04,October 2024
For those who are intrigued by a unique amalgamation of crime investigation with scientific techniques used in case solving, the field of Forensic Science is the first preference. This field stands at the forefront of unfolding the mysteries that are not solved by police departments taking the crime angle all alone by using advanced scientific technologies in the legal system. Pursuing a master’s degree in forensic science is another milestone for forensic experts who wish to touch new heights of success in their lives. M.Sc. in forensics will open new doors to a fascinating career path for the students. Here in this blog, we have given the complete details on the course, syllabus, career, fees, eligibility criteria, and admission procedure for the M.Sc. program.
What is M.Sc. Forensic Science?
A two-year postgraduate program leads to an M.Sc. in Forensic Science. Any college or institution may enroll in this course full- or part-time, depending on space availability. In order to properly employ scientific methods and competence for criminal investigation and evidence analysis for subsequent presentation in a court of law, forensic scientists need to possess certain understanding. The following are among the many fields of forensic science that students enrolling in the M.Sc. program in forensic science study about:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Forensic Entomology
- Handwriting Analysis
- Forensic Biology (DNA)
- Digital and Cyber Forensic
- Forensic Nanotechnologies
- Latent Fingerprint Examination
- Fire and Explosives Examination
- Forensic Chemistry Trace Evidence
- Firearms and Ammunition Examination
Along with all of these, one of the most important skills that students may acquire in the forensic program is risk analysis, which they can use in their career and daily lives.
Courses and Syllabus of M.Sc. Forensic Science:
The course curriculum and syllabus of a master’s degree vary from college to college offering forensic science courses. However, there are some subjects that are studied by students across every college. It typically includes two types of subjects namely, core subjects and specialization subjects. While the core subjects include forensic biology, chemistry, ballistics, anthropology, etc., and the subjects that can be chosen by the students as a specialization are cyber forensics, pathology, forensic Odontology, etc.
Apart from teaching theoretical subjects to forensic aspirants, candidates are also given practical training for the same course. Offering practical training to students is an integral aspect of the program where students are given practical sessions to candidates to teach them the art of evidence collection and analysis. Apart from this, they are also given training on how they need to react and what procedure they are required to follow while conducting analysis in the laboratory.
Since the course is a two year program spread over 4 semesters, we have mentioned the subjects that are taught in each semester to the students. Candidates can have a look at them and be prepared for the post graduate degree accordingly.
| Semester | Course |
|---|---|
| Sem-1 | Introduction to Forensics, Psychology, Law and Statistics |
| Sem-1 | Instrumental Techniques |
| Sem-1 | Crime Scene Management and Forensic Evidences |
| Sem-1 | Fingerprints and Questioned Documents |
| Sem-1 | Forensic Biology and Anthropology |
| Sem-1 | Laboratory Course– I |
| Sem-1 | Laboratory Course– II |
| Semester | Course |
|---|---|
| Sem-1 | Introduction to Forensics, Psychology, Law and Statistics |
| Sem-1 | Instrumental Techniques |
| Sem-1 | Crime Scene Management and Forensic Evidences |
| Sem-1 | Fingerprints and Questioned Documents |
| Sem-1 | Forensic Biology and Anthropology |
| Sem-1 | Laboratory Course– I |
| Sem-1 | Laboratory Course– II |
| Sem-2 | Quality Management, Narcotic Drugs, Explosives and Forensic Chemistry |
| Sem-2 | Forensic Serology and DNA Profiling |
| Sem-2 | Forensic Medicine and Toxicology |
| Sem-2 | Forensic Ballistics |
| Sem-2 | Basic Concepts of Digital Forensics |
| Sem-2 | Laboratory Course – I |
| Sem-2 | Laboratory Course – II |
| Sem-3 | Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (Spl. Cyber Forensics) |
| Sem-3 | Basics of Crime, Evidence and Law (Spl. Crime Scene Management) |
| Sem-3 | Concepts of Crime Scene Management (Spl. Crime Scene Management) |
| Sem-3 | Advance techniques in Crime Scene Management (Spl. Crime Scene Management) |
| Sem-3 | Forensic Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Drug Analysis (Spl. Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology) |
| Sem-3 | Advanced Forensic Toxicology (Spl. Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology) |
| Sem-3 | Modern and Applied Analytical Forensic Chemistry (Spl. Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology) |
| Sem-3 | Forensic Genomics and Biocomputing (Spl. Forensic Biotechnology) |
| Sem-3 | Molecular Biology and r-DNA Technology (Spl. Forensic Biotechnology) |
| Sem-3 | Immunological Techniques and Forensic Proteomics (Spl. Forensic Biotechnology) |
| Sem-3 | Advances in Physical Techniques (Spl. Forensic Physics and Ballistics) |
| Sem-3 | Advances in Forensic Ballistics & Armour Materials (Spl. Forensic Physics and Ballistics) |
| Sem-3 | Audio Recognition & Video Analysis (Spl. Forensic Physics and Ballistics) |
| Sem-3 | Modern Trends in Fingerprint Sciences (Spl. Fingerprints and Questioned Documents) |
| Sem-3 | Questioned Documents & Forensic Accounting (Spl. Fingerprints and Questioned Documents) |
| Sem-3 | Forensic Photography & Biometrics (Spl. Fingerprints and Questioned Documents) |
| Sem-3 | Cyber Law, Risk and Compliance (Spl. Cyber Forensics) |
| Sem-3 | Incident Response and Digital Forensics (Spl. Cyber Forensics) |
| Sem-4 | Dissertation/Major Project |
Specializations in M.Sc. Forensic Science:
As mentioned earlier, there are several specializations that candidates can choose from while pursuing their post graduation. The specialization a student chooses for his degree will decide their expertise in the field. Some of the specializations that the candidates can opt for are as follows:
| Serial No. | Specializations |
|---|---|
| 1. | Forensic Physics |
| 2. | Forensic Chemistry |
| 3. | Forensic Biology and Serology |
| 4. | Forensic Botany |
| 5. | Forensic Geology |
| 6. | Forensic Linguistics |
| 7. | Forensic Podiatry |
| 8. | Forensic Accounting |
| 9. | Forensic Psychology |
| 10. | Forensic Anthropology |
Career Opportunities in Forensic Science:
Candidates who pursue forensics have ample opportunities after the completion of their post-graduation. The job profile of such experts is not only about working in laboratories but they also get to work in several other departments. Candidates can choose the departments as well that they wish to work in. Some of the top career opportunities that experts can opt for are given below:
- Forensic Psychiatrists,
- Forensic Scientist,
- Crime Laboratory,
- Forensic Analyst,
- Crime Scene Investigator,
- Customs Agent,
- Forensic Toxicologist,
- Forensic DNA Analyst,
- Forensic Anthropologist,
- Forensic Expert,
- Professor,
- Forensic Psychologist.
