Department of Forensic Science

The priority application deadline is January 15 for admission the following academic year. We begin extending offers in late January and early February, and available positions are limited, so early application is strongly encouraged. While applications submitted after January 15 may still be considered, admission decisions are made on a rolling basis as positions remain available. For example, applications for Fall 2027 should be submitted by January 15, 2027.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or another natural science discipline. Our graduate programs are laboratory-focused and require a strong science background.

Organic Chemistry I and II with labs are required for admission and must be completed before enrollment. Coursework in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, and Quantitative Analysis is strongly recommended.

Please note: Some forensic laboratory employers require additional coursework beyond degree requirements. Students interested in forensic biology or forensic toxicology should consult employment standards when planning their coursework.

No. The master's and Ph.D. programs in Forensic Science are offered on campus through face-to-face instruction. The Forensic Science Minor is available online.

Yes. Qualified applicants may apply directly to the Ph.D. in Forensic Science program. We also encourage applicants interested in the Ph.D. program to apply to the Master of Science in Forensic Science (MSFS) program. Students admitted to either pathway can complete the Ph.D. within a similar timeframe, and eligible MSFS students may transfer coursework into the Ph.D. program after completing their second year of study.

Once your application has been marked complete by the Office of Graduate Admissions, we will be able to view it. If your application is not yet complete, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate@shsu.edu or 936-294-1971 for assistance.

You should take the General Test, and we only accept official GRE scores. Select Sam Houston State University and ETS will issue an official score report to SHSU. The Office of Graduate Admissions will apply your scores to any open application you have on file. There is no minimum GRE score. However, our historical average is 305 with a 4.0 analytical score.

After submitting your application through ApplyTexas or GradCAS and paying the application fee, you will receive an email within approximately three business days with instructions for accessing the Student Portal. Through the portal, you can upload required application materials, including unofficial transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

International applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by a NACES-accredited evaluation service or SDR Educational Consultants. Applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.

If English is your first language, a TOEFL score may not be required, and applicants from certain countries may qualify for a TOEFL waiver. For additional information, contact the Office of International Programs at grad.intl@shsu.edu or 936-294-4607.

Tuition costs vary based on the number of credit hours taken each semester. Students admitted to our graduate programs are offered a financial award designed to help offset tuition costs. Students who receive this award qualify for in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency status.

You can estimate your tuition and expenses using SHSU’s Cost Calculator.

Students must apply separately to be considered for scholarships at SHSU. The Scholarships4Kats general application is available to students who have been admitted to the university, and it must be renewed each year to be considered for scholarships in future academic years.

The application typically opens on September 1 for the following academic year, with a priority deadline of November 1. For example, scholarships for the 2027-2028 academic year would open on September 1, 2026, with a priority deadline of November 1, 2026.

If the priority deadline has passed, students are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

All applicants are automatically considered for a graduate assistantship within the Department of Forensic Science. No separate application is required.

Yes. Once admitted, you may schedule an advising appointment with our Graduate Program Director, Dr. J. Tyler Davidson, at jtdavidson@shsu.edu or 936-294-3203.

For more information you may contact our Graduate Program Coordinator, Kris Hernandez at kjh050@shsu.edu or 936.294.2517. 

While the Department of Forensic Science does not offer tours of our facilities for classes or groups, prospective students are encouraged to visit campus through SHSU Visitor Services. Guided and self-guided tours are available year-round and can be scheduled online or by calling 936-294-1844.