Admissions

Students are accepted in the Fall semester only. All application materials must be received by January 15th for consideration the following academic year. A holistic review of each student's application file will be completed on a competitive basis. Late applications may be accepted; please contact the program office directly. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

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Program Eligibility

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in chemistry, biology, forensic or natural science.

Required Materials

  • Graduate Application & Application Fee (ApplyTexas)
  • Program Application (Self-Service)
  • Application Supplement
  • Personal Statement
  • Application Writing Prompt
  • Current Resume or Vita
  • Recommendation Letters (3) with Admissions Recommendation Checklists
  • Transcripts from all degree granting institutions and all colleges/universities attended (incl. community colleges)
  • Third Party Transcript Evaluation from WES (for international students)
  • Official GRE Scores, not more than 5 years old (strongly preferred but not required)
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores (for international students)
  • In some instances, a personal interview may be requested

  • Forensic Science FAQ

    We encourage those applicants interested in the PhD in Forensic Science to also apply for the Masters program. Students can complete the PhD in the same timeframe, whether they are accepted as either a 1st year MSFS student or a 1st year PhD student. Qualified MSFS students can transfer credits into the PhD program upon completion of their 2nd year of coursework.

    Ideal Characteristics of a Graduate Student

    Critical Thinking, Resilience, Independence, Initiative, Time Management, Collegial

    Downloadable Documents

    A number of undergraduate courses in chemistry and biology are helpful in pursuing a graduate degree in forensic science. For more information, read the model career path.

    Note: In order to be more competitive, it is strongly recommended that students successfully complete Molecular Biology BEFORE the start of the fall semester they intend to apply.

    As part of the criminal justice system, graduates of the Department of Forensic Science are held to the same professional ethics as law enforcement and correctional officials.

    Please note that all students are required to complete a 6-10-week, full-time internship at a crime laboratory. Most students must complete a criminal background check as part of the placement process.

    For additional information, please contact:

    General Information about Graduate Applications
    Office of Admissions
    936-294-1971
    graduate@shsu.edu

    Forensic Science Admissions
    Kristin L. Ware, Department of Forensic Science
    936-294-2517
    kware@shsu.edu

    Curriculum and Laboratory Questions
    Kelsie Bryand, Department of Forensic Science
    936-294-4370
    kelsie@shsu.edu

    International Students
    Justin Ball, Office of International Programs
    936-294-4607
    jrb021@shsu.edu

    Graduate Funding and Financial Aid
    Lacey Price, Financial Aid & Scholarships
    936-294-1774
    lmp017@shsu.edu