Admission

Prerequisities to Graduate Work

BGSU Forensic Science is committed to recruiting students who demonstrate both a passion for the study and future practice of forensic science, as well as the intellectual capability to navigate an exceptionally rigorous academic curriculum. Less than half of all program applicants are accepted. Graduate Student Measures provide essential metrics demonstrating program retention, graduation rates, and job placement that inform ongoing recruiting strategies.  Note that the MSFS program at BGSU no longer requires applicants to submit GRE scores.  Instead, applicants will be reviewed holistically using their GPA and undergraduate college transcript as well as other required application materials. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MSFS program must have a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, or other closely related field. To gain regular status admission, applicants must have :

• Completed (including completed references) online application by February 1st prior to Fall term.
  
• An official transcript from all colleges and universities attended.  Minimum of a 3.0/4.0 undergraduate GPA. Our program is competitive and fewer than 50% of applicants are offered admission to the program. Competitive applications average a GPA of around 3.5, strong letters of recommendation, and research experience as undergraduates or on the job training.
  
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications and ability to successfully complete graduate study.
• Additionally, satisfactory completion of undergraduate coursework, including: one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of general biology, one year of physics, calculus, statistics, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry factor heavily in admissions decisions.
• A written statement indicating research interest, expectations, future career goals, and any relevant background experience. The statement should indicate how BGSU can aid in obtaining future goals. Where appropriate, this statement should provide information on educational experiences, research background, specialized training, or other matters which make the candidate suitable for admission.
• Please provide a scientific writing sample. e.g. laboratory report, case study, research paper, published journal article, undergraduate honors thesis, etc.; Note, group work is not acceptable. Poster presentations are not acceptable. 
• Please provide an up-to-date resume.
  
• The MSFS program may require more information from applicants that could require an interview.
• Decisions will be issued in March and applicants who receive an admit decision letter will need to confirm back with the MSFS program regarding attending the MSFS program by April 15th before the Fall semester start. Failure to respond could result in rescinding of admission decision.
• International applicants are also required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Note, students who successfully completed their Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree at BGSU and left the University without pursuing the Accelerated Master’s degree pathway are eligible to apply to the full Master of Science in Forensic Science program. 

Applications are reviewed annually for Fall admittance.  The application deadline is February 1st.  Applications must be fully completed, including receipt of references, by February 1st. Incomplete applications that are submitted will not be reviewed. Completed applications are reviewed by the program’s admission committee. Additional information may be requested from applicants, including interviews. All applications are rank-ordered, decisions are made for the following Fall semester, and are issued in March.  There is no admission during the Spring or Summer semesters for external applicants.  Applicants who receive an affirmative admit decision letter will need to confirm their intent to attend by April 15th. Failure to respond could result in rescinding of the admission decision.  If students decline acceptance into the program or an offer is rescinded, the now open spot in the MSFS program may be offered to another student on or after April 15th.  Applicants who receive an admit decision on or after April 15th will need to confirm their intent to attend no later than August 15th. If demand exceeds enrollment capacity, strong applicants may be offered deferred acceptance to the next academic year.