Master of Science in Forensic Science M.Sc.F.S.
Applications for September 2023 intake are closed.
The first Canadian Masters of Science in Forensic Science has been designed for you to learn and implement best practices in forensic science.
The M.Sc.F.S. program is a professional course-based program that will allow you to:
- further your understanding of current topics, methods and research in forensic science
- gain hands-on experience with techniques used in various subdisciplines of forensic science
- develop effective communication techniques to present technical scientific analysis to scientific, legal and non-scientific audiences
- explore the relationship between forensic science research and professional practice
Forensic Science website
Program Options
- M.Sc.F.S.
- Full-time studies
- Course-based stream, with placement or Major Research Paper stream
- 1 year to complete
- September intake only
Admission Requirements
- B.Sc. honours (a four year undergraduate bachelors) degree
- Minimum B+ (77%) or equivalent in the work of the last four semesters or the last two undergraduate years (last ten full credits)
- Experience in Forensic Science or Undergraduate courses relating to Forensic Science, or willing to take such courses, usually before official admission
- Some applicants may be provided with a conditional acceptance and will be required to successfully complete a qualifying course*, Advanced Fundamentals in Forensic Science, prior to admission.
*fee applies
A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program
Application Process: After applications are complete including all supporting documents detailed below selected applicants will be invited for an interview (via video conferencing).
Deadline is December 1, 2022 (Interviews to take place January 2023).
Late Deadline is February 1, 2023 (The admission committee will review applications only if there are spots left).
Required Documents
Transcripts
Post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (where applicable) of all previous undergraduate and graduate work are required. This includes transcripts for courses taken on a Letter of Permission, for transfer credit, or on an exchange program. Transcripts must show all course work completed and grades received. If applicable, evidence of degree completion is required. Transcript must include a grading scale or transcript legend.
Please note: Transcripts are not required to be official and final when applying to the School of Graduate Studies. Official transcripts are only required to be submitted if an applicant receives an offer of admission.
Previous or current Trent University students do not need to submit a transcript for degree and course work completed at Trent University. Transcripts must be submitted for any course work completed at another institution – i.e.) study abroad, letter of permission, transfer credit.
International Applicants: the verification services of an organization such as WES are not required unless requested by the School of Graduate Studies after a review of complete applications.
Two Letters of Reference
Academic references are preferred; however one professional reference will be accepted. Links for your referees to submit an online reference will be sent directly to the referees you have provided on your application. We recommend you contact your referees prior to submitting an application to confirm their availability and contact information. If your referee does not receive the link, you can suggest that your referee check their junk email folder and email setting. The email may have unintentionally been blocked by their email server.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English usage, both written and oral, is essential to pursue graduate studies at Trent University. It Is required for applicants to demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Applicants who completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university in Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the USA are exempt from this requirement. If you have completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university where the primary language of instruction is English, the School of Graduate Studies is prepared to consider alternate proof of English language proficiency.
For detailed information about English Language Proficiency requirements, see International Applications.
Personal Statement (required document for Course-based stream) template
A statement detailing the applicant’s interest and experience in forensic science is required. The purpose of this statement of interest is to compile additional information for selection among highly qualified applicants and to allow applicants with practical experience, but without the minimum average, to provide support for their entry into the program. The statement should not exceed 500 words (approximately one page).
A Writing Sample (required document for Major Research Paper stream)
Submit a sample of your writing as a PDF (20 pages or less). Since there is a greater emphasis on performing and communicating research in this stream, this document is intended to display the applicant's ability to communicate scientific concepts clearly. Suitable choices include: an undergraduate essay, a research report, a chapter from a thesis, or a published article
Detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Additional information:
Proof of Citizenship (ie. copy of passport or birth certificate) will be requested, only if an offer of admission is made.
A deposit is required upon acceptance of an offer to hold your place in the program. Refer to your letter of offer to confirm the amount of the deposit.
Program contact information:
For any program specific inquiries or current application status, please contact the program directly:
Email: mscforensics@trentu.ca