Jefferson College of Life Sciences

Forensic Biology
Master of Science (MS)
The Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Biology is a specialized Core Curriculum
professional degree for students or existing practitioners who want
• Forensic Serology & Immunology
to further their training. This interdisciplinary graduate degree blends
proficiency in key scientific principles with management and professional • Human Genetics
skills to prepare scientists for leadership positions in business,
• Forensic Genetics
government, and non-profit agencies.
• Advanced Forensic Genetics
With increased demand from laboratory directors for specialized
• Master’s Thesis Research
education and training, the MS in Forensic Biology was designed in
collaboration with The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education • Laboratory Clerkship
(CFSRE), a leading organization in the promotion of advancements in • Journal Club in Forensic Serology
forensic science. Graduates will be qualified for public and private sector & Immunology
employment opportunities, including crime laboratories at the federal,
• Journal Club in Forensic Genetics
state and local levels; private labs; military facilities; hospitals; academic
centers and industry. • Forensic Science Forum

• Legal Procedure & Ehtics

FACULTY & LEADERSHIP
• Statistical Methods
The CFSRE comprises a fully functioning DNA laboratory, utilizing
instrumentation and software technologies employed by many forensic Electives
DNA laboratories across the country. This allows students to engage
first-hand in laboratory operations, a truly unparalleled educational • Genomics & Bioinformatics
experience. Students gain from the experience of faculty who are • Advanced Diagnostic Microbiology
thought leaders and innovators in forensic biology practice. A board of
laboratory directors provide career and professional skill development. • Molecular Biology Lab Techniques

• Molecular Basis of Cancer

COURSEWORK
• Strategic Management
Forensic biology is the study of biological fluid and tissues for the purposes
• Scientific Writing
of identification and individualization via serological and genetic analysis.
• Fundamentals of Financial Management
• Serological testing involves the identification of biological fluids such as
blood, semen, and saliva from physical items of evidence. • Regulatory Issues in Laboratory
Management
• Genetic testing involves the individualization of a stain through
molecular techniques. • Many more!

• Emerging technologies that involve next-generation sequencing, The curriculum outlined above exceeds
assay design, and genotyping applicable to forensics, medical, the educational requirements for
employment set forth by the Quality Assurance
and other related fields. Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

This is a full-time, two-year program with courses taught at both Thomas

Jefferson University’s Center City Campus in Philadelphia, PA, and the
CFSRE in Willow Grove, PA.
 Jefferson College of Life Sciences

The mission of Jefferson College of Life

Sciences is to provide the highest quality
education and research training in life
and biomedical sciences, in order to
prepare our students to make significant
contributions to the progress of science
through careers including academia,
industry, and government.

Center for Forensic Science

CLERKSHIP
Research & Education
The guaranteed semester-long clerkship through the CFSRE mimics the
intensive training programs of forensic biology laboratories, including The Center for Forensic Science Research
competency testing, proficiency exams and moot court training. & Education at the Fredric Rieders Family
Foundation was established in 2010
INSTRUMENTATION as a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization
focused on promoting forensic science
Our state-of-the-art laboratories in Willow Grove are equipped with
education and research to the scientific
analytical instrumentation used in the nation’s top crime labs. Students
community. As part of this mission, CFSRE
will become proficient with automated DNA extractions, polymerase
partnered with Jefferson in 2018 on the
chain reaction (PCR), capillary electrophoresis (CE), and next generation
creation of a PSM in Forensic Biology
sequencing (NGS) as well as approaches for complex DNA mixture
program, meeting the overwhelming
interpretation.
demand for specialized education and
training from crime laboratory directors.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Furthermore, CFSRE fosters rigorous
• Graduate Admissions application and fee grant-funded research initiatives with a
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a physical, focus on advancing current technologies
life or natural science within the forensic science disciplines.
Continuous funding from organizations
• Prerequisites in undergraduate-level chemistry, biology, and statistics
such as the National Institute of Justice,
• A minimum combined Graduate Record Examination (GRE) of 3.00, Department of Defense and the National
taken within the past five years Science Foundation have led to the
• Personal statement development of novel approaches for
serological identification and improved
• Official transcripts
methodologies for the analysis of sexual
• Three letters of recommendation assault kit samples as well as challenging
Apply at Jefferson.edu/ForensicBiology. We have rolling admissions. sample types for genetic profiling.

PROGRAM CONTACT ADMISSION CONTACT

Mirna Ghemrawi, PhD, MSFS
Program Director
215-366-1594
mirna.ghemrawi@jefferson.edu
Marc E. Stearns
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
215-503-0155
marc.stearns@jefferson.edu Jefferson.edu/ForensicBiology
CS 23-1167