28,June 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.
Master’s in forensics is a postgraduate program designed for a duration of 2 years. This course can be pursued in either full-time or part-time mode and both degrees are equally valid. Through this program, candidates get to acquire mandatory skills like evidence collection, sample analysis, scene investigation, etc. that are necessary to solve criminal cases using scientific methods. Disciplines like chemistry, law, biology, and physics are applied to investigations and legal proceedings.
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 | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Semester-1 |
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| Semester-2 |
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| Semester-3 |
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| Semester-4 |
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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 |
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:
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:
| Serial No. | Government Organizations | Private Organizations |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Intelligence Bureau | Private Hospitals |
| 2. | Central Bureau of Investigation | Detective Agencies |
| 3. | Government Forensic Laboratory | Private Forensic Laboratory |
| 4. | Income Tax Department | Insurance Companies |
| 5. | Crime Branch | University |
| 6. | Quality Control Bureau | Banks |
| 7. | Government Hospitals | |
| 8. | Courts |
If a candidate does not wish to work then they can take their education further and pursue a doctorate and other higher educational degrees after completion of a master’s in forensics. Some of the courses that a candidate can pursue after post graduation are as given below:
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 |
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.
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:
In order to get admission to M.Sc. Forensic Science the candidates are required to either apply directly or appear for the entrance examination. If you choose to appear for the entrance exam then after appearing for it each participating institute will release the merit list. The merit list is prepared on the basis of the marks obtained by the candidates in the entrance exam along with the group discussion and personal interview marks. The exams that a candidate can appear in to get admission to the desired course are as follows:
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.