Mission / Vision

Mission

Our mission is to foster the principles and enhance the practice of forensic science through exceptional education, pioneering research, professional development, and dedicated service. We aim to prepare students for successful careers in forensic science, advancing the field through innovation, research, and service to the forensic science community.

Vision

To be a global leader in forensic science education, research, and training, recognized for our collaborative and multidisciplinary approach. By fostering innovation and partnering with industry to drive improvement and ethical practice, we will equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are fundamental for scientific problem-solving and necessary to significantly contribute to the forensic science community and the criminal justice system.

  • MS Program Mission

    The mission of the Master of Science in Forensic Science program is to empower students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to prepare them for successful careers in forensic science. This mission is accomplished through academic coursework, hands-on laboratory experience, research, and the completion of an internship in a forensic science laboratory.

  • PhD Program Mission

    The mission of the PhD in Forensic Science program is to develop visionary professionals in forensic science who are equipped with exceptional critical thinking abilities, advanced problem-solving skills, and in-depth discipline-specific knowledge who can independently translate principles into practice. Through rigorous academic coursework, research excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we prepare our graduates to excel in leadership positions where they can significantly contribute to the advancement of forensic science, its application, and communication in the justice system.

Overview

The Master of Science in Forensic Science degree program is a unique and interdisciplinary program, which was the first of its kind in Texas, founded in 2001. In 2009, the MSFS program received full accreditation from the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).

The MSFS is a two-year, full-time, non-thesis graduate program. Students must complete 44 graduate semester hours of coursework covering a range of forensic science topics.

The PhD is a four to five-year, full-time, dissertation required graduate program. Students complete 43 credit hours of core coursework, a minimum of 15 hours of dissertation and an additional 28 credit hours of electives for a total of 86 credit hours.

Students in the MSFS program at Sam Houston State University are eligible to apply to transfer their credits into the PhD program upon completion of their 2nd year of coursework.

Topics include core courses complemented by advanced electives, research an internship, and intensive laboratory instruction:

  • Controlled Substance Analysis
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Firearms and Toolmarks
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Forensic Biology
  • Forensic Instrumental Analysis
  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Law in Forensic Science
  • Pattern and Physical Evidence
  • Quality Assurance and Ethics
  • Questioned Documents
  • Trace Evidence and Microscopic Analysis