MSFS Welcome Letter

Below is an example welcome letter sent to incoming MSFS students.

Hello! Congratulations on your acceptance to the Forensic Science MS Program at BGSU.

My name is Travis Worst, and I am the current Graduate Coordinator for the MSFS program. I’m very excited to meet you all in person this fall when you arrive, but, until that time, let me answer a few common questions I am asked to get you started on your journey @ BGSU.

The first step would be to go into your MyBGSU and sign your financial responsibility form. Enrollment cannot take place until that is done.

1. What classes should I enroll in?

a) If you don’t plan on attending BGSU, please let us know ASAP.
b) Enrollment for graduate students (with some exceptions) is now done by Christina Guinsler in our office. If you have questions please email.
c) A typical semester contains 9 credit hours. As you must complete 18 or more credit hours at the 6000 level or above for your degree.

For Fall semester I would suggest enrolling as follows:

• Principles of Crime Scene Investigation: FSCI 5100
• Forensic Biology: FSCI 5230
• Pharmacology/Toxicology of Drug Addiction: FSCI 5300
• Forensic Science Seminar: FSCI 6800

Please respond to this email to confirm your classes.
All are excellent courses! If you are more interested in the Chemistry or Biology side of forensics, eventually you will have the choice of completing either a chemistry or biology laboratory that will give you mock court/testimony experience as well.

d) A suggested schedule for new graduate students after fall semester:

Spring #1: FSCI 6200 or FSCI 6300, EDFI 6410, and FSCI 6790
Summer: FSCI 6100 and FSCI 6990
Fall #2: FSCI 5400, FSCI 6510 or 6520, FSCI 6990, and BIOL 5010/CHEM 5450 or another elective (if applicable)
Spring #2: FSCI 6200 or FSCI 6300, FSCI 6700, and FSCI 6990

Prior to registering for courses, you will schedule a meeting with Dr. Oechsle to draft your graduation plan based upon your research interests.

e) Always remember that while I will continue to guide you throughout your studies, I expect that you are aware of your degree requirements and make the best effort to fulfill those requirements. Through MyBGSU, you will always have access to the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) where you can continually monitor your progress toward your degree.

2. I didn’t receive an Assistantship or Scholarship. Can I find other work on campus?

a. Yes, you can! While at this time forensic science does not have a pool of funds to distribute to students from the University for Graduate Assistantships, we actively write grants in hopes to fund student(s) but it is no guarantee. Students can seek out other opportunities graduate assistantship website and the Student Employment Portal. Please note that students are limited to working 20 hours per week on campus.

3. How many credit hours can I take?

a. If you are interested, you are always welcome to take up to 12 credit hours per semester, but note that, if you have received a scholarship, that scholarship will only cover 9 credit hours.
b. The total number of credits required to complete this degree is 37. We expect you to be part of this program for 5 semesters. Additionally, to stay on track with your research, it may be necessary that you conduct some of your research and/or coursework over the summer. Microscopy, Materials Analysis, & Pattern Evidence (FSCI 6100) will only be offered during summer.

4. Do I get to do research and write a thesis?

a. At Bowling Green State University (BGSU), all master’s degree programs must include a culminating experience that provides students an opportunity to synthesize knowledge and experiences gained throughout the master’s program. The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) further requires that each master’s student must complete an independent research or capstone project. The research/capstone project shall culminate in a thesis or written report of publishable quality. The research shall provide the opportunity for faculty and students to contribute to the knowledge base of forensic science and improving the practice of forensic science. A research thesis, or Plan I Experience, requires the formation of a formal committee (your advisor + 2 or more members) that will guide you along in your research. In order to prepare you for this project, you will register for FSCI 6790, a proposal writing course, at least the semester before you are slated to begin research. During this course, you will form your committee, prepare a formal research proposal, and defend that proposal to your committee members. Then, assuming you successfully complete FSCI 6790, you may begin registering for FSCI 6990. By the end of your studies, you will have completed a research project, written a formal thesis, and defended (presented) that thesis publicly. The final version will then be uploaded to OhioLink ETD and be made available to the public. Again, once you begin registering for FSCI 6990, you must register for this course every semester until you graduate, with a maximum of 6 credits counting toward your degree.

5. What will my thesis project be?

a. Through the MSFS application and interview process, we discussed your research interests, and you were accepted into either Dr. Oechsle, Dr. Spaulding, or Dr. Worst’s laboratory, where you will conduct your thesis research. [You have been accepted into Dr. XX lab.] You will not be able to switch between laboratories and research advisors. However, your project is not assigned, but rather “discovered” by you and your advisor as you move through the program. Much of this discovery process and the formation of your thesis committee will take place throughout your first semester(s) in the MSFS program, as you complete specific courses that are designed to prepare you for thesis research, namely Proposal Writing (FSCI 6790) and Seminar (FSCI 6800). As part of these courses, you will begin regular meetings with your advisor where you can begin chatting with them about what projects they have available and what research they are involved in. This is a great way to find some common interests and potentially begin work on some great research.

Important information regarding the MSFS Handbook
Please see our Student Handbooks for additional policies, procedures, and vital information: MSFS Handbook. Note, the handbook is updated every summer, so this will be replaced with a new version soon.

So, in closing, read my answers to questions above, and let me know if you have any further questions. Additionally, please continue to check your e-mail and respond to those from the Forensic Science Office as soon as possible so that you can be registered for classes and complete other important steps.

Thank you,

Travis J. Worst, PhD
Director & Associate Teaching Professor
Center for the Future of Forensic Science
116 Life Sciences Building
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH 43403