Recruiters of Forensic Science:
Students who pursue forensics courses get to work in a wide range of organizations. These organizations are both private and public. Apart from working in India, candidates can also work abroad and excel in their field. To give you an understanding of the same, here we have given some of the top agencies that such experts can work with:
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Intelligence Bureau | Central Forensic Science Laboratory |
| Central Bureau Of Investigation | Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre |
| Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) | Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi | National Forensic Sciences University |
| Criminal Investigation Department (India) | National Investigation Agency (NIA) |
Higher Education Options after M.Sc.:
After earning M.Sc. in Forensic Science, students have options to kick start their career Forensic Psychiatrists, Forensic Scientist, Crime Laboratory, Forensic Analyst, Crime Scene Investigator, etc. but those who do not wish to employed with forensic science organizations can plan to study further.
Interested students can choose to pursue a doctorate-level forensic science courses or can opt for any other higher educational degree such as –
- Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
- M.Phil (Master of Philosophy)
- Post-Doctoral Research
- Second Master’s Degree
Top M.Sc. Forensic Science Colleges:
To get a degree in forensics either graduation or post graduation, choosing a good college is quite important. It is because the college from which a candidate is pursuing his education creates a huge impact on their learning and skills development. The institutes that students can enroll themselves can be private and public. Some of the factors that should decide which college a candidate should get admission to are the placement records, internships offered, ROI factor, etc.
To get admission into private institute candidates need not appear for any entrance examination while they are required to appear for and pass the required entrance exam for getting admission to public organizations. Some of the top colleges offering M.Sc. forensic science are as given below:
| Serial No. | Government Colleges | Private Colleges |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Banaras Hindu University | Lloyd Institute of Forensic Science |
| 2. | Panjab University | Chandigarh University (CU) |
| 3. | Cochin University of Science and Technology | Amity University, Noida |
| 4. | BBAU | LPU |
| 5. | University of Mysore | Christ University |
| 6. | University of Madras | Dr M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute |
| 7. | Gujarat University | Amity University, Gurugram |
| 8. | University of Calicut | Galgotias University |
| 9. | GGSIPU | Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences |
| 10. | Osmania University | Kalinga University |
Eligibility and Admission Process of M.Sc. Forensic Science:
If you are someone who wishes to get admission to a master’s in forensics program then you need to check the admission procedure required to be followed by you. Candidates need to adhere to the admission process and follow the eligibility criteria of each institute offering admission to this course. While there will be colleges offering admission to candidates only on the basis of graduation marks.
Eligibility Criteria:
Candidates are required to fulfill the eligibility criteria of M.Sc. forensic science as below mentioned to get admission to the desired institute. If a candidate fails to comply with the conditions mentioned below, their candidature will stand to fail and thus they will not get admission to their desired college.
The eligibility conditions for the forensics course that need to be fulfilled by a candidate are as follows:
- Aspirant must have passed B.Sc Forensic Science or B.Sc degree or any other relevant undergraduate degree with Science subjects from any recognized University, college, or institution.
For detailed information, students can check with the institution they are applying for.
Entrance Exams:
In India, you can find several entrance exams to get admission to M.Sc. Forensic Science courses. Candidates must note that the entrance exams may vary as per the institutions and/or universities. Each exam has its own syllabus, exam pattern, and eligibility criteria.
Hence, it becomes important to check for all the above mentioned details and other eligibility criteria. However, we have listed some top entrance examination along with its syllabus for M.Sc. Forensic Science courses.
| Entrance Exam | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| CUET |
|
| CUET PG |
|
| GATE |
|
| JEE Main |
|
| GPAT |
|
In conclusion, M.Sc. Forensic Science course is a unique blend of scientific inquiry with legal investigation thus making the field a deeply rewarding career choice for those who are passionate about solving mysteries and thus helping in delivering justice to the victim. With a comprehensive curriculum and enormous career opportunities, this program helps the candidates to make a meaningful impact in a field where the doors open to a world where science meets the law.
If you aspire to unveil crime scenes, analyze evidence in laboratories, or contribute to research, an M.Sc. course in Forensic Science is the best program for you. It equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge necessary to embark on an impactful professional journey.
References:
- https://www.shiksha.com/science/m-sc-forensic-science-chp
- https://www.careers360.com/courses/msc-in-forensic-science
- https://collegedunia.com/courses/master-of-science-msc-forensic-science
- https://www.nfsu.ac.in/Programs/programinfo/12?deptid=52