Prepare to become an expert in forensic science through foundational science, applied research, scientific analysis, and hands-on learning. Learn from faculty with extensive academic, practitioner and professional experience while exploring forensic applications across social, judicial, and academic contexts.
Gain practical expertise through coursework, hands-on research and training with cutting-edge technology and techniques, developing your understanding of forensic science applications and ability to interpret scientific data and communicate science in legal contexts.
- Customize your degree through a Major Research Paper program or a professional, Course-Based program with placement.
- Explore how forensic science research informs professional practice through engagement with relevant communities, institutions and organizations.
- Develop critical thinking, leadership and communication skills for careers in law enforcement, forensic laboratories, coroner offices, border services, inspection agencies and private testing labs.
World Class Facilities
Forensic Crime Scene Facility
Trent’s Forensic Crime Facility is the first-of-its-kind professional forensics training building on a Canadian university campus. This 4,100 square-foot building is home to unique spaces and equipment that pioneer approaches to teach and explore forensic science methodology.
Investigate the science behind crime solving in Canada’s first graduate-level forensic science program, led by expert faculty and grounded in real-world forensic practice.
Program Types
Eligibility Requirements
- B.Sc. honours (a four-year undergraduate bachelors) degree
- Minimum B+ (77%) or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic 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, Fundamentals in Forensic Science, prior to admission. A fee applies for the qualifying course.
Eligibility Requirements
- B.Sc. honours (a four-year undergraduate bachelors) degree
- Minimum B+ (77%) or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic 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, Fundamentals in Forensic Science, prior to admission. A fee applies for the qualifying course.
- Proof of English Proficiency: All international applicants must provide proof of an adequate level of English proficiency regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Please visit our International Applicant Resource page for details on English Language Proficiency requirements.
- A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program
All applicants, domestic and international, must submit the following documents to complete their application:
- Transcripts: Unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts
- 2 letters of reference: Academic references are preferred; however, professional references will be accepted. Reference forms will be emailed to the referees that you have appointed on OUAC
- Plan of Study/Personal Statement (course-based stream only): 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).
- Writing Sample (major research paper stream only): 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
- Proof of Citizenship (i.e. copy of passport or birth certificate)
- Supervisor (major research paper stream only): Applicants applying to the major research paper stream require permission of the program and the availability of a faculty advisor. Available research projects and the associated faculty advisors will be posted on the program website. Interested applicants will select a project and identify the faculty advisor associated with the project as part of their application. Faculty Advisors will be finalized upon acceptance into the program.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an interview to assess suitability for admission; invitation to an interview does not guarantee admission. For more information on submitting transcripts, re-sending reference links and other application questions, please visit our How to Apply page and review Step 4, as well as review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
It is expected that graduate students in these programs, will have funds to support themselves for the duration of their studies. Professional programs do not offer funding as part of the letter of offer.
Explore Financial Aid at Trent for information about provincial loan programs for domestic students, as well as bursary opportunities for both domestic and international students.
Trent has clear pathways for graduate students to apply and be admitted to study for their master's or doctorate at either of our campuses. Please review admission requirements for your program before applying.
In this one-year course-based program, you will complete in-depth coursework and an independent, hands-on forensic placement, gaining real-world experience and building a professional networks through a full-term placement with organizations such as the OPP, RCMP, the Centre of Forensic Science or the Canada Border Services Agency.
In this one-year major research paper program, you will design and carry out forensic research under the supervision of an expert faculty member and write a major paper, gaining experience through extended interaction with relevant communities, institutions and organizations.