The Master of Science in Forensic Science degree program emphasizes extensive learning in the scientific and laboratory skills necessary for application in a modern forensic laboratory. The program offers concentration focuses in areas of forensic investigation and includes exposure to the breadth of forensic disciplines, including the principles, practices, and contexts of science as they relate to specialized forensic topics. Graduates from this program are prepared to enhance and strengthen the forensic science disciplines through sound methodologies and practices while simultaneously advocating the highest ethical standards through public service to federal, state, and local law enforcement jurisdictions and agencies. The forensic investigation concentration is designed for students who have a social science background and intend to work in a non-laboratory setting. The forensic chemistry concentration is designed for students who have a natural or forensic science background and wish to work in a traditional laboratory setting. The program offers both theoretical and practical coursework and is designed to allow students to emphasize areas of special interest such as forensic chemistry, toxicology, DNA, or crime scene investigation. Students in both concentrations must take 30 hours from the core curriculum, including fundamentals of forensic science, research methods, crime scene investigation, trace evidence analysis, and ethics. The remaining coursework requirements vary by concentration and includes specialized courses along with a broad list of approved electives. Forensic chemistry concentration students are required to complete a research-oriented thesis. Forensic investigation students may complete a research-oriented thesis or an internship and a comprehensive written exam. This comprehensive exam is highly individualized and will focus on the student's primary area of interest. For both the forensic chemistry and investigation concentrations, a minimum of 39 hours of graduate coursework plus 6 hours of thesis (FSCI 6000) or internship (FSCI 6031) are required.