Master of Science in
Biomedical Forensic Sciences
Program Overview
1
The MS in Biomedical Forensic Sciences trains individuals for a variety of disciplines applied to crime scene
investigation and evidence analysis. The only program of its kind based at a major medical center, students
benefit from unique opportunities to engage with forensic science practitioners, examine cadavers, utilize
extensive laboratory and library resources and access a 32-acre outdoor forensic science research facility that
includes a dedicated crime scene house and non-human decomposition field.
In addition, the University’s medical campus, home to Boston’s largest research park, is very close to the Office
of the Chief Medical Examiner for Massachusetts, as well as the Boston Police Department’s Crime Laboratory.
Program Highlights
Only program of its kind based at a medical school, and one of the few forensic science graduate programs
offered in New England
Emphasis on biomedical specialties including toxicology, body fluid identification, DNA analysis and
medicolegal death investigation
Access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment used in forensic DNA analysis, drug chemistry, trace
analysis and microscopy
Coursework in criminal law, including a mock court class designed to prepare students to give expert
witness testimony
Accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
The full-time, 38-credit program begins in September; however, students can take classes in the spring as
non-degree students while applying for fall admission. Please contact the Program Administrator to inquire
about part-time attendance.
All classes are taught by faculty who are also accomplished forensic science professionals and frequently
sought after by trial lawyers and media organizations.
The Biomedical Forensic Sciences program presented and provided all of the necessary
courses, topics and tools to enter the forensics field. The faculty members were great
mentors - both during my time in the program and beyond; their support, guidance and
connections to the forensic science community are large part of what makes the student
experience in the BMFS program so positive.
- Rebecca Millard, Class of 2020
Graduate Medical Sciences
Master of Science in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
2
Field experiences build skills in crime-scene sketching, bloodstain pattern analysis, photography, and the
documentation, collection and packaging of physical evidence.
All students complete a program of independent research that is incorporated into a thesis of publishable
quality.
While not required, students are encouraged to participate in internships at crime laboratories, law
enforcement agencies or research laboratories.
Graduates pursue careers as forensic scientists, DNA analysts, chemists, toxicologists, death investigators
and crime scene responders at the local, state and federal level, or choose to continue their education in
MD, PhD or other advanced degree programs.
The degree is awarded by Graduate Medical Sciences at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School
of Medicine.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes 10 core courses, two forensic laboratory courses and four elective courses, which
enable students to deepen knowledge in various areas of interest or pursue a concentration in either Forensic
Biology/DNA Analysis, Forensic Chemistry/Toxicology or Forensic Medicine/Death Investigation. Students
also have the option to complete up to six elective credits outside of the approved Biomedical Forensic
Sciences program with their advisor’s approval.
Course Title
Credits
Criminal Law and Ethics
2 credits
Crime Scene Investigation
3 credits
Forensic Biology
3 credits
Forensic Chemistry
3 credits
Trace Evidence Analysis
3 credits
Forensic Toxicology
3 credits
Molecular Biology of Forensic DNA Analysis
3 credits
Criminal Law II -- Mock Court
2 credits
Clinical Path
Graduate Medical Sciences
Master of Science in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
3
Directed Research and Professionalism in Biomedical
Forensic Sciences
2 credits
Research in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
2 credits
Course Title
Credits
Forensic Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
2 credits
Forensic Biology Laboratory
2 credits
Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory
2 credits
Forensic Toxicology Laboratory
2 credits
Forensic Laboratory Courses (students must complete 4 credits)
Course Title
Credits
Pattern Evidence Analysis
2 credits
Forensic Pathology and Medicolegal Death Investigation
2 credits
Advanced Topics in DNA Analysis
2 credits
Case Practicum in Forensic Biology-DNA
2 credits
Analysis of Controlled Substances
2 credits
Advanced Topics in Forensic Chemistry
2 credits
Elective Courses (students must complete 8 credits)
Graduate Medical Sciences
Master of Science in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
4
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
2 credits
Advanced Topics in Crime Scene Investigation
2 credits
Analysis of Ignitable Liquids and Explosives
2 credits
Publication and Communication of Research in BMFS
2 credits
Internship in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
2 credits
Admissions Criteria
To be considered for enrollment in September, completed applications must be received no later than July 31.
Priority for admission and available lab assistantships or scholarships will be given to those who submit their
completed applications by March 1, with applications received after this date considered as they are received
For additional admissions information, please visit https://www.bumc.bu.edu/gms/bmfs/admissions/.
Eligibility Requirements
Have a baccalaureate degree in natural or engineering science from an accredited university (refer to
website to see pre-requisites required with other majors)
Optional: Submit GRE (general test only) or MCAT scores
Submit three letters of recommendation from faculty members in the natural sciences who can speak
about the applicant’s scientific experience and capabilities, or from research/laboratory
supervisors/investigators
Submit a written personal statement
Applicants are also encouraged to submit their CV highlighting research, laboratory and academic
accomplishments/skills
International students, who are welcomed to apply to the program, must submit TOEFL scores, World
Education Services (WES) transcript evaluation report and financial support documentation. To be admitted,
internet-based TOEFL scores must be, at minimum, 21 for Reading, 18 for Listening, 23 for Speaking and 22 for
Writing.
Tuition, Financial Aid and Student Resources
Estimated tuition costs for the Biomedical Forensic Sciences program can be found here:
www.bumc.bu.edu/gms/bmfs/admissions/financial-aid/. For the most up-to-date information on GMS
tuition and fees, please visit www.bumc.bu.edu/osfs/cost-of-attendance-bot/graduate-medical-sciences/
Provost scholarships are available to students who can demonstrate outstanding achievement in previous
academic endeavors -- applicants need not apply separately to receive these grants.
Graduate Medical Sciences
Master of Science in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
5
Graduate assistantships and opportunities to teach or to work as a laboratory assistant are available
exclusively to students in the program. A number of external scholarships and awards are also available, as are
other employment opportunities at Boston University and the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.
The Financial Aid office at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is available to assist
students in identifying sources of financial support. For more details, please visit www.bumc.bu.edu/osfs/.
The BU Office of Housing Resources provides information regarding housing, transportation, and Boston
neighborhoods. For more details, visit www.bumc.bu.edu/ohr.
To apply to the program, please visit www.bumc.bu.edu/gms/admissions/.
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Patricia Jones
Program Administrator
617-358-9792 or 617-358-0176
Biomedical Forensic Sciences Program
Graduate Medical Sciences
72 East Concord St., R-806
Boston, MA 02118
https://www.bumc.bu.edu/gms/bmfs
Academic Year 2023-2024
