population Genetics for the Forensic Scientist | ||
| Forensic Casework Training | ||
| Forensic Casework Experience | ||
| Forensic Threat Assessment and Management | ||
| Methods in Forensic Sciences | ||
| Violence in Forensic Settings | ||
| Forensic Investigation of Impaired Vehicle Operation | ||
| Forensic Microbiology | ||
| Forensic Chemistry | ||
| Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories | ||
| Forensic Investigations Involving Radiological/Nuclear Materials | ||
| Forensic Investigations of Chemical/Biological Incidents | ||
| Forensic Pathology and Medicine | ||
| Blast Injuries and Effects | ||
| Interdisciplinary Post Blast Investigation | ||
| Fingerprints and Their Role in Forensic Science | ||
| Blood Stain and Pattern Analysis | ||
| Forensic Crime Scene Processing | ||
| Forensic Bioscience | ||
| Forensic Toxicology | ||
| Drug Toxicity | ||
| Advanced Forensic Toxicology | ||
| Introduction to Forensic Crime Analysis | ||
| Theories in Forensic Crime Analysis | ||
| Policing Strategies in Forensic Crime Analysis | ||
| Data and Statistics in Forensic Crime Analysis | ||
| Criminalistics and Evidence Analysis | ||
| Crime Scene Laboratory and Moot Court Experience | ||
| Law and Expert Evidence: Firearms and Toolmarks | ||
| Destructive Devices/Explosives: Law and Regulations | ||
| Introduction to Forensic Intelligence Analysis | ||
| Digital and Multimedia Evidence for Investigators | ||
| Battlefield Forensics and the Global War on Terror | ||
| Psychology of Forensic Intelligence Analysis | ||
| Forensic Psychology | ||
| Advanced Forensic Psychology | ||
| Forensic Victimology | ||
| Criminal Behavioral Analysis | ||
| Circuit Exploitation of Destructive Devices | ||
| Building Construction and Fire/Explosion Forensic Examination | ||
| Forensic Examination of Fire Protection Systems | ||
| Identification of Destructive Device Fuzing Systems | ||
| Electrical Theory and Failure Analysis in Forensic Fire Investigations | ||
| Firearms and Toolmarks | ||
| History of Firearm Identification | ||
| Admissibility of Firearm Identification | ||
| Forensic Management and Organizational Development | ||
| Forensic Statistics | ||
| Directed Readings in Forensic Sciences (Maximum of 6 hours can apply to this degree sheet) | ||
| Special Topics in Forensic Sciences (Maximum of 15 hours can apply to this degree sheet) | ||
| Advanced Forensic Statistics | ||
| Advanced Energetic Materials Chemistry and Engineering | ||
| Advanced Fire Dynamics | ||
| Blast Modeling | ||
| Advanced Interdisciplinary Post Blast Investigation | ||
| Advanced Computer Fire Modeling | ||
| Historical Evolution of Forensic Genetics | ||
| Threat Assessment and Management of Violent Extremism | ||
| Threat Assessment and Management of Workplace Violence | ||
| Threat Assessment and Management of Violence in Schools | ||
| Threat Assessment and Management of Stalking | ||
| Case Studies in Forensic Science (Maximum of 9 hours can apply to this degree sheet) | ||
| Advanced Blast Injuries and Effects | ||
| Advanced Methods in Forensic Genetics | ||
| Network Forensics | ||
| Mobile Device Forensics | ||
| Computer Forensics, Extractions and Analysis | ||
| Applied Forensic Theory | ||
| Research Design and Methods | ||
| Juvenile Issues in Forensic Sciences | ||
| Doctoral Forensic Science Theory | ||
| Doctoral Forensic Science Applications | ||
| Advanced Identification of Destructive Device Fuzing Systems | ||
| Advanced Destructive Device Circuit Exploitation | ||
| Advanced Electrical Theory and Failure Analysis in Forensic Fire Investigations | ||
| Advanced Forensic Examination of Firearms | ||
| Advanced Toolmark Examination and Identification | ||
| RCIED - Advanced Analysis and Mitigation | ||
| Shooting Reconstruction for Examiners | ||
| Advanced Directed Readings in Forensic Sciences (Maximum of 3 hours can apply to this degree sheet) | ||
| Advanced Special Topics in Forensic Sciences (Maximum of 9 hours can apply to this degree sheet) | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
Students admitted to the program with department approved aged graduate-level coursework are required to take two refresher courses in current theory and application. Upon completion of these courses with a grade of B or better, students can count six hours from the leveling courses and up to 24 credit hours of department approved aged graduate-level coursework towards the 30 hours of credit needed for the 60-credit hour doctoral degree program. The Plan of Study will include these six refresher course hours and up to 24 credit hours from their department-approved aged coursework.
Graduate College Doctor of Forensic Sciences (DFS) Requirements
Learn more about Graduate College 2025-2026 Doctor of Forensic Sciences Degree Program Requirements. Check the General Graduate College academic regulations for minimal GPA, language proficiency and other general requirements.